RC ULTIMATE PACKAGE

We just were able to get up a strong endorsement of RC Powers RC Ultimate Package E-Book series.  You can read all about it up in the "Rookie Pilots" tab up top. If you are looking for a comprehensive manual on RC flying, especially focused on parkjets, this is the E-book to get.

There is no other product that is even close. So go and check it out. You won't be disappointed. 

GETTING STARTED

R/C flying is a really great hobby.

It's not as popular as some of the other forms of the R/C Hobby, however.  But since you are here reading this, I'll assume that you want to fly Jets, R/C Parkjets to be specific.

READ THESE FIRST:

 R/C Dictionary 

Read Tower Hobbies R/C Dictionary to become acquainted with General R/C Terminology

A really good Tutorial for Electric R/C flying

R/C Groups Electric Flight FAQ

First, let’s take a look at you, and your experience. Do you feel that you are physically capable of grabbing a jet that is anywhere from 2-Ft. to 5-Ft. long and weighing several pounds, and giving that jet a mighty toss, like Brett Farve throwing a bullet pass for the winning touchdown, and then having enough wit's about you to grab the TX control sticks, and fly that jet out of what ever problem it has gotten itself into?

I hope you answered "Hell Yes!!" If not, then you may want to consider flying a more "Conventional" Airplane," one of those slow flying type's with the prop up front, and leave the ParkJets for when your older, and/or when you have more experience.

Things You Need to Do

You need to start reading all about the Electric R/C Hobby at the RC Groups E-Zone discussion boards. I HIGHLY Suggest you join the RC Group's and participate in the thread discussions.  The owners of the ParkJet plans found on this website deeply appreciate knowing there plans are being built, and they will gladly answer any questions you have about the construction, and flying of their creations.  Everything I know, I have learned from the great people at the E-zone :)

BECOME AN AMA MEMBER

I've been an AMA Member for the last few years now, and I consider this organization to be essential to the R/C Flying Hobby. No matter WHERE or WHAT you fly. You WILL need an AMA card to fly at any sanctioned event, and the accident insurance they offer can really save you a ton of money, if you ever hurt someone, or damage any property while flying.  See more information on my Sensible Safety Rules webpage.

Your First RTF ParkJet

Your first ParkJet should be a Ready To Fly (RTF) 3 Channel (motor, aileron, elevator OR motor, elevator, rudder) kit, with , a pre-built jet with a transmitter (TX) receiver (RX), servo's, and speed controller (ESC) already installed, with flight and transmitter battery packs, and a appropriate battery charger.

NEVER fly a 2 Channel RTF jet!!  These jets are the imported "Kids Toy Store" variety with controls for the motor and rudder only!  You will learn BAD HABITS flying one of these jets, that you will have to un-learn to fly a proper Parkjet.

This is not to say that a 2 channel parkjet won't fly, your altitude is controlled by the motor, and steering is controlled by the rudder. It's your money, if you want to waste it, and then go right ahead. These toys are not my choice of plane to fly, the only thing there designed to do is separate your money from your wallet.

A Room to Build and Store Your Aircraft!!!

Find a space, and call it your own.  Don't let anyone in there (especially Animals and Children) These ParkJets take time to assemble (although I have read of one modeler building a jet in One day) glue and paint have to dry; epoxy has to set, and so on. 

YOUR MOST IMPORTANT PURCHASE

Is going to be your Battery Charger!! I know what your thinking, your Transmitter is more important, but this is not necessarily true.

You may buy several transmitters, but most likely you will only purchase a single Battery Charger.  Of course, how you fly, and the number of planes you fly at one time, may have a bearing on your "Need" for additional charger.

Charging takes time, and the only way to charge multiple packs of batteries quickly, is to use multiple battery chargers.

Your battery charger is the life blood to your flying hobby.  Once you get to the point of building and flying your own ParkJets, you will most likely be using Lithium Polymer  (Lipo) batteries.  So, it only makes sense to buy a changer that can handle Lipo batteries, and charge them SAFELY.

A lot of changers will charge Lipo batteries. The only "Problem" with many battery charges is that they require a 12 VDC Power Source.

One good way around this "Problem" is to use a Portable Power System, commonly used for roadside emergency Battery Jumping. J.C. Whitney sells several models.

You can recharge your batteries away from your car, and you can even take the unit right out to the flight line with you to charge your battery packs all day long!!

Another "Must Have" tool is a Power Meter. You can use these meters in a variety of ways.  Use it to monitor your battery charger, to see how much "Juice" your battery is taking.

Use it to test and monitor power set-up's, check the Voltage, Amperage, power (in Watts), Amps-per-hour, and Watt's-per-hour.

The Hyperion E-Meter (Left Side) and the Medusa Power Analyzer Plus (Right Side) can connect to your PC and download the information collected so you can produce graph's and record a "History" of your batteries and equipment (an easy way to spot potential problems)

The Hyperion E-Meter will also function as a tachometer, and It can also program the Hyperion Tital Brand of Brushless ESC's. You can read a discussion in the RC Groups about the Hyperion E-Meter here. You can also view a 20 Meg Video about the Hyperion E-Meter.

Special Thanks to RCParkFlyer for this article

SENSIBLE SAFETY TIPS

SAFETY BASICS

Most people enjoy flying ParkJets because they are not restricted the way that Fuel and Turbine Jets are.  They feel they can avoid the hassles and fees associated with flying fuel planes, by flying small electric planes in large open areas, or public parks.

However, just because you can do something, it doesn't mean that you should do it, if your not going to do it in a safe manor.  You need to follow a new common sense safety rules, which can save yourself and others from having needless accidents.  Finding the Right Place to fly.

MAKE SURE IT IS LEGAL FOR YOU TO FLY IN THE AREA YOU HAVE CHOSEN!!!

Some communities have banned flying any type of Radio Controlled aircraft, not just Fuel planes, in their city parks.  Check with your local Park or Recreation Department, or the local Police Dept., regarding any R/C flying restrictions that your community has.

If your community has banned parkflying, try to find someone with suitable private property, and go ask them (Nicely) if you can fly over their land.

If all else fails, Join a Local AMA Sanctioned club.  (Believe me, any dues you have to pay will more than cover the cost of one citation for breaking a local ordinance..)

Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse!!  If you want the right to fly your Parkjet, it is your obligation to know the local laws and rules governing your hobby.

Your Flying Area

At a minimum you should only fly in an open area that is 500 Ft. X 500 Ft. (almost the length  of 2 football fields end to end)  A ParkJet flying at 60 mph will travel 88 ft. per second.  Giving you roughly 6 seconds before you need to make a turn-around.  Not much time at all.

If your field is larger, say 1,000 ft. your straight line flying time increases to about 11 seconds.  1,000 ft. is about the range limit of some of the micro receivers in use today, so plan according to your needs.

General Rules

The Area you fly in must be relatively level, with no trees, or any other obstructions to block your line of sight with your plane.

You cannot fly within 3 miles of any airport.

You cannot fly higher than 400 feet high without invading general aviation airspace.  (Some AMA flying sites have FAA Wavers allowing their members to fly higher)

You should not fly within 3 miles of any OTHER flying sites.  (transmitter overlaps)

Avoid areas of tall grass, farm crops, etc.  (It's very difficult to find a plane in a corn field)

Avoid area's with lots of people!!!!   The 4th of July is NOT the time to be flying your ParkJet in your local park.  (More on dealing with people later)

Always set yourself up so you can launch into the wind, and land into the wind.

Avoid flying in un-safe conditions, High Winds, bad weather, etc...

Flying with Others

Flying with other people calls for some special requirements:

Spectators: NEVER fly when the number of spectators or passers by exceeds your ability to keep track of them as well as your model. A helper or spotter can keep you informed of people walking past. A faster more challenging aircraft will severely restrict your ability to watch people while you’re flying.

The one thing that people love to do is watch others fly. Children especially love to watch, and they will most likely run over to you and start asking questions. If you have another person with you, ask them before hand to take care of any "Distractions" that may happen.

If you’re alone, just tell them that you will answer all of there questions AFTER You Land. Have them stand behind you at all times, and keep your model in front of you!

Other Flyers: Getting together with your friends for a day of flying is one of the best times you can have in the R/C World, but it can also cause problems if you’re not careful. You do need to follow a few rules from the AMA Safety Guide however....

CHECK YOUR TX FREQUENCY'S

To make sure no one else is using your frequency when you are flying.

1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground-range check before the first flight of a new or repaired model aircraft.

2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of spectators until I become a proficient flier, unless I am assisted by an experienced pilot.

3. At all flying sites a straight or curved flightline must be established, in front of which all flying takes place. Only personnel associated with flying the model aircraft are allowed at or in front of the flightline.

4. No powered model may be flown outdoors closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for the pilots and helpers located at the flightline.

5. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch a model aircraft in flight while it is still under power, except to divert it from striking an individual.

6.If there are several planes in the air at the same time, use a spotter to keep track of the other aircraft, and to warn you about aircraft flying too close to you or your ParkJet.

7. Call out your Intentions (Landing, Taking-Off) so your friends can fly out of the way.

That wasn't so bad now was it :)

One LAST Golden Rule: KNOW WHO TO CALL IN EVENT OF A FIRE OR OTHER EMERGENCY, AND HAVE THE MEANS TO CONTACT THEM!! 

Special thanks to FlysLikeABeagle and Grejen for these suggestions