RE: Why don't rc plane engines require an air filter?
If you are flying a model with an inverted engine from a grass or dirt/sand field, an air filter is a good idea. Ground-running churns up a bunch of small stuff! Bruline filters seem to work fine as far as I can tell. I even use them on upright engines, but maybe I'm overly cautious. Cheap insurance, and they do simplify cleanup after an in-the-dirt crash. Dzl