I've seen people control the Right stick with their thumb only, and others hold the stick between their index finger and thumb.

Is there a correct way? If not, what do you think is the more popular way?

I want to develop good habits early on.

there is no "right" way, it's just what is most comfotable, i use thumbs on top since i started about 18 months ago and it's been fine, i have just started using a neck strap and find it more comfortable than just holding the TX

I use my index finger and thumb. It seems to give me better control. Like woodsy said, there is no "right" way. Do whatever gives you the most control.

The reason I ask is b/c it seems like I have better control with my index finger/thumb, but it is more of a "reach" than if I just use my "thumb on top". I'd rather use thumb-on-top, but it doesn't feel right.

use a strap, and you don't have to worry about holding the TX up in the first place. Then you can reach all you want.

I used a strap for the first time last week, you know, one of those shiny red Futaba ones ;-) and I had a beginner mistake--I bent over to pick up the plane, and the prop whacked the antennae tip! (I was able to bend it back).

Thumb on top did not feel right to me either, but non the less I found myself holding it that way. What it boiles down to is what is the most comfortable to you. Also one way may feel right to you but you might find youself controling the opposite way.

The first thing I instruct a student to do is to hold the sticks with thumb and forefinger. That's not to say that using just the thumb is wrong, it's just that two fingers gives you twice the control. If you only use one, and you're comfortable with it, then by all means continue, but if you're just starting out, try to get used to using two fingers right away.

Thumb and forefinger makes it so you can't pop the sticks back to center by letting go. You have to put them back. It makes you fly smoother too. Everyone does it different, but if you watch the better pilots, I think you will notice that they use the thumb and forefinger. Not all do though. Its like everyone says. What ever works best for you.

I think I used to fly thumb & finger but after a while away I could only use thumbs. I thried to force myself to use two fingers, by the end of the flight only my thumbs were on the stick. I will say that I had my thumb slip off of a stick once and almost lost my Ultimate bipe. If you still have a choice I would say that two fingers is probably better, but not right or wrong.

Paul_C,

I did the identical thing with a tx & neck strap. Leaned forward and the base rocked on my knee, causing the tx to pivot on the strap clip. KZIIING!

I also had a bad experience in flight school during a solo when it suddenly became very gusty as a storm came in and I tried to get the neck strap off so I could hand the tx to a more experienced pilot. Ended up flying it in myself after being half-strangled by two guys trying unsuccessfully to get the strap over my head and glasses. I even told them to "cut the damn thing", but the only knife nearby was in my hip pocket. Haven't worn the strap since.

If you're that tired sit down and rest the tx in youy lap. Back when we flew one channel escapements with tube transmitters the strap was essential. (I've returned after a 20 year hiatus). You can also work on a beer belly like mine so you can rest the tx on it as you fly.

Charlie P.

Good stuff, Charlie. I'm trying to shed the beer belly, though!

What for.....

A beer belly is a natural rest for a transmitter (better than a strap anyday)

Not to mention....its a sign of success...LOL

Back to the subject. I tried using finger and thumb, but my hands would cramp up in about 2 minutes. I do o.k. with thumbs only...

I used a neck strap 20 years ago. Left the hobby and came back, along with a neck strap. Just a lot easier to not have to worry about where your hand is, how to hit the switches its. I got a tray for my wife and she let other people try it - they loved it till they found it actually cost money.

I use a rubber ducky antenna on my TX so that I don't have that "hit the prop" problem at all. Only problem is that on the one TX I have with a regular antenna, I've forgotten to pull it out - once.

One thing though. I carry the TX to the flightline and don't clip it to the strap before I'm totally ready to fly. Its clumsy to have to unclip, set it down, fiddle with the needle valve, pick it back up and clip it on again. I just hold the tail between my legs and do all the prelim stuff, then clip it on.

Not only did I clip the antenna with my prop, but the throttle stick brushed up against my shirt and revved the engine up, which startled me. I realize that I'm going to have to pay more attention with the neck strap. Did you also notice how you can't really see the entire LCD screen, because the strap is in the way? Another inconvenience for the convenience of a strap!

On Sunday after getting my plane started I picked it up off of the table to set it down on the ground to taxi. As I picked it up, I knocked the Tx off the table which at some point knocked the throttle from idle to full.

I was holding a plane which suddenly wanted to leap from my hands! Fortunately, the Tx landed sticks up, so I was able to knock it back to idle with my foot before setting the plane down.

To add further insult, the tip of the antenna was bent in the fall.

I do have a strap but have not started using it yet. When I do, despite this experience I'll clip it on at the flight line. Having a Tx hanging around your neck when lifting a plane I still think is more risky than leaving sitting on the table. I'll just have to be more careful where I place it.

I never clip the transmitter to my strap until I am taxiing out to take off. I don't trust the antenna/sticks when the TX is hanging in front of me. I also start the plane of the ground, so I can start it up, aim it the right way, pick up the TX and go.

Holding TX: Correct way... there really isn't one. Do what feels best. Popular way: In the states probably hand held with thumbs, in Europe, TX in tray with finger tips on sticks, but it really doesn't matter. Don't believe the hype about better pilots don't use thumbs. Many world class pilots use thumbs. Just look closely at pictures of TOC pilots, many are flying with thumbs and they are the best of the best. Then again, many world class pilots use TX trays and fly with finger tips... My point: It really doesn't matter.

Gotta watch those neck straps and antennae. I've seen straps sucked into props taking the TX with them... not pretty. Be careful about keeping the strap around your neck when starting engines... don't want to lean over the prop and get sucked in. I typically leave the strap attached to the TX, but fold the strap under the TX such that it is not loose. This works for me, but do what you need to do to be safe.

I just wanted to point out one thing about this method. I use it too, but I have seen many people bend over with the neck strap on but not clipped to a radio. It went right into the prop. Watch that. It is very dangerous. I now leave it clipped to the radio, and don't put it over my neck till I get to the flight line. Little more trouble, but keeps it out of the props.

Yeah, I forgot to mention that as well. That probably scares me more than the stray sticks or antenna. Before I start up, I religiously slide the strap around and have it hang on my back until I am ready to go. Sorry for the confusion.

Ditto. Chip, Jason, QuiQue are all thumbs. And they keep their stick spring tensions high.........

Most of the competition fliers that I have talked to fly with thumb and index finger, I know that it provides better control, however, I go back to the reed days when we had to provide pulses with the thumbs on bat type switches for control and I sometimes when excited revert to this practice (not good).

I try to fly with thumb and finger but old habits are hard to forget!

I teach my students to use their thumb and forefinger. Having the heel of your hand resting on the transmitter case anchors the hand and really helps prevent inadvertant overcontrolling.

I feel that much more precise control inputs can be made this way.

we have small pilot boxes made of pvc- they are really just like a tiny fence you stand behind.. I normally rest the tx there and use both finger and thumb.. Helps to have a resting spot though.

I'm mostly thumbs, but sometimes use my index fingers as well. When I fly with a strap, I don't connect the transmitter until I'm ready to taxi. When the transmitter isn't on the strap, the strap is down the front of my shirt.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is adjusting the length of the sticks. Not all TXs have adjustable sticks, but it's one way to find a comfort zone. Play around with that and the stick tension to find what's right for you.