The Two Halves of Your Radio System
Your transmitter (in your hands) sends radio signals to the receiver (inside the airplane), which passes commands to the servos and ESC. The whole loop happens in milliseconds. Most beginner RTF airplanes come with a 4–6 channel transmitter — enough for throttle, aileron, elevator, and rudder.
Mode 2 — The US Standard
Throttle. Up for more power, down for less. Doesn't spring back to center in most trainers.
Rudder. Vertical tail fin. Used for taxi, coordinating turns, heading corrections.
Elevator. Pull back = nose up. Push forward = nose down. You'll use this constantly.
Ailerons. Roll the plane left and right. Combined with elevator, this is how you turn.
Control Direction Check — Every Single Flight
Verify every surface moves the correct direction before flying, especially after repairs or transport:
- Right aileron stick: Right wing drops
- Left aileron stick: Left wing drops
- Elevator back: Elevator goes UP, nose pitches up
- Elevator forward: Elevator goes DOWN, nose pitches down
- Right rudder: Rudder deflects right
- Left rudder: Rudder deflects left
If anything moves wrong, reverse that channel in your transmitter menu before flying. A reversed control surface crashes the airplane within seconds of liftoff.
Trims and Switches
- Trim tabs: Fine adjustments to neutral surface position. If the plane drifts left, add a small right aileron trim.
- Flight mode switch: Controls SAFE training modes. Start in beginner mode.
What's Next
Lesson 8 is what you've been building toward — actual flying. Pre-flight checklist, takeoff, turns, landing, and building your skills.