Become a better RC Pilot by using the.......

How to become a better RC Pilot is simple. Practice often on the right skills. One of the best skills to learn is using the rudder. The more you train on the rudder, the better your flying skills will become.

[@clarencegreen3071]

As an AMA intro instructor, I've begun to teach the rudder from the very beginning. First by taxiing on the runway, then by doing turns at altitude. Set the angle of bank at about 30 degrees, apply rudder to increase the rate of turn, and apply up elevator as needed to maintain level flight. Frequently opposite aileron will be required to maintain the 30 degree bank. This approach may take a little longer initially but it pays off in the end. I typically use an AeroScout or Apprentice with a buddy box.

[@SteffenRC]

Thanks for helping others learn to fly.. You and I know what a fantastic hobby it is and how difficult it can be to learn to fly well. Lots of coaching and practice with purpose. Thanks for sharing your experience. I appreciate it. - Will

[@hifinsword]

I learned rudder control early on b/c I started with helicopters before I ever flew a fixed wing aircraft. It's amazing how so many pilots fail to realize how important rudder control is on a fixed wing aircraft.

[@SteffenRC]

Yep.. It really can help the pilot level up, then they get out of that bank and yank mentality... Thanks for watching

[@davefoord1259]

I flew fixed wing before helicopters. I learned to use that rudder stick on helicopters but still cant do much with it on a fixed wing model. Wierd hey. Cant steer a model buggy round a track at walking pace either but can fly fixed wing models well.

[@Curious_Skeptic]

When I started flying, I was doing 2 channel gliders. You only had ruddle/elevator and an .049 on a pod. Soon after, when I had the pleasure of having four channels, I was already use to rudder. Made the switch to having ailerons easy, while still wanting to use rudder. Many real world pilots forget how important proper rudder control is as well. You can't get away flying sloppy in a real plane. Models you can just push around/skid around. Good vide.

[@SteffenRC]

Thanks for sharing your story.. Love it. I grew up flying 2 channel and a .049 TeeDee.. Great times...

[@gmorphan]

I followed Model AV8R's advice a year or so ago and picked up a Twisted Hobbies flat foamie. It's helped a lot and I also use the plane to warm up on if it's been a while since I've flown. I'm no 3D pilot, but I really enjoy stick jamming my OMP Big Horn...it's so easy to get it into an inverted flat spin. It's an incredible plane at a great price.

[@SteffenRC]

Adam is a good guy and has pushed me to become a much better pilot. That suggestion on the Crack Yak was a big help. I really like the BigHorn.. Its on the list.... Thanks for commenting - Will

[@jacksampson7711]

I just wish I had a nice flying field like this. My biggest challenges are weather and field.

[@SteffenRC]

Having the right weather and place to fly is HUGE.. Hope you can find a quality field to fly at someday... Come to St. Louis, You're welcome here..😎

[@birit911]

I just realized this was at Buder Park 😂

[@johna.s.3847]

So true. I could not have said it better. For me when I learned some 35 or so years ago it was a 3 channel. Rudder, elevator, throttle. I kept the rudder control on the left stick with the throttle and the elevator on the right stick. Great video.

[@SteffenRC]

Really appreciate the support. I'm always challenged with making GOOD content on my channel.. I get most of my inspiration from talking to the guys at my club.

[@QuiDocetDiscit]

??????Don't throttle and elevator move in the same direction on a stick??? Did you mean throttle and aileron?

[@johna.s.3847]

@@QuiDocetDiscit Elevator and aileron on the right stick. Rudder and throttle on the left stick. That mode is the most common in the U.S.

[@QuiDocetDiscit]

​@johna.s.3847 I think I read your first comment with a different phrasing. Yes, you are flying mode 2...so am I in Australia where mode 1 is most common. I'm staying with mode 2 because it's the same as the joystick in a real plane. All the best with your flying!🙂👍

[@johna.s.3847]

@@QuiDocetDiscit 👍

[@muhammadsteinberg]

Aerodynamics is aerodynamics regardless of whether it's RC model or full scale aircraft. I fly both. Anytime you apply power on a propeller aircraft you get p-factor and spiralling slipstream (not on twins). Both of those will cause a left turning tendency (yaw to the left). More pronounced when applying power during takeoff or climbing from straight and level flight. Slight right rudder is needed to counteract that. If trimmed properly, you'll notice that your plane always will veer to the left if you don't use right rudder on take off.

[@SteffenRC]

Good info.. That P-factor will really test the taildraggers too. Thanks for the comments.

[@ThreenaddiesRexMegistus]

I came from GA aviation to RC. RC is much more difficult, but I was already used to balancing turns with rudder. I’m still a meh RC pilot but got to realise the value of 3 mistakes high real quick. Getting an E-Flite Apprentice was a big turning point and then subsequently flying my Fokker D.Vll with much rudder input was valuable too. I have a Hobbyking Storch that is still in one piece and that’s also a really good plane to hover on the edge of stall and do flat-turns with. On some windy days I can keep it stationary. Steep descents with power at the last moment teaches throttle control, and when on the ground, aileron into the wind and just enough up elevator to keep the tail grounded are also useful. A great video! 👍🏻

[@SteffenRC]

Thanks for sharing, sounds like you got that Rudder figured out... Really appreciate your comments. I've only flown "Right Seat" a few times, but found the flying part simple. We just don't have that pilot perspective with RC.. FPV is helpful for pilot perspective, but still not the same...

[@yobrojoost9497]

Thanks for that, I'm going to practice using the rudder!

[@SteffenRC]

Have fun!

[@bitesizerc6735]

I love the way you presented this tutorial - it's simple, direct, and most importantly, enjoyable to listen to and watch!

[@SteffenRC]

Really appreciate the comment. Thanks, Will

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Left Stick Skills. Got to have them.

[@SteffenRC]

Bingo.. Btw, I think someone very smart convinced me to get a Crack Yak.. Can't remember who that was.??🤔

[@helmuthuneke1775]

Às fpv pilot coming from quads to planes i use rudder even there's no rudder still need to practice more .. thanks❤

[@SteffenRC]

Keep at it.. But, I find its hard for my brain to jump between Quads and Fixed wing...

[@weshillsberry6275]

Ive seen so many newer pilots adjusting there tail wheel trimming the rudder blah blah changing all kinds of things on the setup because they cant figure out why the plane darts left off the runway lol then when they finally do get it in the air it yaws like crazy because of all the ground trim they put in lol cross control and rudder skills and some of the most important and translates to nearly every airplane

[@SteffenRC]

Yep.. Seen that too.. Hence all the video I've made on this type of stuff.. Trying to help those newish pilots get to that next level in skills and confidence.. Thanks for watching and commenting - Will

[@RMC50126]

I’ve been flying for a few years and am always looking to improve my skill as an rc pilot. With that said, I appreciate these instructional videos you put out on your channel. I hope you do more videos like this. Thanks!

[@SteffenRC]

Thanks Randy. Appreciate the comments and support. I'm always looking for new content for the channel.

[@CR5rc]

Nice video, rudder is definitely a weak spot for me, my flat foamy had helped a lot.

[@SteffenRC]

Thanks buddy. Appreciate it.

[@andypc14]

Great video - I used rudder from my day one A Cert training as I remembered the focus on the little slip indicator doing my ppl in a 152 at Biggin Hill. I also think rudder greatly improves the visuals of a flying model.

[@SteffenRC]

Thanks for watching and commenting.. Really appreciate it.

[@billbright1755]

Beautiful! Keep’Em Flying 🇺🇸

[@SteffenRC]

Thanks..

[@LouCosmeRC-ov2ol]

I have a rudder only low-low rate for take-offs and landings only, because it’s easy to slam the sticks and over-correct.

[@SteffenRC]

Smart move...

[@chuckmaddison2924]

I bought a Huntsman and has no rudder or stabiliser. It was a bit of a problem as all bank and Yank. I have now repaired 😊 and installed an NX 4 stabiliser. Thinking I may have to fit rudder as stabiliser is only on elevator and ailerons. So now waiting for a nice day. We are coming into winter in Australia.

[@SteffenRC]

Good luck.. Have fun...

[@QuiDocetDiscit]

Absolutely true! Master the rudder!...and like you said, " a little bit of opposite aileron." A cross wind blew my jet off the runway during a landing with substantial damage. I could have saved it with proper rudder use.😢

[@SteffenRC]

Yep.. Its just a little correction on landing.. But so many times we get fixated on watching the plane, we don't help it land ON the runway.. Been there, done that.. A lot.... Thanks, Will

[@Drones_Eye_View]

Great video as usual. Will, keep these coming. Your style and advice has been timely for me as a beginner but getting better.

[@SteffenRC]

So glad you are finding my videos helpful. It's what my channel is about.. Education and helping all rc pilots get better. Let me know if there is a topic you want me to cover... Thanks Will

[@Browneye57]

Exactly what I’ve been working on lately - retraining after a 12 year hiatus. 😊

[@SteffenRC]

Keep at it.. Welcome back... Enjoy... - Will

[@Resq_U]

i now enjoy using more rudder on the out and back, on the stall turns.

[@SteffenRC]

Its a lot of fun.. Thanks for watching.. - Will

[@JustwingitRC]

Very good advice and instructional video my friend! A fun watch for sure!!

[@SteffenRC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jollyroger2226]

Good job waggin that rudder - Brudder.

[@SteffenRC]

Kinda fun...

[@williamhoodtn]

Great advice! IMHO: One of the planes I have which is good for this is the E-Flite Eratix. Likely not as "bomb proof" as the TH flat foamie but is what I have.

[@SteffenRC]

Fly what you got.. Or just another excuse to get more planes...😎

[@jeffwhite9392]

Crash course route to rudder control = RC Helicopter rudder function ( yaw ) locked in mentally before attempting fixed wing flight ; cause crashing said chop - chop gets really tedious ... Kinda approached the whole RC flying stuff the hard way but as your video has demonstrated , rudder underrated ; now where do I subscribe ?

[@SteffenRC]

Jeff, Glad you like the video.. You can check out more videos and subscribe to my channel anytime.... Just click that SUBSCRIBE button on my videos or the channel itself.. kzbin.info/door/u_x8QNusGF2pLTTT37o5LA

[@danielmurray5412]

Another excellent video

[@SteffenRC]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@alexherrera3918]

I am in this kevel ,your video just on point. thanks!

[@SteffenRC]

Thanks for the comment. Appreciate the support. - Will

[@benoitmichel6136]

Petit bonjour de la France ❤ Explications claires et pertinentes. Vidéo agréable à regarder. Bravo. Je m'abonne et vais regarder les autres vidéos.

[@SteffenRC]

Thanks.. Appreciate the comment.

[@MammothPaige]

Thank You

[@SteffenRC]

You're welcome. Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.. - Will

[@SlowFlyer85]

Good video and information 😊😊😊

[@SteffenRC]

Thanks 🙂

[@chriscrawford1958]

Thank you! Nice video!

[@SteffenRC]

Thank you very much!

[@rlbutterfield]

Good video and advice! Totally agree. Thumbs together and/or thumbs apart. 😀

[@SteffenRC]

Boom!

[@davefoord1259]

No stalling involved in a “stall turn”

[@SteffenRC]

Really? Why do they call it a stall turn?

[@davefoord1259]

@@SteffenRC not sure. Its often called a hammerhead which removes the “stall” misnomer from it. An aerodynamic stall only occurs when the wing exceeds the critical angle of attack and the airflow no longer flows smoothly following the wing surface. Throughout the properly flown hammerhead the angle of attack is very close to zero, for a symmetrical wing sections and slightly negative for a cambered section. If you mess it up and that does sometimes happen, and have significant AOA at the same time as full rudder you can enter a spin. This is a bit famous in a pitts, and i had it demonstrated to me for my low level aerobatic training. Fly the upline slightly on your back, then correct it with forward stick as you kick the rudder, all hell breaks loose as it enters An inverted spin. Its quite disconcerting if youre not used to inverted spins and quite unexpected.

[@SteffenRC]

@@davefoord1259 maybe the “Stall” isn’t a wing stall, but a stall in forward movement. I dunno.. thanks

[@bruceburns1468]

correct

[@SCRedneckRC-Productions]

Good info

[@SteffenRC]

Glad you think so!

[@DuneDaddyO]

I just picked up an FMS Kingfisher using your discount code btw so thanks for that and I am wondering what to use for a rx? Lemon has a nice 7 channel but apparently they don't really mention that you have to basically re-bind it every time if you want to use the reflex and thrust reverse so that sounds like a pain. I have a used 1.2 T-28 I got from a friend in the wings that has a Spectrum rx in it. Could I take it out and install it into the Kingfisher? How does that work? Do I clear it somehow and just rename and configure the plane settings for what you install it in next? This is the message someone left about the Lemon RX for $17.99. 7th channel not so much. No problems with binding. performance, or reliability. The 7th channel claim is not exactly as advertised. You can only use the BinsdAux2 port feature after the ESC is powered on and the receiver is connected to the transmitter. This is every time, even after initial bond, before binding you must remove your servo wire to port 1, even if only a signal wire, or the receiver will go into initial bind mode. Appreciate the help getting me back in the air.

[@SteffenRC]

Thanks for the support... I have the Lemon 7 channel in several planes. No issues with re-binding with my NX8 TX. I have it in several planes with FMS Reflex, but not reverse thrust. I'll test that out. The Spectrum RX will need to be Factory Reset that you can do if you purchase the special cable Spektrum sells. Its a simple process. I just bought the Lemon 6 channel with telemetry and Stabilization that I'm testing too... Maybe another video for my channel...😎

[@DuneDaddyO]

@@SteffenRC Thanks for the reply. The rx I took out of the T-28 is an AR631, single antennae. My friend has the PC cable so I'll try and figure that part out. Turns out I was shorted 1 Y cable but I have spares on hand. I assembled it for now, just waiting on installation of the RX and radio set up and getting some batteries charged.

[@MivralFifaGaming23Himself]

My plane I got on Amazon and it didn't have a rudder like what

[@SteffenRC]

Looks like you need an upgraded plane..😂

[@MivralFifaGaming23Himself]

@SteffenRC thanks for the information😂

[@andystocks3252]

When you get to the top of the climb in a ‘stall turn’, the aircraft IS NOT STALLED…it at the point just before the stall or it would be falling out of the sky.

[@SteffenRC]

Thanks for watching.