I have been flying models for some time. As a kid I learned to fly free flight rubber power and gliders. Then came control line as a teenager when I could afford the motor and fuel from my part time jobs. In my early 20’s I was able to afford my first RC model and yes I taught myself how to fly each and every one of them. Needless to say my building skills for a long time were better than my flying skills.

I have watched guys attempting to teach themselves with all kinds of models in as many different fields as you could imagine. Some of the biggest hurdles to being successful are.

Using too small a field for a beginner to fly from don’t short yourself on clear flying space. Find the largest area free of obstacles you can, learning how to control your model is more than enough of a challenge without having to worry about trees and buildings.

Failing to completely set up your model not just the C of G and control throws but test gliding the darn thing before you add power. Remember if you get into trouble while attempting to fly under power these trainer style aircraft should be very stable with the power off and self righting while maintaining a reasonable glide slope.

Failing to take off and land directly into the wind.

Knowing when to quit. By this I mean knowing when you have lost the ability to control your model and reducing the power to let the model settle into that glide slope and land.

From years of teaching myself and others to fly all sorts of models try this and let me know if you are successful.

1. Balance your airplane as per the instructions with battery in place (not connected). Next use a string and suspend it from the balance point in the center of the fuselage and balance it wing tip to wing tip. This can be done right side up or inverted. Add weight to the light wing tip until it hangs level.
2. The most important step is to set the glide angle. This is the angle you want the plane to assume when the power is off and the sticks are neutral. A calm day with little or no wind is best for this set up. If you have a small hill or you can stand on top of a picnic table or other object that raises you up at least 4 to 6 feet its perfect. Again you must face directly into any wind. Try and make the adjustments to trim the model out without moving the trim leavers on the radio. Do this by adjusting the pushrods as per the instructions. This leaves the maximum trim adjustment from the radio for when it’s needed. The best start point is rudder and ailerons neutral with just a touch of up elevator. Pitch the airplane as straight and flat as you can with a good medium force like pitching a paper airplane. This speed should be slow enough so in the event of a rough landing there will be no damage. Note the glide slope. If it bobs up and slows then drops and repeats this there is too much up elevator or you’re throwing it to hard. Reduce the up elevator a very small amount and repeat the test. On the other hand if it noses over and picks up a lot of speed and does not level out before hitting the ground you will need more up elevator or toss it a bit harder. What you are trying to achieve is a gentle consistent glide slope without stalling or diving into the ground with the motor off and hands off the transmitter. When it consistently glides to an acceptable landing without the motor you are ready to add a little throttle. Try 1/4 throttle and launch it the same way keep testing straight into the wind with a little more throttle each time. You will learn how much throttle is needed for straight and level flight and how much to climb. Now if you get in trouble all you have to do is reduce the throttle and use the rudder and or ailerons to gently guide it away from danger and back to you. Once you have it under control you can vary the throttle to extend the glide slope until the model returns to you.
3. Humidity and temperature can affect your trim so you know how it’s supposed to glide so each day when you go out to fly toss the thing into the wind and check out the glide slope. This is where the trim tabs on the transmitter come into play. You can fine tune the elevator, rudder and ailerons for the daily conditions with the trim tabs until a straight glide slope is achieved. If you take the time to do this your model should fly the same each and every day regardless of weather.
4. If you just throw the thing together and go out throttle up and throw it into the air you will find you will smash more on your first flight than anything. Take the time to set it up and your success rate and level of enjoyment will be much better.
5. Always remember take off and landing into the wind!!!!!!!

Dennis