RC Airplanes—Safe Flying Means More Fun For Everyone

There are almost as many reasons why people fly RC airplanes as there are different types of people. For some, it’s about a fascination with flight; for others, the satisfaction of building a model from scratch. Some see RC aviation as a competitive sport, some an interesting diversion from life’s pressures, others an opportunity for fellowship with like-minded enthusiasts. Whatever the reason for one’s involvement, RC airplanes should always be treated with respect; as with many hobbies, failure to observe basic safety rules can lead to someone getting hurt, and responsible fliers are safety-conscious fliers.

Some planes—bigger, faster, heavier aircraft--pose more risks than others, but all except toy models can cause serious harm. For those who’re interested in flying, or who’ve been involved with RC airplanes for only a short while, here are some basic safety guidelines:

• For your first plane, select an appropriate model, such as a park flyer or trainer. Learn the basics on something easy to fly, then move up to the big boys. Remember the old saw: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

• Do your homework before you fly. I suggest getting an instructor but at the very least, read your manual thoroughly. No scanning, read it front to back.

• Don’t fly alone your first few times. If there’s no one around, you can’t harm others but you could injure yourself and might need assistance. Get some experience and build some confidence before you fly by yourself.

• Don’t fly in unsuitable weather and don't exceed your plane's limitations. Some RC airplanes can take a little wind and some require near calm conditions. Don’t fly in the rain, or when there’s thunder or lightning.

• I know this sounds crazy, but don’t fly if you can’t see your plane. If it’s getting so dark as to hamper visibility, it’s time to land. Like right now.

• Choose your flying site carefully. Look for plenty of open space, away from trees, buildings, people, animals, phone poles and power lines. Better yet, join a flying club and use their field.

• You probably read something in your manual about a pre-flight checklist. Go back and read that part again. Copy the checklist down on a sheet of paper and take it with you each time you fly. In fact, go through the list before you leave the house and again when you get to your flight site.

As in most things, with RC airplanes a little bit of commonsense goes a long way. When flying, stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Like drinking and driving, drinking and operating RC airplanes doesn’t mix, so save the barley pop for later. Put safety first, practice courtesy to fliers and spectators alike, and you'll enjoy many hours of good, safe flying!