Flying Basics
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Aerodynamics: To fly, an airplane's wing has to overcome gravity by developing lift greater than the weight of the plane. Airplanes use thrust force directed backwards to drive the wing forward through the air and generate lift. However, thrust has its own opposition to overcome in the form of drag. Drag is the resistance of the air to a body moving through it. If lift and thrust are greater than gravity and drag, the potential for flight is available.
Wing Location: Wing placement have two major categories: high wing design and low wing design. In a high wing design, the weight of the model is suspended below the wing. When the model turns, the weigh tends to try to return the model to a level position. As a result, high-wing models tend to be more stable and become the perfect trainers. A low-wing model is just the opposite, with the weigh above the wing it tends to be less stable. This allows experience flyers to perform aerobatics maneuvers.
Airfoil: If you face the wing tip of the plane and cut it from front to back, the cross section exposed would be the wing's airfoil. There are three major categories of airfoil. The Flat-Bottom Airfoil will develop the most lift at low speeds. This is ideal for trainers. A Symmetrical Airfoil's top and bottom have the same shape allowing it produce lift equally when right-side up or upside down. And finally, Semi-symmetrical Airfoil which is a combination of the other two and favored by intermediate and sport pilots.
Wing Area/Wing Loading: Wing area is the amount of wing surface available to create lift. Wing loading is the weight that a given area of the wing has to lift and is usually measured in ounces per square foot. Generally, a light wing loading is best for beginners; the plane will perform better and be easier to control.
Dihedral: Dihedral is the upward angle of the wings from the fuselage. Dihedral increases stability and decreases aerobatics ability.
Wing Thickness: Wing thickness determines how much drag is created. A thick wing creates more drag, causing slower speeds and gentler stalls. A thin wing permits higher speeds and sudden stalls.
Landing Gear Location: Tricycle gear includes a nose gear and two wing gears making take-off and landing easier, ideal for trainers. Tail-draggers include two wing gears and one small tail wheel. This are found in many scale models. Tail-draggers are more difficult to control during take-off and landings.