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Basic Trainer Components

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There are certain criteria that a trainer should have in order to be satisfactory for a beginner.

1.      High Wing - A high wing model is inherently more stable than a low wing model due to pendulum effect. Since the weight of the model is below the wing, the fuselage tends to swing downward like a pendulum in order to equalize forces.

2.      Flat Bottom Wing - The wing cross section should have a virtually flat bottom. This type of cross section has more gentle flight characteristics that are necessary for a beginner.

3.      Dihedral - The wing should have some dihedral. This means that the tips of the wings are higher than the center. The effect of the dihedral is to try to equalize forces and keep the wings level or to return the wings to a level orientation.

4.      High Aspect Ratio - The ratio of the wing length or span should be at least 5 1/2 times the width or chord. This will reduce the rate at which the model responds to command input allowing more time for a beginner to react.

5.      Constant Chord - The width of the wing should be the same from the center or root to the end or tip. This distributes the weight of the airplane evenly over the entire surface of the wing.

6.      Low Wing Loading - The weight of the model divided by the area of the wing should not exceed 19 oz./sq. ft. This reduces the speed required to maintain an acceptable rate that the model descends when the power is reduced resulting in a lower landing speed.

7.      Moderate Size - Most trainers are for engine sizes between .15 and .60. The smaller ones are more susceptible to the effects of wind and normally the wing loading is higher simply because of the weight of the radio equipment. The larger sizes are easier to fly and easier to see but are more difficult to transport. Most trainers are for .40 size engines. These trainers have been widely accepted as the optimum size.

8.      Structurally Sound - A trainer must be able to take the abuses imposed by a beginner. This is especially true for hard landings. It must be able to withstand minor crashes with minimal damage. It should be relatively easy to repair.

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A trainer that meets these guidelines will give the beginner excellent service without the frustration that can occur with an inappropriate model. With proper instruction, the beginner can progress quickly to his solo flight and on to the novice stage and still get years of sport flying from the trainer.

There are several trainers on the market that meet and far exceed the guidelines. These range from the most basic kit to beautiful Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) models complete with engine and radio. There are a lot of considerations when choosing a trainer but the two most basic are time and money.

A trainer built from a kit has the advantage of being less expensive in some cases. It gives the builder the pleasure of building, the option of color and trim scheme, and the knowledge of the structure to perform repairs. The biggest disadvantage is the time required to construct the model when the beginner would rather be learning to fly. Another disadvantage in some cases is the emotional attachment the builder develops having spent many hours on his creation.

The big advantage of the ARF models is that they can be assembled in about an hour and the beginner can be ready to start his flying lessons. The disadvantages are the unknown structure and the fixed color scheme. Most ARF models perform as well as any kit built model on the market. Any beginner who purchases an ARF model should get an experienced modeler to check the model before the maiden (first) flight. 

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Aileron - The moveable portion of the wing which causes a change about the roll axis, some beginners call it a "flap" but that's another control surface used to slow down a planes' descent.  back to top

 

 

 

Cowling - The part of the fuselage which covers the engine, this is not a necessary part and is not included on most trainers. Most trainers have exposed engines with "cheeks" on either side of the engine.   back to top

 

 

 

Engine - A 2 or 4 cycle reciprocating machine or electric motor which provides the motivational power   back to top

 

 

 

Elevator - The moveable portion of the horizontal stabilizer which causes a change about the pitch axis (up or down)  back to top

 

 

 

Fin - Properly known as vertical stabilizer which provides stabilization about the yaw axis   back to top

 

 

 

Fuselage - The main body of an aircraft, it usually houses the electronics and pushrods that move the control surfaces   back to top

 

 

 

Landing Gear - The supporting structure of an aircraft including landing gear struts and wheels, on most trainers the front wheel actually steers the plane (on the ground)   back to top

 

 

 

Propeller (Prop) - The combination of blades which provide thrust   back to top

 

 

 

Rudder - The moveable portion of the vertical stabilizer which causes change about the yaw axis   back to top

 

 

 

Spinner - Covering over the prop hub. This is good for using electric starters, simply push onto the spinner and press the button to motivate the engine to life  back to top

 

 

 

Stabilizer - Properly known as horizontal stabilizer which provides stabilization about the pitch axis   back to top

 

 

 

Wing - The horizontal surfaces which provide the lifting forces   back to top

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nitro 101 Learn how to tune your nitro engine!

 

 

 

 

 

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