RC Model Airplane Accessories

There are a lot of extra accessories you can buy for rc airplanes, but not all of them are needed. Now keep in mind, when you buy a ready to fly airplane you will usually have to buy nothing extra to fly it the first time.

But as time goes on, you will need to buy some model airplane accessories to maintain it and keep your model flying. If there is some model airplane accessories required you will be told when purchasing the airplane.

Below I will talk about the major model airplane accessories that every beginner, and expert, should have. Along with detailed information on all model airplane accessories, you will be provided with a link to an online hobby shops that sells that model airplane accessory.

RC Flight Simulator - RC Flight simulators are computer programs that let you fly in a realistic environment with a control device. The control device is a replica of a real rc airplane transmitter and it hooks up to your computer.

Using an rc flight simulator is great practice for beginners, and prepares you for what’s ahead. This is more important to have more then any other model airplane accessories.

RC Field Box- Another very important model airplane accessory is your field box. The workshop is not the only place you will need your tools. You will need equipment out on the field to refuel, start, adjust, and prepare you model for flight.

Your standard field equipment box should contain at least a fuel pump, starter battery, propellers, glow plug and a glow plug wrench, extra batteries for transmitter and plane, and a battery charger (preferably one that works in your car).

Cleaners - Using rc airplane cleaners to clean your gas airplane engine, is a wise thing to do. Keeping your engine clean will help save you time and money in the long run. RC airplane cleaners will also help your airplane last longer and perform better.

Before you buy any cleaner, make sure you check to see what kind can be used on your rc airplane. You also might want to think about getting an electric airplane, rather then a gas one, because the engines don't need cleaning. Cleaners are great to get the gunk and dirt out of your engine and off of your airplane.

There easy to use also. If you own a gas powered rc airplane, then you MUST get a cleaner with your other model airplane accessories.

Fuel (Nitromethane)- Buying a good model airplane fuel for your gas rc airplane is important. It is also important that you have the correct air-fuel mixture adjustment. That is important not only for performance, but also for engine life because glow fuel for a models engine contains lubricants.

Model airplane fuel is made up of mostly methanol, a type of alcohol, with about 16-20% oil and 5-15% nitromethane (for more power and better acceleration). Nitromethane is a fuel additive which increases a model engine's ability to idle low, and improves high speed performance. Ideal nitro content varies from engine to engine. Nitro content in fuel is indicated by the percent of the fuel.

Remember: Consistently flying the engine with a lean setting, very little fuel, will prematurely damage an engine. Most engines come with detailed directions, and they should be read before operating the engine.

Covering - Model airplane covering is a necessity for a great looking and durable airplane. Model airplane hobbyist cover there airplanes for many reasons. It can make your airplane look very nice, be stronger, and provide smoother flying.

To do a good model airplane covering job, you need good tools. I know a place with great tips and FAQ’s that will help you do a beautiful cover job. Go check it out at Stits.

Batteries (NiMH and NiCAD)- Finding the right rc batteries for your airplane is important. You need a battery that lasts a long time when flying, and it needs to last for years to come. It is also important that you get the right battery for your airplane. When purchasing your rc airplane, it will say the exact kind of battery you will need.

Electric rc airplane batteries are not your regular household battery, they are much more powerful. There are 3 types of rc batteries electric airplanes can use, Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH), Nikel-cadmium (NiCAD), and the newest advancement in batteries, Lithium Poly cells.

The battery you need will depend on the electric rc airplane you buy, how fast you want it to go, and how long you want it to fly on each battery charge. Usually when you buy an RTF electric rc airplane the battery and charger you need come with it.

If you are buying an ARF airplane and it says the battery and charger is not included, they will tell what type you need and other model airplane accessories needed.

You should also look around for better chargers when you buy your battery, because some will take hours to charge and others will take as little as 30 minutes. If you would like to have non-stop flying, then you should consider getting a car charger.

NiMH - Nickel-Metal Hydride

Nickel-Metal Hydride rechargeable rc batteries are the next level up from NiCAD. They offer up to 40% more run time per volume than NiCAD, and they are more environmentally friendly.

The biggest advantage of NiMH over NiCAD is their ability to accept a charge at any time without suffering from the "memory effect". Before charging your NiMH battery, check with the charger manufacturer to make sure their charger can handle NIMH.

NiCAD - Nickel-Cadmium

Nickel-Cadmium rechargeable rc batteries are very durable and reliable. You may slow or fast charge most NiCAD's, but some manufacturers make different types of cells specifically for rapid charging or specifically for slow charging.

NiCAD battery performance is improved dramatically by interspersing discharge pulses between charge pulses. This is known as "burp" or "reverse load" charging.

NiCAD batteries should not be left in a charger for more than 30 hours. Also, NiCAD batteries should not be subjected to shallow discharge (i.e. using the battery for a short period of time, then recharging).

This type of use may result in crystalline formation inside the battery, which will diminish performance. This is known as the "memory effect".

Lithium Poly Cells

Lithium poly cell rc batteries are the latest technology in rechargeable batteries for portable equipment. They have the highest energy density among commercial batteries, twice that of NiCAD. They also have a very low self-discharge rate.

Lithium poly cell batteries are the most expensive batteries available commercially. Disposal of lithium-based batteries may cause some concern since any moisture, which may creep into the cell after corrosion, could present danger of explosion.

The battery I recommend is a NiMH battery because they seem to work best with all airplanes, and really most rc airplanes require that type.

Battery Chargers- If you are flying an electric rc airplane, then you will need some good rc battery chargers. Depending on the amount of money you want to spend will depend on how good your charger is.

If you only fly on occasion, and don’t mind flying for just a little while, then a less expensive rc battery charger would be perfect for you. If you want to have shorter charging times and non-stop flying, then you should consider getting a more expensive battery charger and a car charger. The car charger would allow you too recharge your batteries out in the field, while flying.

Before you decide to buy any rc battery chargers, you need to know what kind you need. It has to be compatible with the battery you are using, and the power source that is charging it (AC or DC).

Find out that information before making your decision. The rc battery you buy will tell you what kind of charger is recommended for it.

Model Airplane Accessories Store