Are Nitro RC Planes safe to use? Not surprisingly, but contrary to popular opinion, no, they are not safe. At least not until the person flying the place has been fully trained. Even if a person has years of experience flying RC planes, nothing will prepare that person for the experience of trying to control a 200 mph nitro RC plane, even in straight-up, level flight- much less maneuvering and the dangers are not just in the air.
Nitro RC Planes are powerful and if you were to hook it up wrong or get the nitro-methane gas mix wrong, you risk losing your RC plane. If you have a penchant for modding (modification) then you really need to step back and learn from a master. These mod’s are very tricky and permanent. If it is done wrong, you could lose everything including the plane, engine, and, God forbid, a finger or two.
Nitro RC plane kits are available of course, and this will eliminate the need for modding, but even so, the plane control is still issue. There is a world of difference between controlling an RC plane at 30 mph, and controlling an RC plane at 180 mph. Even if your hands are rock steady, your controller may not be up to par, and a little sluggishness in the response can lead to a crash and, hopefully, not into something or someone.
Getting Started with Nitro RC Planes
There is a lot to learn before a person can fly a nitro RC plane. Let us assume that you are a seasoned, experienced flier, and \ you have the best equipment that money can buy. You would probability end up with your favorite RC plane in the trash if you fail to follow proper break-in procedures. Some experts recommend a 5-tank break in procedure that seasons the engine and ensures the system will hold up to full throttle in flight.
There is also after flight maintenance that must be done, or, you guessed it, you trash your expensive new toy. There is an 11-point after-flight maintenance procedure that is specific to nitro RC planes that is a must. These are very powerful engines and as a result, little things like a loose screw can result is major damage if you run your nitro RC plane at full throttle and one of the engine screws is loose.
The speed and torque of high-speed flight will loosen screws, and sooner than you think. Once you are ready with your check list, have trained, and practiced enough, it finally time to fire up your new nitro RC plane and have hours of fun.
