If you have been at it for quite some time, then you are probably already comfortable flying your RC airplane. Now that you have mastered your basic flying skills, it is time to learn some basic aerobatic maneuvers. Before we get right to it, let us talk about RC airplane aerobatics first.

 

Define RC airplane aerobatics?

 

Aerobatics is the performance of simple or complicated stunts using a remote controlled aircraft. These stunts are beyond the normal function of an airplane. Not all RC airplanes are able to do this but most trainers and airplanes are able to perform these stunts.

 

Basic RC airplane aerobatics (in alphabetic order)

 

3D Flight

 

It is any maneuver where the wing is not producing any lift and most of the effort is being exerted by the engine. A perfect example is the hover. In this maneuver, the airplane hovers like a helicopter with the nose pointing upwards. This is accomplished through skillful manipulation of the airplane’s controls.

 

Barrel roll

 

Here, the airplane is making a rotation on its axis while maintaining a spiral path.

 

Immelmann turn

 

Although named after Max Immelmann, it is not the same as the original maneuver made famous by Immelmann.

 

Inside loops

 

The inside loop is one of the simplest of the basic aerobatic maneuvers. In fact, it is usually the first stunt that an RC hobbyist learns. It is accomplished by getting the airplane to make an upward loop and then continuing the loop downwards until the airplane makes a complete circle. Enough power must be applied so that the airplane would not lose its momentum.

 

Inverted flight

 

This maneuver has the airplane flying upside down on a level flight.

 

Inverted spin

 

This is similar to a spin expect that the airplane is upside down.

 

Outside loops

 

An outside loop is similar to the inside loop wherein the plane completes a circle except that the cockpit is facing outwards.

 

Pattern flight

 

It is when an airplane executes precise aerobatic maneuvers under a set of rules.

 

Roll

 

The roll is an aerobatic maneuver wherein the airplane rolls on its axis on level flight.

 

Snap roll

 

This is done by having the airplane execute a sudden or unexpected roll.

 

Spin

 

In this maneuver, the airplane is rotating vertically while stalling the wing.

 

These are just some of the maneuvers you can do with an RC airplane. You have to master the basics first before you can move on to the more advanced aerobatics. Remember, if you don’t get it right the first time, don’t worry. Just keep on practicing and your skills will eventually improve.

Recreation Aviation would like to announce its newest contributor–drum roll please… Paul! Paul will be introducing you to some novel ideas in rc aviation through his column Leaving the Nest. But first we need to introduce him.

First of all, Paul is an Aussie which makes him sweet. Second, he does a stellar job putting together instructional rc plane videos in his spare time.  Third, we’ll let him explain.

We emailed Paul a list of questions about life, flight and five random things about himself. You’ll find his shocking answers in the video below:

Be sure to check out more rc videos from Paul on YouTube.