The Basic Trainer

Quite often a person has an interest in model airplanes and visits a local flying field just to observe.  He sees all types of airplanes from trainers to pattern planes to scale World War II fighter planes. His interest is piqued by all the fabulous looking models. He thinks, "I have to have one of those Mustangs."  He immediately sets out trying to find a P-51 model to begin his modeling hobby. This is a serious mistake. Many hours of training and practice are involved before a beginner has the ability to handle the more advanced models.  A beginner must realize the dedication that is required to gain the ability to fly the type of model that initially spawned his interest. He must begin the hobby with a basic trainer and progress through different levels of models until his goal is reached.

A trainer is a specific type of model aircraft that is designed to be stable in flight. This means that it has an inherent ability to correct itself and overcome the rotational forces applied so that it regains straight and level flight. Most trainers are designed to that they remain stable in slow flight so that they are easy to land.

Basic Trainer

The Basic Trainer diagram shows the components of a common trainer.

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.

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 and Virtually Ready to Fly (VRTF) 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 a matter of a few hours and the beginner can be ready to start his flying lessons. The disadvantages are the cost, the unknown structure that is sometimes weak, and the fixed color scheme.  Most ARF models perform as well or almost 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 assembly is started.  An experienced modeler can point out areas that may need to be reglued or reinforced.

There are several models that are widely accepted as being the best in the field although there is disagreement as to which is the "All Time Best".  The list is not an all-inclusive but includes those that are most widely accepted and therefore are most widely recommended by novices and seasoned veterans of the hobby. Some of the trainers are also available in .20 and .60 size but the .40 is the most widely accepted.

All of the following recommended trainers can be purchased at our local hobby shop (Extreme Hobbies) 717-284-0164

Tell them that you were referred by the Buck RC Club web site!

All of the models listed above have been reviewed by one or more of the major model magazines. A beginner can get information from these reviews that may help in deciding which model to buy and the areas of assembly that need special attention. Regardless of the amount of advice that the beginner gets from experienced modelers, the final decision is the beginner's.  The choice of a model is an individual choice and all the pros and cons must be weighed.  Each person must decide which model is pleasing in appearance and performance and which one will meet his needs. The final consideration should be that the model should be considered disposable. Many trainers are destined to be handed off to another flyer when it has served its purpose as the beginning pilot will end up moving on to another sportier airplane. Although, some have been noted to keep their trainers for many years, enjoying the slow, stable and relaxing flight that they provide.