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the two engines. As for the RC helicopters, the larger types will usually start to introduce additional controls such as elevators, rudder and ailerons for banking.

Fuel powered RC models are the pinnacle of RC model planes, and come in too many sizes, shapes and varieties to cover in one brief article. Engine sizes can be as small as 1.5cc or as large as 50cc+ on the larger planes. Full scale models are sometimes indistinguishable from a real aircraft of the same type in flight. Fuel powered RC models are fast and highly dangerous in inexperienced hands because these engines rotate as high as 16 000rpm. An eight inch propeller turning at this rate would easily slice of fingers or even hands and while in flight, they are extremely fast. Any person hit by an RC plane in flight is likely to be seriously injured or worse. For this reason, it is foolish to be flying these in public places find a field somewhere away from public places, or join a club that has access to a flight area.

Jets are approaching the highest level of RC planes where even the relatively low-cost models will cost more than $2 000. The engines are either a ducted fan (standard RC model engine fitted with a tube to simulate jet engine intakes and thrust exhaust) or they are true jet engines powered by kerosene. The last true jet I saw recently was an almost scale-perfect replica of an F15 fighter jet that used a kerosene powered jet engine, and the cost of the completed model was around $15 000 the performance was unbelievable, as was the size and speed in flight.

This is only a tiny glimpse describing what is out there in the world of RC planes. For the new enthusiast welcome to a different world where you are only limited by your imagination, and perhaps the size of your wallet. If you are like me and do not have a lot of money to spare, the RC hobby is not out of reach thanks to the newest generation of cheap RC handsets, plane kids and engines.

Learn more about this author, Ian Loft.
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