INTRO TO INDOOR RC GUIDE, by John Worth, RC Micro World
The world of Micro RC is relatively new and is currently populated by a few thousand enthusiasts who build and/or fly what we call microflight models. But this is a fast growing activity, even though information concerning what it is all about is not so obvious. Other than via our subscription-only online monthly magazine, RC Micro World, and occasional articles in the general model press, and because much of the activity takes place indoors and out of the general public’s sight, the activity is largely behind the scenes in comparison to other model flying activity.
This publication, therefore, is offered as a free presentation for anyone who has access to a computer and the Internet, to tell and show what the micro RC world is and how those interested can get further information.
This presentation was put together by Bob Aberle, one of our foremost writer/photographer talents in the whole world of aeromodeling. It is provided as a public service guide to anyone who is interested. Bob has contributed this presentation in the interest of promoting greater understanding of and participation
in this most fascinating technology.
INDOOR RC – THE BASICS OF
by Bob Aberle, Editor-At-Large, RC Micro World
WHAT’S INVOLVED AND HOW TO DO IT
This presentation assumes that you have some existing knowledge of RC model aircraft. We don’t presume that this presentation is for rank beginners, but with some help from local modelers, it could be! If you never flew indoor or micro RC before, we are about to tell you – what it is – and how you can enter into this really “fun part” of our hobby.
For Larger sites: Bob Aberle’s Piper PA-11 semi-scale at 5 ounces total weight,
published December 2004 RC Microflight
WHY INDOOR RC?
For so many of us, winter weather means no flying! You can build in anticipation of summer weather, but in snow, sleet and rain you can’t fly! Indoor RC lets you fly in a local school gymnasium, in an indoor inflatable golf training dome (or sports arena) or even in your home den or living room in the case of the micro RC models (believe it or not!).
But indoor flying is no longer just a bad-weather alternative—it is now an all year activity for many modelers who prefer flying indoors, day or night.\
For the smallest of sites: West Coast Blimps Living Room Flyer LRF-1 RTF model
3.6 gram total weight, 8 inch wing span
YOU NOW KNOW THE WHY --- WHAT ABOUT THE HOW?
The primary purpose of this presentation is to inform an average RC sport pilot how he or she can enjoy indoor RC and micro RC flying. Much is going on all over the country these days with E-3D vertical maneuvering electric aerobatic models. These are the kind of aircraft that can hover much like a helicopter. Many of this type aircraft are flown at indoor facilities. While this is a very popular part of our hobby, it is a little out of the class of the every day sport flyer and will not be included in this particular presentation.
E-3D hovering like a helicopter!
We consider E-3D as a specialty, all by itself! But more will be said on this subject as we move along. For now we will continue with the main theme of telling an RC sport flyer how to fly indoors – for the fun of it! And also how to get all the way down to the micro size indoor RC model aircraft.
RC MICRO WORLD’s CHARTER
Having said what we did so far, it is best to put “our” type aircraft in perspective with all the other types. John Worth, the founder of RC MICRO WORLD (webzine) has defined indoor RC model aircraft as having three categories within a maximum total flying weight of 6 ounces and a maximum electric power input of 30 watts. This isn’t an absolute value, but simply a guideline.
For those interested in the E-3D electric indoor aerobatic models we refer you to the QUIET FLYER magazine (www.quietflyer.com) (Kiona Publishing) and their new dedicated “E-3D” magazine. Also to articles on that same subject that regularly appear in FLY-RC, Model Airplane News and Backyard Flyer magazines.
MORE ABOUT THE TINY AIRCRAFT WE FLY!
Scott Christensen’s YARDSAIL at under one ounce total weight)
You can see that there are some interesting RTF and ARF aircraft for our use. You will learn more about them shortly. But quite honestly, RTF and ARF aircraft for micro/indoor flying applications are only just getting started. For now, building your own from kits, plans or your own designs is the primary way to go. Many new foam material, like Depron sheets and special cements are making there way into the micro and indoor portion of our RC hobby.
Since we just defined our limits in weight and power, what are we looking for in a small RC model aircraft? We want planes that are small in size (to keep under the 6 ounce weight limit). Planes that are easy to build (or assembly) requiring little time, Planes that require little material, and therefore are inexpensive to construct.
Typical micro indoor model aircraft designed and built by Dr. Gordon Johnson.
This is a micro version of the Buzzard Bombshell old timer model. Total weight is 26.75 grams (less than 1 ounce) with an 18 inch span.
From a realistic standpoint some of our truly micro aircraft can be somewhat tedious to build and assemble. Because of that fact not as many modelers are willing to go to that level. The result being that the cost of micro power systems and RC systems can run higher than average equipment. Micro components are more specialized and hence, cost more. But increased activity in indoor RC has begun to bring the prices down.
Please before we proceed with this presentation keep in mind that it wasn’t possible to list or credit every single manufacturer or distributor. Space was somewhat limited yet we did the best we could and still “tell the story”. Any omissions on our part does not reflect on the many fine products made by people who support our enthusiasm for indoor and micro RC.
CATEGORIES OF INDOOR/MICRO RC MODELS
Within the indoor/micro RC “umbrella” are three basic types or categories. They are as follows:
Conventional RC Aircraft (3 to 6 ounce total weight range) These aircraft employ miniaturized, yet for the most part, conventional RC equipment and electric motors. Construction can be stick and tissue, iron-on covering, foam sheeting and molded plastics. Though requiring larger indoor sites, this class of aircraft can also be flown outdoors in gentle wind conditions.
Bob Aberle’s PLAYBOY-225 at under 6 ounces,
published in the June 2004 RC Microflight newsletter
Micro RC Aircraft (approx. 1 to 3 ounces total weigh range) These aircraft employ much lighter weight and miniaturized RC equipment, but still use proportional feedback servos. The electric motors are small in size and can be either brushed or brushless. Construction techniques are still conventional, but with more emphasis being placed on obtaining the lightest weight materials. This class of aircraft can also be flown outdoors , but under dead air conditions, such as early morning or early evening.
Bob Aberle’s SCRATCH-65 2.6 ounce indoor sport model,
published in the February 2005 Model Aviation
Sub-Micro Aircraft (from practically no weight up to 1 ounce) These aircraft usually require magnetic actuators instead of servos, along with micro RC receivers, ESC’s (Electronic Speed Controllers) and the smallest possible Li-Poly batteries (many using just one cell). This class of aircraft requires the most building skills and patience. It is also the most expensive because of the limited demand. These micro aircraft should only be considered for indoor flying, never outdoors except in dead calm air!
Variation of the Clarence Hurd designed LIL SKEETER at less than 1 ounce
TYPICAL POWER SOURCES
The primary source of power for indoor and micro models is electric. Probably 99% of all power for these models is electric, operated by one or two Li-Poly battery cells. Many of the motors are the tiny brushed types, like pager motors or the N-20 ferrite variety. Most of these brushed motors have miniature gear drives. Among sources for these motors are Bob Selman Designs, Falcon, DJ Aerotech, Atomic Workshop and BP Hobbies (a listing of manufacturers websites is supplied later on)
Bob Selman Designs brushed N20A-LV)
Falcon PU-03 brushed and geared ferrite motor
DJ Aerotech’s MPS-1A
The popular KP-00 geared, brushed motor with the companion U80 prop.
BP Hobbies GWS-LPS-B2C-c 6.2/1 geared
Besides ferrite motors we are now seeing a variety of efficient, micro size brushless motors coming on the market. The immediate popularity of these new motors is tending to bring the prices down to a more affordable level. Bob Selman Designs (BSD) has their Mighty Midget 1 cell and 2 cell brushless motors along with a slightly larger version they call the Mighty Midget “Double Whopper”:
In addition, Uttam (from Bangalor, India) has come out with a new series of Mighty Midget brushless outrunner motors which he identifies as the “Gold Line” and which are available from Bob Selman Designs:
This line can easily cover the 1 to 6 ounce weight range.
Also, SkyHooks and Riggings (Canada) has micro brushless motors weighing as little as 3.5 grams that can operate on 1 or 2 cells and perfect for the range of 1 to 6 ounce model weights:
For the upper end model weight (5-6 ounces), the Hobby Lobby AXI 2204/54 is an excellent choice weighing at slightly less than 1 ounce:
Dr. Gordon Johnson’s website (http://home.comcast.net/~gordon-johnson/) contains considerable amount of brushed and micro brushless outrunners motor information. There is considerable test data available on this site for public access. Gordon does this free of charge for the benefit of his fellow “micro” RC modelers. He even goes in to describing how one might build his own micro brushless motor from kits or from scratch. Even if you never get that deep into it, his website is must reading:
Gordon’s Micro LRK brushless outrunner motor
Be advised that beyond electric power you may also see some small amount of CO2, compressed air and rubber power and even a few hand launch or catapult launched RC indoor models that require no motor system.
BATTERIES
It goes without saying that the primary battery for all indoor and micro model aircraft is now lithium polymer (Li-Poly). Some excellent small size Li-Poly batteries can be purchased from Atomic Workshop, BP Hobbies, Cloud9 RC, E-Tec, FMA Direct, Thunder Power, Poly Quest and Apogee:
Many of these same people offer Li-Poly dedicated chargers that handle 1, 2 or 3 cells, which is all you will ever need for these small models In fact capacities will hardly ever be more than 340 mAh. One particular charger worth noting is the Peak Electronics Sirius Lithium Charger:
It is capable of charging 1-3 cells at 100 to 1500 mA current. For the really small Li-Poly batteries, under 100 mAh capacity, we recommend the LiPC2080 special charger (1 cell only at 20, 40, 60 and 80 mA) offered by Bob Selman Designs.
Interestingly, the application of Li-Poly batteries to micro/indoor RC models works out just perfect. Most of these tiny models run on only 1 or 2 cells. That being the case cell imbalance is never really a problem. Also the typical low capacity cells employed are very inexpensive.
Keep in mind that most of these chargers operate from 12 volts DC. When flying at indoor facilities you will not have your car near you, but will have access to 115 VAC power outlets. For that reason you are advised to purchase a small 115VAC to 12 VDC power supply. Something with at least 5 amps output is sufficient.
ESC’s
You have to first decide on brushed or brushless motor operation. Brushed will be less expensive. But brushless will be more efficient and will last a lot longer without requiring any routine maintenance. Also most of the brushless outrunners run direct without the need for a gear drive. After making that choice you must go for either type ESC. Brushed motor ESC’s with a BEC are not that expensive. The FMA Direct Super-9 works well and can be configured for low voltage Li-Poly cut-off:
The Castle Creations Pixie-7P, which has programmable features, also a common choice for the 3 to 6 ounce class of models:
Brushless motor ESC’s are coming down in price, but even more important they are coming down in weight. The larger models (closer to 6 ounces total weight) are using the popular Castle Creations Phoenix-10 brushless ESC (6 grams or 0.21 oz):
BP Hobbies' Blue Arrow 5 amp brushless ESC weighing 7 grams (or 0.25 ounce):
DWE (Dynamics Unlimited) very lightweight brushless ESC weighs only half a gram!
SkyHooks & Rigging sells the Wes-Tec Model SCSH-4BL 4 amp 1.3 gram brushless ESC:
JMP has ESC’s built into receiver modules that are available from Bob Selman Designs. Also, Hobby Lobby has the Jeti 4 amp brushless ESC:
MicroInvent has both brushed and brushless ESC’s weighing as little a 0.25 grams: (http://www.microinvent.com/mambo/index.php) :
MICRO RC RECEIVERS and BLOCKS
Obviously, you must consider that as the weight of your models goes from 6 ounces on down to near zero, that the weight of your RC system components and batteries, must also be reduced. The next few paragraphs indicate the equipment for each of our three weight classes.
For the 3 to 6 ounce aircraft total weight:
Hitec Multiplex Sport USA, Micro 05S (single conversion) (8.6 grams or 0.3 oz):
FMA M5 V2 dual conversion receiver (the current smallest and lightest weight dual conversion receiver) (8.6 grams or 0.3 oz):
This is also a chance that we will soon see lighter weight new RC receivers (and systems) being offered on 2.4 GHz spread spectrum. This type system requires no frequency control, will not interfere with other RC bands and will likely not interfere with others operating the same type systems. Equipment capable of doing this is expected sooner than you might think!
For 1 to 3 ounce aircraft total weight:
Berg (by Castle Creations) MS 4L (single conversion (4 grams or 0.14 oz):
Blue Arrow (BP Hobbiess) single conversion receiver (2.8 grams or 0.09 oz):
Global Cirrus Micro Joule 72 MHz FM receiver (single conversion) 3.5 grams w/case:
Skyhooks & Rigging RX-72N-HYB receiver includes a built-in ESC (3.3 grams or 0.12 oz):
Falcon MK III Breeze Block (receiver with ESC (BEC) and two Falcon Servos, all in one unit or block) 4.8 grams or 0.17 oz:
JMP servo output receiver expandable to 4 channels; shown with 2 Falcon servos connected:
DWE (Dynamics Unlimited) DSP-S3, 4 channel receiver with 3 servo outputs:
Gasparin Penta 2.4 gram micro receiver for digital servos (top and bottom shown):
MicroInvent Minor Classic 4 channel receiver (1.1 grams, without control wires):
For models with zero to 1 ounce total aircraft weight:
Plantraco 900 MHz system (actually a complete system with transmitter, receiver, magnetic actuators, battery and charger) especially suitable for less than 15 gram models):
DWE (Dynamics Unlimited) 3 channel receiver available with magnetic actuator outputs:
Nick Leichty 27 MHz AM receiver with ESC (only 375 mg or milligrams):
MICRO ANTENNA
The Azaar E-Cubed RC model M72-1 is a reduced size and weight antenna, 3.5" long, weight 0.3 grams. Radio range is reduced only about 15%; no problem for micro models. The normal (approx. 39" antenna is cutoff about 1" from the receiver and the micro antenna is soldered to the stub still attached to the receiver):
MICRO SERVOS
For 3 to 6 ounce aircraft total weight:
Hitec Multiplex Sport USA HS-50 micro servo weighs 6.4 grams.(less than ¼ oz.):
Blue Bird 303 sub-micro servo, with JST connector, weighs 4.1 gram (0.14 oz):
For 1 to 3 ounce aircraft total weight:
Global Cirrus CS-3 Micro Joule servo weighs 3 grams (0.10 oz):
Falcon 1.6 gram feedback sub-micro servo (available from Bob Selman Designs):
MicroInvent MCA3-D servo is unique, provides two controls, weighs 2.5 grams):
DWE (Dynamics Unlimited) “Lightning” weighs 2.25 grams, has internal gear drive:
MAGNETIC ACTUATORS
For zero to 1 ounce (or slightly more!) aircraft total weight:
Bob Selman Designs:
Plantraco Hinged Act:
Nick Leichty Actuators (with output arms or in-hinge)
TYPES OF AIRCRAFT
For 3 to 6 ounce aircraft total weight:
Hobby Lobby COBWEB II ARF – approx. 5 ounces, 341 square inches, film and carbon rod construction. MP Jet 22/7-60D brushless outrunner motor on 2 X 340 mAh Li-Poly cells:
Hobby Lobby Graupner MOSQUITO (almost ARF) – 3.5 ounces, 22 inch span, 66 square inches, Speed 250 ferrite brushed motor, 3 cell X 250 mAh Li-Poly battery:
DJ Aerotech – Roadkill series (kits) of profile (Piper J3 Cub good example!), all balsa stand-off-scale models ranging from 3 to 6 ounces using their own geared, brushed ferrite motor:
Sig Manufacturing/Herr Engineering STARLITE (kit) – 36 inch span, high wing, 4 ounces, 261 square inches:
Radical RC MINI-STIK (kit) – 5.7 ounces, 23 inch span, 1323 square inches, AXI 2204/54 brushless outrunner, 2 cell X 640 mAh Li-Poly:
Dumas series of small scale rubber powered models converted to electric power and RC:
For 1 to 3 ounce aircraft total weight:
SCRATCH-65 Bob Aberle design ( see 8th photo from the start of this Indoor RC Guide, appeared in the February 2005 Model Aviation with full size plans available), 2.6 ounces, 105 sq inches, 30 inch span. Uses Global Micro Joule RX, servos, ESC.
Gordon Johnson’s PROFILE MONOCOUPE 28.5 grams (or 1.0 oz), 16.5 inch span, powered by a 3.5 gram brushless outrunner motor and a single 146 mAh Li-Poly cell.This is constructed from Depron sheet foam and plans are available.
Gordon Johnson’s QUICK CITABRIA – 41 grams (or 1.45 oz), 18 inch span, 72 square inches, Both of these aircraft are described on this exact website: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=407885
Skyhooks and Rigging – ANGEL slow flyer (laser cut Depron), 43 grams (or 1.52 ounces), 20 inch span, 80 square inches, geared N-20 motor:
FMA’s SKYSPRITE (RTF) 1.6 ounce, 14 inch span, 33 square inch, which is similar to the model sold by Harbor Freight. It comes ready to fly, with the radio system, power system, battery and charger for $29.95:
A complete review of the SkySprite appears on the AMA webzine, SPORT AVIATOR and can be fond on this website: http://www.masportaviator.com/ah.asp?CatID=15&ID=81
For zero to 1 ounce aircraft total weight using magnetic actuators:
DWE (Dynamics Unlimited offer two RTF models, the DUTCHMAN and the SUPER SKEETER, both weigh about 27 grams (or 0.95 ounce).
Dr. Gordon Johnson’s “QUICK JUNIOR” (available both as an RTF and a kit from Bob Selman Designs) at 15 grams is an excellent choice. In fact this plane and a series of others in this same category can be found at this website: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&postid=1748687#post1748
Ralph Bradley’s HOMEBOY (kit) from Bob Selman Designs:
Roger Carignan’s P-STICK MITE (ARF) comes with assembled wings and magnetic actuators already installed (from Bob Selman Designs):
Plantraco BUTTERFLY (RTF), 3.6 gram total weight (www.plantraco.com):
BP Hobbies LITTLEBIRDZ 26 gram bipe:
West Coast Blimps & Electronics, LRF-1 LIVING ROOM FLYER (RTF), 3.6 grams total weight, 8 inch wing span. This is the model shown in the second photo near the beginning of this Indoor RC Guide. (http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/
Nick Leichty has a series of RTF planes, one is called the MINI-ROOM FLYER, 2.25 grams, 6 inch span, the MICRO ROOM FLYER, 1.5 grams, 4 inch wing span and the ACROBAT 3-D 4 channel weighing 11 grams, 9 inch wing span. All of these planes can be found on this website: http://microflierradio.com/ReadytoFlyPlanes.html
Global Wattage MICRO FLYERS (RTF) all foam construction supplied with radio and power system installed for $39.99. Weighs 1.0 ounce, 9 inch wing span 25 square inches with a geared 3 volt ferrite motor:
There were many original designs of sport and scale models published in the RC MICROFLIGHT newsletter which is no longer published. Some 39 full size plans were saved and can be purchased from Air Age (the publisher) at the following website:
http://www.rcstore.com/rs/general/listproducts5.asp?catid=35&catego=PL
A photo is provided of each aircraft for identification purposes, along with specifications for each plane. You can order full size plans right from this website.
In addition Air Age offers 26 different back issues of RC MICROFLIGHT that you may order from this website:
http://www.rcstore.com/rs/general/baissues.asp?grupo=11&catego=BI
SPECIAL NOTE: Current and back issues of RC Micro World, with many model designs and other sources of indoor RC model information, are available to subscribers at: www.cloud9rc.com
MANUFACTURER and SOURCE INFORMATION
Air Craft EC Electrics (general supplier) (http://www.aircraft-world.com/default.asp)
Apogee (batteries) (http://www.pfmdistribution.com/specs.htm)
Atomic Workshop ) (http://atomicworkshop.co.uk)
BP Hobbies (formerly Balsa Products) (http://bphobbies.com)
Bob Selman Designs (http://www.bsdmicrorc.com/)
Castle Creation (www.castlecreations.com)
David Lewis (http://www.homefly.com)
Didel (motor gears and drives) (http://www.didel.com)
DJ Aerotech (www.djaerotech.com)
DuBro Products (www.dubro.com)
Dumas (www.dumasproducts.com)
Dynamic Web Enterprises (DWE) also known as Dynamics Unlimited (Microbatics line) (http://www.slowfly.com/index.chtml)
E-Cubed RC (micro antenna) (http://ecubedrc.com)
Falcon Models (http://www.falconmodels.uk.com)
FMA Direct (www.fmadirect.com)
Gasparin (http://www.gasparin.cz)
Global Hobby/Wattage Brand (http://www.globalhobby.com/)
Hobby Lobby International (www.hobby-lobby.com)
JMP (http://www.jmp-solutions.com/index_en.php)
Microinvent (http://www.microinvent.com/mambo/index.php)
Nick Leichty (http://microflierradio.com/)
Peak Electronics (http://www.siriuselectronics.com/)
Plantraco (http://www.plantraco.com/)
Poly Quest Batteries (from Shulman Aviation) (http://www.shulmanaviation.com/PolyQuest.html)
Sig Manufacturing (http://www.sigmfg.com/)
Skyhooks & Riggings (http://www.skyhooks.ca/)
Thunder Power Batteries (http://www.thunderpower-batteries.com/)
Uttam Mighty Midget Brushless Outrunner Motors (http://www.microbrushless.com/productsG1.htm)
West Coast Blimps & Electronics (http://j.piri.home.mchsi.com/)
RELATED PUBLICATIONS
This INTRODUCTION TO MICRO/INDOOR RC FLYING was prepared as a service to modelers by RC MICRO WORLD (RCMW) which is a webzine format, monthly magazine specializing in micro/indoor model aircraft and their accessories. It was founded by John Worth, who also was the Founding Editor of RC MICROFLIGHT. Annual subscription information for RCMW can be obtained at this website: http://www.cloud9rc.com/subscribe.asp. You can pay directly with Pay Pal or you can click on a box and obtain a Subscription Form to use via postal service for payment by check, cash, or money order.
In addition to to RC MICRO WORLD there are many paper-print magazines which support this information effort along with many prominent modeler/columnists, as follows:
Model Aviation (www.modelaircraft.org) (columnists) -- Dave Robelen & Paul Bradley) on alternating months
Air Age (www.airage.com) (MODEL AIRPLANE NEWS, BACKYARD FLYER (and, possibly, back issues of RC Microflight)
Flying Models (www.flying-models.com), Stew Meyers excellent micro Electric Flight bi-monthly column.
FLY-RC (www.flyrc.com) (Thayer Syme’s column on micro RC).
ON-LINE FORUMS and NETS
SMALL FLYING ARTS-- on-line forum for all sorts of small model aircraft. Features a new section expressly for Indoor and Micro Models (http://www.smallflyingarts.com/)
RC GROUPS – on-line forum (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/index.php)
CLUBS SPECIALIZING in INDOOR and MICRO RC
Gordon Johnson’s published a listing of clubs in RC Groups about two years ago: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=139331http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=139331. It must be updated but still is a good reference source.
Some primary clubs to look up are:
Maxecuters (Washington DC area) (http://www.his.com/~tschmitt/0005HO.../MAXECUTER.HTML)
Boston Micronauts club (http://www.bostonmicronauts.org)
LIST OF MAJOR ANNUAL INDOOR FLYING SESSIONS:
Note: as microflight activity increases, additional events may be expected to be added; these are the current ones with the most history:
NEAT Fair and Seminars in NY (2 days of specialized seminars in Sept. of each year, followed by a Saturday evening of indoor flying at a local gym. (www.neatfair.org).
Columbus, OH (Horizon/JR sponsored in November each year.)
Champaign, IL (Hobbico/Tower Hobbies sponsored February every year))
Iowa (UNI DOME FLY-IN) (http://showcase.netins.net/web/sig/unidomeflyin.html)
Kansas City Flying Circuits (http://www.kcflyingcircuits.com/)
COMPETITION INDOOR FLYING
For those interested in flying in indoor and micro RC competitions there is the National Indoor Remote-Control Council (NIRAC). Information on joining, event schedules and rules can be found at: www.nirac.org.
TYPE OF FLYING TO BE EXPECTED
Indoor Fun Flys
Scale/Peanut Scale
Endurance
Mild Aerobatics
Pylon Racing
Glider Towing
Old Timers
WHERE TO FLY?
Indoor or other micro model aircraft can be flown outdoors under dead air or almost dead calm wind conditions. These conditions are best found at sunrise and sunset.
Indoor flying facilities may be a local school gymnasium or auditorium. The ceiling height is actually more important than the floor area. Also, excellent indoor flying sites can be found at indoor inflatable golf practice ranges or indoor sports arenas.
Many of these facilities are not used late at night or during the night. Many local clubs obtain these facilities at “odd hours” for the best possible rental prices. For our truly micro aircraft, a large family den, or other large room with a raised cathedral ceiling, has been used successfully, especially for the slowest flying models.
Bob Aberle, AMA 21, RCMW Editor-at-Large
SPECIAL NOTE: This Indoor RC Guide is focused on electric motor powered RC model planes. But, there are also micro electric powered RC model helicopters and RC model gliders (sailplanes) in the micro world. Much of the above information applies to them as well as to model planes and a lot more about them can be found when accessing some of the websites listed; such as FMA and Global Wattage.
RC Micro World, John Worth, AMA 13, RCMW Executive Editor.
Note: Anyone interested in subscribing to the regular RC Model World monthly online magazine can click here.
