GALTECH MODELS - R/C Planes, Helicopters, Cars, Boats & more

An instructor serves two purposes. First, he will fly your model for the first time to make sure it is performing property before you try to fly it. When a new R/C model takes off for the first time, there is no way of knowing exactly which way it is going to go. Some models will try to climb, while others may want to go down. Some will try to turn left, others right. Some models will be doing both at the same time on the first flight' It doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with the model, but these minor differences must be "trimmed out" in order for the model to fly properly straight and level. That's why a new model's first flight is best done by a pilot who has flown an R/C airplane before, someone whose reflexes are already conditioned to anticipate the model's actions and instantly make the right move to counteract.

The second reason for an instructor is to correct any mistakes you might make when you take over the controls for the first time. These days, typically the instructor and you will each have a transmitter, connected by a "buddy lead". Let the instructor get the model airborne and flying level at a safe altitude ("several mistakes high" as the old saying goes) before he turns control over to you via a switch on his transmitter. You will quickly find out that it is very easy to overcontrol an R/C model and to get disoriented - EVERYONE DOES IT AT FIRST! If you get into serious trouble on your first flight, the instructor can release his switch and quickly take control back again so he can rescue the airplane. He will get it leveled off and then let you try it again. This is a far superior method to the old technique of passing a single transmitter from one to the other!

In addition to not overcontrolling, another problem that beginners need to overcome in learning to fly R/C is the left/right control reversal that happens when the model is flying towards you one minute. away from you the next. For example, if you were seated inside the cockpit of a full-scale airplane and moved the control stick to the right, the airplane would turn to your right. Moving the stick to the left would make the airplane turn to your left. That's not always true with an R/C model! If the model is flying away from you, the controls are normal-right stick makes the model go right, left stick makes it go left. But when the model is turned and flying towards you, the controls are now reversed-when you move the control stick to the right the model still turns to ITS RIGHT, but now that actually makes the model travel to YOUR LEFT. This can be confusing at first, but with practice you will adjust to it.

It's not that learning to fly R/C is difficult, it's just a lot different than anything you have ever done before. Anyone can learn to fly R/C airplanes if They are willing to listen and learn! Remember the first time you tried to ride a bicycle? It seemed completely awkward the first time, but once you learned how, it quickly became very easy. Learning how to fly an R/C model airplane also comes quickly to most people.

THE SKY IS THE LIMIT!
Fly your trainer as often as you can, until you have it completely mastered. After you get a few flights under your belt with an instructor at your side. you will begin to feel more comfortable at the controls. Soon you will be flying by yourself with little thought to the moves required. It will just come naturally! Don't get discouraged if you have a minor crack-up, repair the damage and get back in the air as soon as possible. As your reflexes become trained to R/C flying, you will soon be able to adapt to the faster flight of more acrobatic models.

Good luck with the hobby!

No, you do not need a license to fly R/C! However, there is a governing body for all model aviation activities in this country called the New Zealand Model Aircraft Association The NZMAA is a nonprofit body dedicated to the interests of all aero modellers
The New Zealand Model Aeronautical Association (NZMAA) is New Zealand's national body dedicated to the promotion and protection of aeromodelling. The NZMAA has been an incorporated society since 1948. The NZMAA is the NZ point of affiliation to the FAI. The Goals of the NZMAA are to :

· Foster close association with the RNZAC (Royal NZ Aero Club Inc), FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) and overseas modelling bodies
· Maintain liaison with Government departments and local authorities
· Pursue an active public relations policy
· Set a national safety code
· Meet the needs of the membership
· Address environmental issues, especially noise problems and the safe operation of models
· Promote International, National and regional competitions
· Foster relationships with National bodies of similar interest groups
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The NZMAA membership also includes a I year subscription to MODEL FLIERS WORLD a magazine covering all phases of model flying.

When you start looking at radio control systems, you may be confused at first by the many different brands, different styles, and different features that are available. R/C systems are just like TVs, VCRs, or stereos, in that you can buy a "plain Jane" basic system or one with more "whistles and bells" than you can remember how to use. And the differences between the basic and fully-loaded systems will be reflected in the price.

Obviously you do not need a super sophisticated radio to start out with. We recommend that you look at less expensive "sport" type radio systems. Most of the radio manufacturers market a basic 4channel radio designed for the beginning or sport R/C flier. These are good quality, dependable radio systems that you can operate with confidence, they just don't have all the extra features that the higher priced radios have.

By all means, get a specially designed TRAINER airplane! A boxy looking trainer may not be beautiful to look at, it may not be exciting to dream about, but it will have the flight characteristics that you need for learning to fly R/C. Most people starting in the hobby have visions of themselves piloting a sleek, fast fighter plane with retractable landing gear and dropping bombs. But that is exactly what you don't need!

Your first R/C model should be an airplane that is designed to be a trainer. It should be a "high-wing" airplane (wing mounted on top of the fuselage) for best stability in flight. A high-wing airplane is more forgiving of pilot errors than any other type. Your trainer should also have a flat-bottom wing "airfoil" (the cross-section shape of the wing) so it can fly slow enough for you to keep up with it. A generous amount of "dihedral" (the upward "V" angle of the wings when viewed from the front) is another characteristic to look for in a good trainer design.