12 ARF Radio Control Mistakes to Avoid

12 ARF Radio Control Mistakes to Avoid
In this video I will go over 12 of the most common mistakes a new RC (radio control) pilot can make with buying and flying their first RC Almost Ready to Fly (ARK) RC model airplane. By avoiding these common mistakes you have a much better chance of success in the radio control hobby!
Almost and Ready to Fly (ARF/RTF) RC model aircraft have revolutionized the radio control industry. For the first time, modelers can purchase quality RC model aircraft they fly extremely well, often for less cost than to build the models themselves.
The challenge this poses is people with zero model RC flight time can find themselves at the RC field trying to take off for their first flight. This often can end in a crash.
By review these 12 steps, modelers can go a long ways toward avoiding these completely preventable outcomes.
Here is a link to my KZread Channel:
/ timmckay56
Many thanks in advance for a post of this video on Facebook, it truly helps the channel a lot!
Regards,
Tim
ARF Radio Control Mistakes to Avoid:
1. Pick the right ARF for your skill level
2. Join an RC club
3. Purchase quality RC gear
4. Use a computer flight simulator
5. Preflight your new ARF kit
6. Read the ARF instruction manual
7. Discussion regarding RC airplane autopilots
8. Charge your batteries
9. Do a control check before every flight
10. Perform a radio range test
11. Use reliable motors for your RC model airplane
12. Know aircraft orientation
Video, websites and airplanes discussed:
E-flite Pitts:
• E-flite Pitts S-1S RTF
Foam board Bronco:
• Super Simple Bronco Fo...
Aeronca C-3:
• Dumas Aeronca C-3 Elec...
10 RC Mistakes video:
• 10 Radio Control Mista...
QuickOats build:
• How to Build an RC Tra...
AMA:
www.ModelAircraft.org
Horizon Hobby:
www.HorizonHobby.com
AS3X/SAFE video:
• Spektrum AS3X for Newb...
Chapters
00:00 - Intro
00:36 - Opening remarks
02:04 - Pick the right ARF
03:50 - Join an RC club
05:16 - Quality RC gear
08:40 - Flight simulators
09:32 - Preflight your kit
10:45 - Read the instructions
12:35 - RC autopilots
15:02 - Charge your batteries
16:17 - Control checks
17:42 - Radio range test
19:22 - Reliable motors
20:23 - Aircraft orientation
21:38 - Closing remarks

Пікірлер: 35

  • @markpatterson4917
    @markpatterson49172 жыл бұрын

    Very Good advice. I have spektrum DX6 like your's one thing to note is if you buy the rechargeable pack for this transmitter. The battery pack has a self protection voltage set at 7.0v. The transmitter will function perfectly well at a lower volts with normal dry cells. I found this out when my transmitter suddenly turns off for no apparent reason at the time (well the battery did). Luckily my skipper at the time was only about 40ft in the air the fail safes worked it just fell out of the sky and only did minor damage. So if you buy the pack remember to reset the battery warning voltage. I agree with you with safe while it can keep a complete novice in the sky. It in my mind teaches bad habits particularly with ailerons.

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    2 жыл бұрын

    Mark: Good points on the different batteries. Tim

  • @user-ns1jj3ks5s
    @user-ns1jj3ks5s10 ай бұрын

    Great video even for us who been around. Always good to refresh our self's in the basic's.

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    10 ай бұрын

    Thanks for checking in! Tim

  • @stevendegiorgio3143
    @stevendegiorgio31432 жыл бұрын

    Very very good video !!!!

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    2 жыл бұрын

    Steve: Glad you liked it! Tim

  • @vincentgraffeo9030
    @vincentgraffeo90302 жыл бұрын

    Very helpful.

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    2 жыл бұрын

    Vincent: Glad it was helpful! Tim

  • @jhuff8596
    @jhuff85962 жыл бұрын

    Cheers Tim! Good to see the Pitts

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    2 жыл бұрын

    JH: The Pitts really flies well. AS3X makes all the difference, that magic really works! Tim

  • @Mountian-Zen
    @Mountian-Zen Жыл бұрын

    👍thank you

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    Жыл бұрын

    Welcome 👍

  • @stevendegiorgio3143
    @stevendegiorgio31432 жыл бұрын

    One thing to keep in mind is when you get an almost ready to fly model,you need to inspect it thorally.I found in an ARF I just got had the elevator/rudder servos loose on there mounting rails.There is really no substitute for experience in aircraft systems.A new modeler can easily crash a new model the first time.I recommend getting in touch with a local R/C club.And even a visit to the hobbystore.Nowadays even the internet is a good source of information.Even being experienced as I am,I still go to the internet for information on a new aircraft I purchased.

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    2 жыл бұрын

    Steve: Agree with all points. Purchase a quality kit and start with an instructor! Tim

  • @stevendegiorgio3143
    @stevendegiorgio31432 жыл бұрын

    I started with a carl goldburg falcon 56 in 1976.I actually learned on a carl goldburg Skylark 56.Its actually a falcon with the wing on the bottom.

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    2 жыл бұрын

    Steve: I know the Goldberg Falcon kits well, classics! Tim

  • @1mikeb
    @1mikeb2 жыл бұрын

    I would add, make sure your motor, speed controller and battery combo are correct. I purchased an ARF(PNP) that had a manual that recommened a 2s battery but stated a 3s battery could be used. The company changed the included esc from 15a to 12a but didn't update the manual. The motor using the 3s battery burned up the esc, the receiver lost power, and my new plane crashed. I always check the motor amp draw now, and make sure the esc can handle it.

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    2 жыл бұрын

    Mike: Yikes, very good point. Tim

  • @jeffwest5080
    @jeffwest50802 жыл бұрын

    Do you fly at coffee air field? I fly out there all the time. Incredible field!

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    2 жыл бұрын

    Jeff: Pulled the picture off the internet, I am out of north Georgia. Tim

  • @rjar6372
    @rjar63729 ай бұрын

    Tim, isn't the term "ARF" only refer to the completion level of the model airplane you're purchasing? ARFs don't come with any electronics, as far as I understand. Is that not correct?

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    9 ай бұрын

    The term ARF is not really specific. Usually it means an aircraft that is assembled in a short period of time to go fly. For sure every ARF has electronics installed. See my review of the Futura ARF from FMS. All servos, ESC, ducted fan, etc. all installed at the factory. Just screw on the tail and wing, go fly. Amazing. Tim

  • @nocturnalmayhem0
    @nocturnalmayhem02 жыл бұрын

    lol i had the antenna break on my dx6i and the range was less than 50 yards. i replaced it with a wifi antenna from a old laptop and the range is now past line of sight.

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    2 жыл бұрын

    Noc: Well done! Tim

  • @jeffwest5080
    @jeffwest50802 жыл бұрын

    And with battery’s, HRB are “cheap” half the price of Eflite and will put them to shame. Check them out.

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    2 жыл бұрын

    Jeff: Thanks for sharing! Tim

  • @rjar6372
    @rjar63729 ай бұрын

    You called the Duet an ARF. It is not an arf but instead an RTF

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    9 ай бұрын

    Yes, the Duet is a RTF. The micro models are just too hard to "assemble" in any way. Tim

  • @stevendegiorgio3143
    @stevendegiorgio31432 жыл бұрын

    Quality radios aren't bulletproof.I had a plane crash.thru no fault of mine with my spektrum Dx8.

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    2 жыл бұрын

    Steve: Agree, but the internal antennas in Spektrum sure help a lot. Tim

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@rafaeltorres2886 Good point! Tim

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@rafaeltorres2886 First I have heard of this, likely more to follow. Tim

  • @JN24185
    @JN241856 күн бұрын

    Tim, I just love your videos buddy. Very helpful, not too flashy, to the point, reliable information. Checks all my boxes my friend! Thanks. Also, for the beginners, Horizon Hobby makes a flight simulator called “Real Flight”. I cannot stress just how critical this was for me. Honestly, had it not been for the simulator, I likely would have left the hobby. I couldn’t afford to crash any more planes! For $100 you really can’t heat the price and will likely saves HUNDREDS in crashes. I STILL practice on my simulator. I’ve also used it to teach my son to fly and it helps me know when he’s ready for the real thing.

  • @JN24185

    @JN24185

    6 күн бұрын

    Clearly I spoke before finishing the video 😂

  • @TimMcKay56

    @TimMcKay56

    6 күн бұрын

    Thanks for checking in! Fully agree, Real Flight is a godsend. Enjoy! Tim