Electric Starter - A hand-held electric motor used for starting a
model airplane engine. Usually powered by a 12-volt battery.
Elevator - Hinged control surface located at the trailing edge of the
horizontal stabilizer, which provides control of the airplane about
the pitch axis and causes the airplane to climb or dive. The correct
direction of control is to pull the transmitter elevator control stick
back, toward the bottom of the transmitter, to move the elevator
upward, which causes the airplane to climb, and vice versa to dive.
Epoxy - A two-part resin/hardener glue that is extremely strong. It is
generally available in 6 and 30-minute formulas. Used for critical
points in the aircraft where high strength is necessary.
Expanded Scale Voltmeter (ESV) - Device used to read the battery
voltage of the on-board battery pack or transmitter battery pack.
Field charger - A fast battery charger designed to work from a 12-volt
power source, such as a car battery.
Flaps - Hinged control surface located at the trailing edge of the wing
inboard of the ailerons. The flaps are lowered to produce more
aerodynamic lift from the wing, allowing a slower takeoff and
landing speed. Flaps are often found on scale models, but usually not
on basic trainers.
Flare - The point during the landing approach in which the pilot gives
an increased amount of up elevator to smooth the touchdown of
the airplane.
Flight Box - A special box used to hold and transport all equipment
used at the flying field.
Flight Pack (or Airborne pack) - All of the radio equipment installed
in the airplane, i.e., Receiver, Servos, Battery, Switch harness.
Flutter - A phenomenon whereby the elevator or aileron control
surface begins to oscillate violently in flight. This can sometimes
cause the surface to break away from the aircraft and cause a crash.
There are many reasons for this, but the most common are excessive
hinge gap or excessive “slop” in the pushrod connections and
control horns. If you ever hear a low-pitched buzzing sound, reduce
throttle and land immediately.
Frequency Control - The FCC has allowed the 72MHz band to be
used for R/C aircraft operations. This band is divided up into many
different channels in which you can choose a radio system. You
should be aware that certain areas have frequencies in which there
is pager interference. This is why it is always a wise move to check
with your local hobby shop to find out any channels that may be
troublesome in the area you wish to fly.
Fuel Overflow Line (Vent) - The fuel line is either open to atmospheric
pressure or attaches to the muffler pressure nipple to pressurize the
fuel tank for better fuel flow to the engine. This is the line through
which the fuel will overflow when the tank is full.
Fuel Pick Up-Line - The fuel line in the fuel tank through which fuel
travels to the carburetor. Typically a flexible tube with a weight or
“Clunk” on the end which allows it to follow the fuel with changes
in aircraft attitude. This is the line through which the tank is filled.
Fuselage - The body of an airplane.
Glitch - Momentary radio problem that never happens unless you
are over trees or a swamp.
Glow Plug - The heat source for igniting the fuel/air mixture in the
engine. When starting the engine a battery is used to heat the
filament. After the engine is running, the battery can be removed. The
wire filament inside the plug is kept hot by the “explosions” in the
engine’s cylinder.
See next heading and “idle bar plug.”
Glow Plug Clip/Battery - A 1.2-volt battery, which is connected to
the glow plug on a model airplane engine for starting. The battery is
removed once the engine is running steadily.
Grease-In - A very smooth, gentle landing without a hint of a bounce.
Hit (or to be hit) - Sudden radio interference which causes your
model to fly in an erratic manner. Most often caused by someone
turning on a radio that is on your frequency, but can be caused by
other radio sources miles away.
Horizontal Stabilizer - The horizontal tail surface at the back of the
fuselage which provides aerodynamic pitch stability to the airplane.
Idle Bar Plug - This type of glow plug has a “bar” across the tip to
help prevent raw fuel from being splashed onto the glow element.
Too much raw fuel will cool the plug and prevent it from igniting the
fuel/air mixture. An idle bar is helpful in maintaining a low idle speed.
Lateral Balance - The left-right or side-to-side balance of an airplane.
An airplane that is laterally balanced will track better through loops
and other maneuvers.
Leading Edge (LE) - The very front edge of the wing or stabilizer. This
is the edge that hits the air first.
Muffler - A device attached to the exhaust stack of the engine to
reduce noise and increase back pressure which helps low speed
performance. Note: Most R/C Clubs require the use of mufflers.
Muffler Baffle - A restrictor plate inside the muffler which reduces
engine noise. This plate can be removed to increase power, but only
if there are no noise restrictions where you fly.
Needle Valve - Adjustment on a carburetor used to set proper fuel/air
mixture. Some carburetors have separate needle adjustments for low
and high throttle. Typically, turning the needle clockwise (screwing
in) leans the mixture (less fuel), and vice versa. However, there are a
few exceptions—refer to the engine manufacturer’s instructions.
NiCd (Nickel Cadmium battery) - Rechargeable batteries which are
typically used as power for radio transmitters and receivers.
Nitro (Nitromethane) - 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. Refer to the engine
manufacturer’s instructions for best results. Nitro content in fuel is
indicated by the percent of the fuel.
Ni-Starter - A self-contained battery and glow plug clip, used when
starting the engine.
See glow plug clip.
One-Point Landing (or a figure 9) - Synonymous with “stuffing it in.”
Something we hope you never do.
Pitch Axis - The airplane axis controlled by the elevator. Pitch is
illustrated by holding the airplane at each wingtip. Raising or
lowering the nose is the pitch movement. This is how the climb or
dive is controlled.
Power Panel - 12-volt distribution panel that provides correct voltage
for accessories like glow-plug clips, fuel pumps and electric starters.
Usually mounted on a field box and connected to a 12-volt battery.
Prop Pitch - Props are designated by two numbers, for instance 10 - 6.
The first number is the prop’s length, 10”. The second number is the
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