The Parts and components of an RC Airplane

How exactly does a radio controlled airplane work? This is an in depth look at this question. I explain to you the basics of how the system works and I take a look at the various components that go into the RC Airplane system. This tutorial looks at an electric airplane. A gas powered airplane is a bit different but except for one motor running on gas and the other motor running on electricity (Battery power) the two types of airplanes are pretty much the same and the theory behind them are exactly the same. The only difference is how what kind of engine turns the propellor.

The following picture shows you the major components of an RC airplane.

All the parts of an RC Airplane

Here is a list of these major parts:

Battery - powers the motor
Canopy - goes over the cockpit where the "pilot" would sit.
Cowl - This goes on the front of the airplane covering the motor unit
Engine/motor - turns the propellor
Fuselage - the main body of the aircraft
Landing gear - wheels for the plane to land, typically two in front and one at the rear
Propellor - turns and impels the aircraft forward
Recharger - charges up the battery
Spinner - the front nose of the propellor
Transmitter - The operator uses this to control the aircraft
Wings - gives the plane flight!

Let's take a look at the controls of an aircraft

Parts of an RC Airplane

The picture above shows the important control parts of the aircraft. These are how you control the flight. I have a more in-depth explanation of these parts on this page here: The controls of an RC airplane

Ailerons - Control Roll (tilts plane so one or other wing goes down/up)
Elevator - Controls pitch of airplane (up/down)
Throttle - Speed of airplane
Rudder - Controls Yaw (turning left/right)

Now let's take a closer look and see the smaller internal components of the aircraft

Parts inside the fuselage

Inside the fuselage are these parts:

Receiver/controller - This receives the radio signal from the transmitter and sends the signal to the various servos in the airplane. This is how you control the plane.
Servos - These are small electrical activated devices that push or pull the control rods
Control rods - These extend to the moving parts of the aircraft such as the rudder, elevators and ailerons. The motion of these rods move the controlled parts of the plane causing it to change its flight path.

One final part you should know about is the clevis. This is the connection between the control rod and the controllers. In the picture below I have marked an X on the clevis.

RC Aircraft Clevis

The Megatech Night Flyer Megatech Night Flyer 2 Channel Illuminated Remote Control Airplane

The Megatech Night Flyer is an inexpensive and easy to start out with airplane. I have a complete tutorial on this airplane located here. I bought this plane, put it together and took it out for some flights. It is a nice way to start out in the hobby without having complexity or expense. It isn't a super duper airplane, it is just something inexpensive to get you started. I have a separate webpage and tutorial about this airplane

Super Cub RTF Electric

This plane costs more but has a whole series of great reviews on amazon.com It might not be something that is suitable for young children or for your absolute first plane but if you are a bit more ambitious you might want to take a look at this plane

Variety of Planes and other Flying Vehicles

Pitts Model 12 15e ARF

One of the best things about the hobby of model airplanes is the wide variety of styles and models that are available. Just about every kind of airplane that has been made in real size can also be had in model size. This includes military fighter planes and even helicopters. Some planes like the Pitts Model shown here are specially designed for in the air acrobatics.

Custom Search

Table of Contents for this section

BACK TO THE RC Airplane Home Page

YOUTUBE -my RC airplane videos

Buy RC Airplanes and Supplies

Other Hobby Sections of this Website

More Creative Projects

Art & Drawing
For Writers
For Webmasters
Earn with your website

WEBSITES

Stormthecastle.com
Castlefiction.com
Epic Fantasy.com
The Medieval Armory
THe Fantasy Guide
The Heroic Dreams Blog
The Knight Medieval
The Telescope Nerd

STORES

Posters
Dioramas and miniatures

MORE

Links
Banner Exchange

---------
All Materials, unless otherwise stated are Copyright© 2001-2010
Kalif Publishing and StormtheCastle.com check out my copyright page for information about how to use any work on this site.

Hi, Thanks for visiting my website. My name is Will and if you have questions
or would like to
contribute you can

---------

Earning money with your website