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Control surfaces on the wing trailing edges that control roll — how the plane banks left and right.
Academy of Model Aeronautics. National hobby organization since 1936. Membership includes liability insurance and club field access.
Almost Ready to Fly. Pre-covered airframe only — no electronics or power system. For experienced builders.
Artificial Stabilization — 3 Axis. E-flite's gyro-based system that counteracts wind gusts and smooths flight.
Free FAA app showing your airspace and whether you're legal to fly. Use before every flight at a new location.
A LiPo charger that monitors and equalizes individual cell voltages during charging. Always required for LiPos.
Bind and Fly. Airplane sold without a transmitter — everything else included.
When the receiver momentarily loses power (usually from low voltage), causing servos to drop. Prevented by proper battery sizing.
LiPo discharge rate. A 25C rating on a 2000mAh battery means 50A continuous output. Match to your airplane's power requirements.
Independent control inputs on a radio system. A 4-channel radio controls throttle, aileron, elevator, and rudder.
The balance point of the airplane. Critical for stable flight. Too far forward = nose heavy. Too far back = unstable.
When the motor stops in flight, leaving the airplane to glide. A deadstick landing is a landing without engine power.
The upward V-angle of the wings. More dihedral = more natural stability and self-righting tendency. Common on trainers.
Reduces maximum control surface travel. Lower rates = less aggressive response. Beginners benefit from reduced rates.
Horizontal tail control surface. Controls pitch — nose up or nose down.
Electronic Speed Controller. Regulates power from battery to brushless motor based on throttle input.
Makes controls less sensitive around center stick while keeping full throw at extremes. Try 30–40% expo for a smoother feel.
A receiver setting that activates when radio signal is lost — typically cuts throttle to zero. Essential safety feature.
First Person View. Flying with a camera on the airplane and goggles on the ground. A separate discipline from traditional RC flying.
A sensor detecting rotation. Used to stabilize aircraft automatically. AS3X uses gyros.
Wing mounted on top of fuselage. Provides natural stability and self-righting tendency. Standard on beginner trainers.
FAA's digital airspace authorization system. Get approval near airports in seconds through B4UFLY.
Lithium Polymer. High energy density rechargeable battery used in most electric RC aircraft. Requires specific charger and careful handling.
Low Voltage Cutoff. ESC feature that reduces motor power when battery voltage drops critically. Your signal to land immediately.
The very first flight of a new or newly built aircraft. Approach carefully with a full pre-flight check.
Dominant US transmitter configuration. Left stick: throttle and rudder. Right stick: elevator and aileron.
Plug and Play. No transmitter or receiver included. Not recommended for first purchases.
Propeller configuration with motor and prop at the rear. Protects the prop from ground strikes on landing.
How far a control surface moves at full stick input. Lower rates = gentler, more stable handling for beginners.
Ready to Fly. Complete with everything needed — airframe, transmitter, receiver, battery, charger. Best for beginners.
Vertical tail fin surface. Controls yaw (left/right nose rotation). Used for taxi and coordinating turns.
Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope. E-flite's system that limits bank angle and pitch to prevent extreme attitudes.
Small electric motor with positional feedback that moves control surfaces based on stick inputs.
Dominant RC radio system brand in the US (Horizon Hobby). Most US beginner RTF airplanes use Spektrum systems.
Temporary Flight Restriction. Always check B4UFLY before flying even at your regular spot.
Fine adjustments to the neutral position of each control surface. Use to prevent drifting in one direction.
Free, required online safety test for all US recreational RC flyers. 20–30 minutes. Take it here.
Wingtip to wingtip distance. Beginners should target 42–48” for their first airplane.