10 Radio Control Mistakes to Avoid

10 Radio Control Mistakes to Avoid
This video will go over 10 common radio control mistakes and how you can avoid making them. These items are common to all RC airplane pilots. By understanding how easy these mistakes are to both make and avoid, RC newbies can prevent a crash and save some money!
The areas discussed are:
1. Proper Center of Gravity location.
2. Choose the right airplane for your skill level. Trainers first, jets next.
3. Keep your aircraft as light as possible.
4. Use the correct propellor and install correctly.
5. Use a contrasting color scheme to keep track of the model in flight.
6. Ensure your lipo batteries are fully charged before heading out to the field.
7. Always check your control surfaces for free movement in the right direction prior to takeoff.
8. Do a transmitter range check.
9. Ensure no warps in the wing or tail surfaces.
10. Ensure you have the correct airspeed, and do not confuse airspeed with groundspeed.
Here is a link to my KZbin Channel:
/ timmckay56
Many thanks in advance for a post of this video on Facebook, it truly helps the channel a lot!
Regards,
Tim
Also, here is the video on how to build the foam board F-22 pictured (very easy to do):
• F-22 Foam Board RC Air...
And an easy way to enlarge the F-22 plans:
• Easy Way to Enlarge Mo...
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
01:24 - Proper Center of Gravity
04:55 - Skill level
06:10 - Keep it light
07:40 - Correct prop
09:35 - Color scheme
10:30 - Charge batteries
12:16 - Control check
13:10 Range check

[@Alaingizzmo]

Been an a Private plane and RC Plane trainer, this is by fare the best video, not to say document about, what not to do.

[@TimMcKay56]

Alain: Thanks for viewing! Tim

[@aurelioarenas6293]

Well said. The checklist is a brilliant idea. Leo

[@TimMcKay56]

Leo: Glad you liked the checklist item! See you at the field, Tim

[@skypix777]

Thank you Tim, very helpful.

[@TimMcKay56]

No worries! Tim

[@christopherlarson9212]

Great video, once again, Tim! Thanks for your insight.

[@TimMcKay56]

Chris: Glad you enjoyed it! Tim

[@thelongestday64]

Very interesting and helpful! I love the check-list suggestion! Thanks from Switzerland!

[@TimMcKay56]

RCBS: Glad it was helpful, good luck flying in Switzerland! Tim

[@Hangar11RC]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Great video.

[@TimMcKay56]

Hangar: Glad it was helpful! Tim

[@mustbekiryl]

great video, thank you!

[@TimMcKay56]

Kiryl: Glad it helped! Tim

[@davidsoom1551]

Very helpful, thank you very much.

[@TimMcKay56]

David: You're welcome! Tim

[@graywoulf]

Thank you very much for the information you provided. I learned something today. 👍😊

[@TimMcKay56]

Great! Tim

[@crystalclearwindowcleaning3458]

Thanks for sharing your years of experience.

[@TimMcKay56]

CCWC: No worries! Tim

[@armigersmith1925]

I also has a Cox PT-19 as my first U-Control, thanks for evoking the fond memories!

[@TimMcKay56]

Arminger: Anytime! Tim

[@russguffee6661]

I had the PT-19 back in the early eighties. Thanks for the memories.......

[@TimMcKay56]

Russ: No worries! Tim

[@dannyb2349080]

Another great video...lots of info and now I finally understand "range test" on the Spectrum... ! It would good to have a manual come with these radio transmitters that explain all of their functions but as long as we got you we are in good shape

[@TimMcKay56]

Danny: I have the DX6 transmitter manual, very complete. Here is a PDF version from Horizon Hobby, lots of good info. Tim www.horizonhobby.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-horizon-us-Site/Sites-horizon-master/default/Manuals/SPM6700-Manual_EN.pdf

[@anthonyf.9170]

Excellent tutorials, thank you.

[@TimMcKay56]

Any time! Tim

[@ryanyoung54]

Really appreciate you taking the time to produce such an informative video! Thanks Tim!

[@TimMcKay56]

Ryan: No worries, thanks for checking in! Tim

[@JamesRCPlaneTech]

Very nice videos and information.

[@TimMcKay56]

RC: Glad you liked it! Tim

[@RcAircraft]

Nice video Tim clear and concise 👍🏻

[@TimMcKay56]

Stephen: Glad you enjoyed it! Tim

[@georgehiotis]

My first model too was the Cox-19 - love your video.

[@TimMcKay56]

George: Glad it worked out! Tim

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

Excellent advice! I never got the hang of it until I got the Eflite Apprentice which allowed me to get enough wiggle room to correct mistakes in the air. I find RC is much more difficult than actual flight (PPL) due to orientation. The check list for every model is something I’m going back to as I’ve lost a couple due to omitting simple settings after being away for a while. My little Durafly Storch is quite capable of hovering in reasonable headwinds. It does landing like that Blackburn but can be hard on the gear if I don’t add a bit of power.

[@TimMcKay56]

Dave: Thanks for checking in! Also, the computer RC flight simulators help a lot, such as RealFlight. Tim

[@glenmartin2437]

Thank you.

[@TimMcKay56]

You're welcome! Tim

[@1983dmd]

Very interesting !

[@TimMcKay56]

Glad you think so! Tim

[@45035]

Outstanding shipmate. Press on. USS Kitty Hawk CV-63 Jan 1980 to July 1983.

[@TimMcKay56]

👍 Tim

[@byronnelson1556]

Nice video. I’m a long time rc guy too. I likes the check list. I’ve been a big proponent of these for many years my big Corsair flight log was over 2” thick with just flight log lists. I had others fo hanger checks. Car load checks. Repair check lists. It was a fun plane to fly before big warbirds were popular.

[@TimMcKay56]

Byron: Thanks for sharing! Tim

[@planker]

Good stuff

[@TimMcKay56]

Planker: Glad you enjoyed it! Tim

[@vincentgraffeo9030]

As a beginner, I appreciate these pointers.

[@TimMcKay56]

Vincent: No worries, thanks for checking in! Tim

[@4466446644664]

hi Tim great video .I've just recently got back into rc flying after 30 year break , its amazing how fast it all comes back ,the one thing i will take from you is the check list I'm sick of getting to flying site to find I've brought the wrong transmitter missed the wing bolts or rubber bands thanks michael

[@TimMcKay56]

Michael: All good and thanks for checking in! Enjoy your flights. 😊👍🏻 Tim

[@joekrantz9283]

Great video. I really like the checklist. Glad I found your channel and a very good presentation. New subscriber and looking forward to learning more.

[@TimMcKay56]

Joe: Thanks and welcome! Tim

[@Iseestupidpeopleeveryday]

Hey there Tim, I got some black burn plans years and years ago, blew it up to quarter scale. Was really a lot of fun to fly that slow bird. I enjoy your videos

[@TimMcKay56]

Doug: Many thanks for checking in! Tim

[@willcorsair6099]

Good tips for newer pilots. Checklists are critical for building, preflight setups, and the field "take-with" list. My take-with list is always with my Tx and/or battery box. On that list is the all-important category of hardware that may be required for final assembly at the field. My Carbon-Z Cub has eight hardware items per wing half, so that kind of thing has to be on my list (and the container of hardware always lives in the tool box). Another must-have item for me is one or more magnets. I have a heavy duty one on a 36" pole for finding that lost cotter pin or screwdriver bit, and a small magnetic tray that holds hardware as I assemble the model.

[@TimMcKay56]

Will: Great inputs, like your magnet idea a lot! Tim

[@bradbrown2168]

Very informative. Graci. Do you sell your foam plane plans?

[@TimMcKay56]

Most plans are available in the description for free download. Tim

[@garymartin4276]

Started U-Control with the Cox PT-19 in 1966 when I was 11.......I still fly U-Control at 68 years old....

[@TimMcKay56]

Great! Tim

[@jhuff8596]

WOW! 48k views Congrats Tim! Cheers!

[@TimMcKay56]

JH: Appreciate the feedback. And those 48,000 views were in less than 3 weeks. Wish I could figure out what I did right!! Tim

[@stevendegiorgio3143]

This is a great video.I have been in the R/C hobby for 45 years had to build real kits.One big problem with ready to fly models is the manufacturing process.I found in a model I just purchased is the rudder and elevator servos loose in there mount.I actually reworked the entire aircraft nose to tail.Todays R/Car might not know to so this.Never to trust that your plane was built correctly.I still study and inspect these ready to fly foam models.Us older R/Cers are much more safety and quality oriented then new current generation modelers.

[@TimMcKay56]

Steve: Good points, always a good idea to preflight all models, to include ARFs. Tim

[@erad05]

Thanks for your Video. Some things I learned the hard way. And so I made it a habit, to check each battery with the battery checker before I put it into the plane to fly even if I think I charged it before. I had a crash because I thought the battery was fully charged, but it was empty.....

[@TimMcKay56]

Peter: We live and learn, keep at it! Tim

[@billk8579]

Excellent video. Well explained. New subscriber.

[@TimMcKay56]

Bill: Awesome, thank you! Tim

[@williamhoenstine5057]

Excellent presentation Tim, thanks for the hints. I too am a retired professional pilot who has been flying RC models for 60+ years. I like to build balsa models so I'm pretty experienced when it comes to most of what you described. The only thing I wish you would have emphasized more under your "airspeed" heading is the importance of ALWAYS taking off and landing into the wind! On days when the wind isn't cooperating and puts the pilot into a direct crosswind situation, in my view, it's best to sit that one out and wait for better conditions. Taking off in this situation isn't as big a problem as landing which commonly results in substantial damage to the model. Thanks for your time and experience.

[@TimMcKay56]

William: Fully agree on your thoughts with always flying and landing into the wind. I think this would be a good video subject as well. Tim

[@williamhoenstine5057]

@@daviddou1408 There's a HUGE difference between flying full-scale airplanes and rc models! I was referring to inexperienced pilots when I mentioned sitting out a brisk wind day where the wind isn't at least within 30 degrees of the takeoff/landing site. Just saying!

[@williamhoenstine5057]

@@daviddou1408 You're the one that brought up "full size" aircraft! Not me! I think all you want to do is be argumentative! I stand by my original comments to Tim and as you can see he fully agreed with me.

[@JS-jr1wu]

Hi Tim, Thank you for all your videos. Very helpful to a newbie such as myself trying to reacquaint myself with a hobby I haven’t done since I was a kid. I was wondering if you could do a video on the most effective charging solution (s) you have found over the years in your experience. I’m trying to select a charger (ac vs dc vs both) and am having a hard time figuring out a good solution. Is it more economical to buy fewer batteries and recharge them at the field ( hence dc and portable charger) or is it better just to go to the field with a big supply of batteries. Since I’m just starting out, the trainers will be running on 3s 2200mah batteries. I do not have access to power at the club I would be joining.

[@TimMcKay56]

JS: Great video idea, thanks. For now, if you have the $$, I think the best way ahead with batteries is the Spektrum smart battery and smart charger. Spektrum really seems to have figured this out, with wonderful technical support videos on KZbin. Tim

[@richaubele4517]

Not only the printed pre-flight check list, but the "before you leave home " list as well, BRILLIANT !

[@TimMcKay56]

Rich: Glad this was helpful! Tim

[@lewisparker4488]

Thanks, very good seems people are the same everywhere in the country.

[@TimMcKay56]

Lewis: Thanks for checking in! Tim

[@jugheadjones5458]

I had the PT-19 trainer back in the early 70s. It was a blast!

[@TimMcKay56]

JJ: Yes, many happy memories with that bird. Tim

[@CrusaderSports250]

Still have the Stuka and the Spitfire, both still in their boxes, never had anywhere to fly them so they both have survived, bit sad that , I think the plastic will probably have degraded so best left on the ground now, still look good though and a little bit of model aviation history☺.

[@iceeman32y]

Yes the Stuka was a very cool model. Mine made a very impressive 1/2 loop before it became a shattered pile of my allowance!

[@TimMcKay56]

@@CrusaderSports250 Sadly, am afraid those happy days are gone forever! Tim

[@TimMcKay56]

@@CrusaderSports250 Got that right! Tim

[@ronr9430]

Great explanation on the cg for today's models but i have a question on something that i have seen recently with newer ARFs regarding cg my recently acquired tower hobbies Edge 540 shows the cg at 2-3" from the leading edge I've never seen that before all of the models that i have ever worked with give me a specific measurement from the leading edge, what is your opinion on this in balancing a model that gifes you a range rather than a specific measurement in locating the cg of a model

[@TimMcKay56]

Ron: Your Edge 540 is a aerobatic 3D airplane. It is common with larger models like this (as well as full scale aircraft) to have the Center of Gravity be in a range. In your case, the CG back 2" from wing leading edge would make the model a bit nose heavy. CG at 3" back a bit more tail heavy, but still acceptable. A forward CG (2") makes the controls a bit more sluggish, maybe a tad higher stall speed. CG 3" back would make for a less stable, more maneuverable model. So, a CG range perfectly normal. Tim

[@dannyphillips995]

Thanks Tim , very instructive and enjoyable as a novice to RC flying always like gaining tips from veterans like yourself . I must admit that so far I’ve found flying models a lot more trickier than full size light aircraft . I’d be interested in your thoughts on this?

[@TimMcKay56]

Danny: I agree, some RC models can be tricky to fly. Always nice to fly a well-trimmed full size airplane! Tim

[@ukmitch86]

Where's the other two Tim?! Thanks, enjoyed it. Lots of basic questions added

[@TimMcKay56]

Glad you enjoyed it! Tim

[@davidquerry8869]

Great video, Tim. I'm sure you could easily come up with another 10. Hint, hint. Or how about 10 common construction mistakes?

[@TimMcKay56]

David: Great idea on the 10 construction mistakes, thanks! Tim

[@garrykennedy5484]

@@TimMcKay56 Like me not putting super glue in the holes of the Bass wood where my servos screwed in. LOL Lost both aileron control surfaces. Not sure if it was at the same time, cause you can fly with one aileron, but she spiraled in on my Corsair! LOL Oooops.

[@stevemoskal1017]

It's good to go through your video, Tim. I can't tell you how crazy it makes me to see our club Safety Officer fly without doing a range check. It is so easy with today's transmitters.

[@TimMcKay56]

Steve: Well said. If I recall, did not you build my Blackburn Type D plan many moons ago? Tim

[@stevemoskal1017]

@@TimMcKay56 Yes. I did enlarge your Blackburn plan for direct drive Speed 400. It went on to win the SAM Concours D'Elegance at the 2013 SAM Champs in Boulder, NV. I still take her out and fly for fun when we get the best weather conditions here in Albuquerque.

[@TimMcKay56]

@@stevemoskal1017 Very good, thanks for the update! Tim

[@royalanania3306]

Th raptor model is nice 🙂 what was used in it's construction? Balsa ,or foam ? Please advice.

[@TimMcKay56]

RA: 3/16" foam board, see link below. Tim kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5Kck4dofplgd7s

[@TimothyLSmith810]

Thanks novice old friend great information Amen GoD Bless have fun Amen

[@TimMcKay56]

👍🏻 Tim

[@TimothyLSmith810]

@@TimMcKay56 thank God bless you and your family Amen Amen

[@willcorsair6099]

For newer builders, you might do a short video on must-have building items that are either discontinued or hard to find. Great Planes items are increasingly hard to find because the company is no more, and Master Aircrew building items like a razor plane and balsa stripper are also hard to find. Seems that retailers want you to buy ARFs/BNF/PNP, but not build.

[@TimMcKay56]

Will: Great video idea, thanks! Tim

[@dracarnoir7606]

Great tips , I learnt the hard way unfortunately. But you will save lot of people grief.

[@TimMcKay56]

Dracar: Many thanks for checking in! Tim

[@stevendegiorgio3143]

It's a great idea to use a LI PO. In your transmitter.I got one in my DX8.

[@TimMcKay56]

Steve: I will look into this! Tim

[@toolbaggers]

@@TimMcKay56 No No. Don't use a LiPo if you don't have to. For low current drain situations you want to use something safer and more reliable such as LiFePO or Li-ion batteries.

[@TimMcKay56]

@@toolbaggers I minimize lipos in my house for safety reasons. I just get a pack of Duracell AA batteries from Costco, change out as required for the transmitter, get peace of mind. Tim

[@stevemull2002]

Not that ive done it, honestly! but turning up at the field with out wing bolts, or a transmitter, or left the transmitter on from last time it was used, has certainly happened at my club !

[@TimMcKay56]

Steve: All good! Tim

[@golgothapro]

Funny. I graduated HS in 76" and I certainly remember both the Stuka and the unsexy trainer years before then as well. I couldn't afford the one and was too turned off by the other so I got neither. I got an Eldon self-steering siling yackt for the back yard lake instead.

[@TimMcKay56]

All good! Tim

[@donallen1255]

Great job. My power glider on 2nd flight went in I have a brake on the throttle I could do nothing to stop it It hit a full power and I could not stop it until the motor burned up what do you think happen This was 2.4 good battery fail safe was set to brake motor

[@TimMcKay56]

Don: Hard to say, maybe an unlucky software glitch. Tim

[@charlesjreyes726]

Good evening, I have a NX 8 spectrum radio and wondered if I can set up reverse thrust for my e-flite 80mm f-16?

[@TimMcKay56]

Charles: You should be able to with 8 channels and at least a six channel receiver. Do view my video on how to set up reverse thrust. Tim

[@charlesjreyes726]

Thank you.

[@sammoore9120]

We used to use pusher props on cox 1/2A back in the day. We would mount a pusher prop but run the engine backwards. That made engine torque hold the plane out against the lines instead of having it try to turn in.

[@TimMcKay56]

Sam: Ah yes, the ease of running reed valve gas motors in either direction. Tim

[@sammoore9120]

@@TimMcKay56 made a huge difference in the line tension.

[@sonnyburnett8725]

Hey Tim, are you flying for an Asian airline? Asiana etc. nice video, thanks for sharing. I like the checklist idea, I’m always hoping I brought everything.

[@TimMcKay56]

Sonny: I flew the B-777F for DHL package delivery. Stopped by in Hong Kong a couple of times each month. 😁 Tim

[@stephenhudson6543]

It had a size 40 Weber motor and with flaps and that but I flew it on the first try successfully no crash no control problems and excellent flyer

[@TimMcKay56]

Stephon: Very good! Tim

[@pufango4059]

And you’re a complete liar

[@irrigationtim]

In the old days , each radio had it's own frequency. In a group setting you had to see who else was using your Frequency. Color coded flags on the antenna were used , green and white , red and white. 2 people cant be on the same frequency at the same time , or you would get interference and crash.

[@TimMcKay56]

Totally correct, and we referred to the different frequencies as channels. Transmitter impound board, frequency pins, etc. Those days happily long gone with 2.4 GHz radio technology. Tim

[@ralphfrasier2079]

Balancing your propeller is very important also. This is over looked on many of the BNF planes.

[@TimMcKay56]

Ralph: Good point. Super important with gas motors, less so with electric. If these lighter props are out of balance, you should be able to detect it quickly with the smooth running electrics. Tim

[@toolbaggers]

@@TimMcKay56 electrics are built lighter so an unbalanced prop on an electric plane is easier to destroy it. You might not even notice a bad prop on a gas or glow plane because they already vibrate really badly in even when in perfect tune.

[@BansheeFifteen]

I really liked the suggestion of putting the absolute minimum voltage on the transmitter. I wish Tx manufacturers would do this. I find this piece of info is one of the hardest to find in the manual. But isn't it remarkable the transmitter is good down to that minimum. I wouldn't be one to test this though.

[@TimMcKay56]

Banshee: Thanks for your feedback. Remember this is for alkaline batteries, and DX6 only. Other transmitters may vary. Tim

[@BansheeFifteen]

@@TimMcKay56 yep, I'll check mine before putting a sticker on my DX8 Gen2. Thank you.

[@joeys5429]

what about lateral balance tim all you need is fishing line through prop hub and rear gear inverted ad weight to wing tips start with a coin or blue tac

[@TimMcKay56]

Lateral balance checked OK. Very little mass with the foam board wings, worked out good. Tim

[@bestamerica]

' my favor old time in 1970's... fuel cox airplane with rubber band on the body and control by hand wired... very good cox airplane

[@TimMcKay56]

Fully agree! Tim

[@tomswift6198]

Hahaha, I had the Cox PT-19. I was looking for the Stuka but the local place was sold out. I think the PT-19 was about $12. Seemed like a lot at the time. I bought the Stuka years later - still have it. I had a gorgeous P-26 but never got it to start so I brought it back - I have no idea who made that one, it wasn't Cox.

[@TimMcKay56]

Tom: Thanks for the info! Tim

[@sullytrny]

The stuka was my first crash too... 1968ish

[@TimMcKay56]

Been there, done that. 😊 Tim

[@georgejunior895]

Tim would wing loading affect a plane stall speed only or could it cause the plane to slowly sink to the ground in a few seconds without actually nosing up and stalling? If it is doing that can it be remedied with more power or just more wing area?

[@TimMcKay56]

George: Wing loading affects the plane's stall speed. Higher wing loading, higher stall speed. An overweight plane can fly, but if overweight all performance figures are off. Will need a higher takeoff and landing speed, more engine power for level flight, etc. Two ways to fix a higher than desired wing loading is to lighten the model, if possible, or make a bigger wing (add wing area) to in effect lower the wing loading. Tim

[@georgejunior895]

@@TimMcKay56 Tim, I had an airplane which was a little bit heavier than the motor was made for and it gradually sent to the ground without nosing up installing do you think if I put on a brushless motor with more power it might solve the problem is it worth investing the money cuz all together to get the batteries and everything to go with it would cost over $100?

[@TimMcKay56]

@@georgejunior895 Yes, a more powerful motor will allow the airplane to fly. Just faster takeoff and landing speeds, with a higher stall speed. Good luck! Tim

[@georgejunior895]

@@TimMcKay56 Tim, I have another question for you. The wing on the model I'm working on is from a guillows Javelin. In the plans for the javelin it said that the center of gravity should be at the trailing edge of the wing which I know is unusual but now that it is not a different fuselage should that be different? Also the tail section is made from 16th inch balsa instead of the formers that make up the actual tail fins the way it's designed in the model and I know that would normally cause lift so without that lift would it still be at the trailing edge of the wing the center of gravity I mean or should have be 20% back from the leading edge like usual?

[@TimMcKay56]

@@georgejunior895 Yes, I noticed the unusual CG location as well. After a bit of research, I am pretty sure it is due to the lifting stab/tail airfoil section. If you have a flat horizontal tail surface, a GC of 20 - 25% back from wing leading edge should work. Tim

[@nocturnalmayhem0]

i flew my plane with reversed ailerons a few days ago by mistake, i had to force myself to remember right to go left and left for right but i managed to get it down unhurt. its not impossible its just very nerve racking and hard and makes ya want it just give up and let it crash, just add throttle and take it 4 or 5 mistakes high then quickly have someone go into ya settings and reverse the servo while you try to control it if youre alone, gain height and force yourself to remember L4R and R4L and it should come down ok

[@TimMcKay56]

Noc: Great job on the save, and another reason to check the controls for correct throws before takeoff. Plan B if this ever happens again in the air is to just try and fly it with rudder for turns and not use the ailerons. Most planes with rudder control can turn enough to bring it back to the field. Tim

[@Heyemeyohsts]

This video is totally cool because it is retro! If it was in black and white he would have nailed the spirit of 50s - 60s! I would highly recommend a black and white version of this and run with the retro theme for max hits!

[@TimMcKay56]

Hey: Many thanks for this input! Tim

[@Heyemeyohsts]

@@TimMcKay56 No problem! Were you a pilot in Asia? Or do you just have an Asian captain?

[@TimMcKay56]

@@Heyemeyohsts Hey: Flying the B-777F in the US for DHL. Captain is US, parents from South Korea. Great guy! Tim

[@Heyemeyohsts]

@@TimMcKay56 wow that is a huge powerful aircraft! How long have you been doing that and how did you get into flying ?

[@TimMcKay56]

@@Heyemeyohsts Retired now, have been flying since I was a teenager, (CFI, commercial, etc.) things just worked out! Tim

[@EJ-74]

I have a control line PT-19 with the little cox motor. If you are interested in it let me know..

[@TimMcKay56]

EDJ: Many thanks for your offer, but I am out of the gas motor business. Loved my time flying the PT-19 back in 1972! You will have no problems at all selling that on eBay, good luck! Tim

[@natal777]

How can I get one of those F-22 ?

[@TimMcKay56]

John: Just download the plans from the description, enlarge to whatever size you wish and build the model! Tim

[@dougdorsten2212]

I did the exact same thing with my first plane flew it into a basketball backstop. I would like to get into the hobby but as I do my research I wonder if my age (65) is a negative thing.

[@TimMcKay56]

Doug: I am 65! Go for it, with a slow flying trainer you’ll do just fine. 😊👍🏻 Tim

[@saxmusicmail]

Cox Stuka and PT19... a story I've heard, AND SEEN, for 60 years! And those planes were the two worst for the budding C/L flier. Their main problem was weight. There were more than a few nice .049 sized balsa kits that were easy to build, and flew much easier as they were half the weight of the plastic Cox planes. Goldberg Lil' Wizard, Stuntman 23, Swordsman 18, Jumpin' Bean, others. Easy to build, one-piece solid balsa wing. So if your .049 from the Stuka or PT19 survived, you could put it on one of these models.

[@TimMcKay56]

Sax: Fully agree, but the Cox planes sure looked nice at the hobby shop. 😁 And to think about it, were not the Cox PT-19 maybe the world's first RTF model airplane?? Tim

[@saxmusicmail]

@@TimMcKay56 Yup! The Stukas usually did not survive the full circle around the pilot. The PT-19's did. Later Cox molded the tanks integral with the plane, a real bad move in my opinion. But there were tank kits you could buy to convert the motor to the integral tank type like the earlier Bee's. Those Guillow kits? I used to put the little Cox .020 on those and fly them free flight. I had a little right rudder to counter torque, but they would circle up to the left due to engine torque, then when the engine ran out of fuel, they would circle right, usually landing within 50-75 yards from launch if no wind. Measured fuel with a small hypodermic. I would cover them with colored gift tissue, doping on basic markings.

[@TimMcKay56]

@@saxmusicmail Copy all! But the Stuka did look very cool. Smart move by the marketing folks at Cox, someone earned their bonus that year. Do check out the channel, I have 8 Guillow kit conversions to RC. Tim

[@jugheadjones5458]

Very interesting. We never get over being kids do we?

[@TimMcKay56]

JJ: Hopefully we never will! Tim

[@troy9er]

👍🏻 great tips for the beginner. I have been flying for about 25 years. Learned a lot over time. I also fly helicopters too. That can be a bit of a challenge for the beginner. I flew fixed wing for many, many years before moving into helicopters. They are a blast but way more challenging than fixed wing in my opinion.

[@TimMcKay56]

DJ: Very good, and thanks for checking in! Tim

[@saxmusicmail]

A beginning mistake is thinking you can "beef up" a model plane so that it won't be damaged in a crash. Adding extra glue, bracing, etc, all you have done is make it heavier. Then, as you said, higher take off and landing speeds, more difficult to fly, meaning more likely to crash. And no matter how much you beef it up, it's going to break. To add more performance to an airplane, add more lightness. Like a house, nails don't make it stronger. It's the geometry of construction that makes it strong. Balsa models are the same, the glue just tacks the structure in place, it is the geometry of the design that makes it strong. One light application of glue will do it, you don't need to dob two or three globs on epoxy on every joint. (CA is great!)

[@TimMcKay56]

Sax: Excellent points, agree with all! Tim

[@marinegunny826]

Crashing your airplane seems like it should be number one on the list. That was just a joke. Don't get all bent out of shape 😁

[@TimMcKay56]

MG: Actually, a valid point, will include in next video! Tim

[@flymachine]

As an old school flyer myself (no ARF's etc in my early days, used to build models from anything we could find and your first DP radio was almost as big a deal as your first car) I would think this stuff absolute fundamental, maybe even 'goes without saying' ...but having witnessed some recent shenanigans on YT and at local clubs of the 'fly-now' generation it saddens me to say that this wisdom is lacking, it should be taught as a prerequisite to buying a model.

[@TimMcKay56]

FM: Yes, I think us older flyers were super lucky to grow up and learn flying when we did. Lots of skills just not know to the ARF flyers. Maybe this video will help someone somewhere! Tim

[@murrijuana2842]

Welcome to the future, old timer.

[@jimcrackery8321]

One time I drove 40 mins to my field only to find I left my Tx at home. 😭 How the heck do you forget the Tx?!!!

[@TimMcKay56]

Jim: Glad that never happened to anyone else (cough, cough) 😁 Tim

[@testpilotian3188]

LOL I did exactly that about 3 weeks ago, luckily my field is only a mile down the road….

[@TimMcKay56]

@@testpilotian3188 All good! Tim

[@jimcrackery8321]

@@testpilotian3188 Don't take this the wrong way but...I'm glad it happened to you too. Now I don't feel as dumb. 😆😅

[@ibillyq]

I usually drive to the flying field by myself and before I leave home, I check that my RC backpack containing tx and batteries is on the front passenger seat. I arrived at the flying field way more than once without those essentials before I disciplined myself to make this simple check.

[@bohan9957]

Another mistake I often make is to remember to bring your radio!

[@TimMcKay56]

BH: Roger! Tim

[@Doggeslife]

Before gyros, many P-51s suffered a one and only flight. People wanted one for their first plane because they were "cooler" than your typical Cessna design. I started RC with a Cox Centurion in 1981, then several high wing 3-channel (rudder/elevator/throttle) birds before attempting ailerons. Now people are starting to learn to fly with gyro assist, but too many are becoming dependent on it. Not good. Like training wheels gyro assist (self-leveling) should be abandoned as soon as possible so that real flying skills can develop.

[@TimMcKay56]

DL: Agree, I do not like "fighting the autopilot" while learning how to fly RC. Find a good trainer and learn how to do it on your own! Tim

[@TimMcKay56]

@@daviddou1408 David: Many thanks! Tim

[@testpilotian3188]

Instead of using a timer buy a radio with telemetry and fly to a voltage, so 10.5v for 3S, 14.5v for 4S, so many people at our club have killed lipos by over discharging because they flew to the timer and it was windy and they took way more out of the battery than expected. Also I hate to say it but if you have high quality equipment, you shouldn’t ever need to do a range check, I started with Spectrum and would always get failsafes even after good range checks, I then moved to flysky due to their telemetry but had similar issues, so moved to a TBS Tango 2 radio and have not suffered a failsafe since, in fact the radio will out range the FPV gear most of the time.

[@TimMcKay56]

TPI: Good points! Tim

[@rudyho3790]

Tim, looked at DX6 user manual, pg. 8 and it stated a min voltage of 4.1v, so I would go with your plus up of .2v as a 'cushion' to 4.3v....thanks for tip😎👍🇺🇸

[@TimMcKay56]

Rudy: Interesting, as my manual mentioned 4.3 for the alkaline batteries. In any event, use a cushion, no flying below 4.5 volts! Tim

[@rudyho3790]

Done! (We recharge everything prior to flying, win-win!) Thanks again Tim

[@TimMcKay56]

@@rudyho3790 No worries, good luck! Tim

[@roady1710]

I have to bring up the name Carl Goldberg which you should know... Have built many of his models... In my time I was into rat racers little Satan and big Satan what a joy that was.. let me know if you remember the name

[@TimMcKay56]

Roady: Fully aware of the great Carl Goldberg! Flew the foam Ranger 42 in 1972, and later built an Eaglet trainer. Great planes! Tim

[@randall1959]

Nose heavy planes fly poorly. Tail heavy planes fly once.

[@TimMcKay56]

👍🏻 Tim

[@guypehaim1080]

The center of gravity should occur at the center of lift.

[@TimMcKay56]

👍 Tim

[@user-iq2pf6gz5t]

Please mig 29 plne ❤❤❤

[@TimMcKay56]

👍🏻

[@TimMcKay56]

👍🏻

[@rebekahfrench5747]

Aww were only human.. forgetting the basics makes flying much more fun and challenging. Sometimes its just pure arse we dont crash n burn..🤣🤣

[@TimMcKay56]

RF: Fully agree! Tim

[@joeys5429]

My philosophy biggest engine on it will save putting weight on the front

[@TimMcKay56]

Joey: Fully agree! Tim

[@stephenhudson6543]

When I was in the army in the seventies someone gave me a large scale ringmaster with a 40

[@TimMcKay56]

Very good! Tim

[@joeys5429]

Yes top wing first then mid wing finally low wing for war birds

[@TimMcKay56]

Joey: Sounds like a good approach! Tim

[@DoyleBlevins]

Tim you need to check again 4.3 votes is way to low on your radio. 4.8v to maybe 4.7 no lower, very risky at 4.3. Not safe to fly at 4.7votes

[@TimMcKay56]

Doyle: Spektrum lists 4.3 volts in the manual for alkaline batteries. 6.4 volts for Lipo or Li-ion batteries. However, I do not push the 4.3 volts, if the transmitter is much below 4.8 I just install a set of fresh AA batteries. Tim

[@tedmoss]

@@TimMcKay56 Operating as per instructions from the factory is OK. The unit will have a voltage cut-off around 3.3 V. plus diode drop of .6 V or a little less. Different for lipo because of battery discharge limits. The unit will still work to the lowest voltage the factory recommends. You could always check this yourself to be safe.

[@TimMcKay56]

@@tedmoss Thanks! Tim

[@stevendegiorgio3143]

That's funny I had the cox studa.Dont buy a Horizon hobby V900 if your a beginner.

[@TimMcKay56]

Sounds good! Tim

[@tahoma6889]

A battery has a necessary storage voltage and should only be fully charged just prior to flight. Batteries are the danger factor and need to be fully understood to avoid fire. As well as battery damage. Never overcharge, never over deplete, and always store at the proper voltage. Additionally, I recommend that you never charge indoors unless you have a safe enclosure to do so. An old safe, Dutch Oven with lid, metal case, etc. Always store them in a fire proof container as well. Please stress to your viewers that batteries are dangerous and knowledge regarding them is a responsibility. Not funny to unload your gear into the garage, and have one go off, causing a house fire. Or, going off in the vehicle while driving. Keep them contained and safe!

[@TimMcKay56]

Tahoma: Good points all. Key item for newer RC pilots is the use of quality lipo batteries combined with a quality charger with balancing. Prior to a balanced changer, lipo fires a huge risk. Tim

[@lorenzolamar5369]

Hello Mr McKay if im not asking for too much I would like to have a word with you via phone or email pertaining to a plane design

[@TimMcKay56]

Lorenzo: Best by email . . . I will be on international travel next week. Try gbmckay at gmail dot com. Tim

[@lorenzolamar5369]

@@TimMcKay56 thx alot Mr McKay I'll be in touch