Earlier than you may get pleasure from flying RC fastened wings, you have to grasp the fundamentals of taking off (launching) and touchdown. For complete rookies, these are sometimes probably the most intimidating components of the flight — however with the proper preparation and approach, they don’t need to be. On this information, I’ll stroll you thru the basics of launching and touchdown RC wings step-by-step. My objective is to maintain issues easy and approachable so you will get began safely and construct confidence.
There’s Extra Than One Approach
Earlier than we start, I wish to emphasize that there are lots of methods to launch an FPV wing. On this tutorial, I’ll share my most well-liked methodology — launching wings with out help from a stabilizer or flight controller. And sure, it’s completely attainable for rookies to be taught this manner. The “greatest” methodology typically is determined by elements like, wingspan, energy system, thrust-to-weight ratio, pilot choice and so on. The tactic I’ll present you right here works throughout all kinds of wings, making it a stable start line for many rookies.
Additionally, crashing is inevitable once you’re simply beginning out and studying learn how to launch a wing. That’s why it’s necessary to start with a crash-resistant mannequin. For instance, the S800 is a unbelievable possibility for rookies because of its sturdiness. You may try my full construct log right here: https://oscarliang.com/reptile-s800-v2-fpv-wing-build-log/
Preparations Earlier than Launching
1. Select the Proper Flying Location and Climate
- Decide a big open space with minimal obstacles resembling bushes, buildings, or energy strains.
- Grass fields are far more forgiving than concrete once you land (or crash).
- In the event you’ve by no means launched a wing earlier than, select a relaxed day somewhat than a windy one. Wings are much more secure in gentle or no wind, whereas gusty situations make management a lot tougher for rookies.
2. Pre-Flight Checks
Earlier than you energy up, double-check that the whole lot is working correctly:
- Battery: Absolutely charged and securely mounted.
- Management surfaces: Guarantee ailerons, rudder, and elevator transfer within the appropriate instructions once you transfer your sticks.
- FPV system: Verify your goggles are receiving video from the wing’s digital camera. Clear the lens if it’s soiled or fogged from a earlier flight.
Tip: Put on your goggles in your brow so you may shortly pull them down with one hand (your different hand shall be holding the radio). Observe this a number of instances earlier than flying.
I additionally suggest establishing an arming swap in your radio. It’s not strictly obligatory, but it surely’s a superb security function that allows you to shortly disable the motors if wanted. You may configure this even and not using a flight controller, tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/setup-arm-switch-for-wing-no-fc/
Step-by-Step: Methods to Launch an FPV Wing
1) Test Wind Path
- Toss a pinch of grass or sand and watch which method it blows.
- Launch right into a headwind. You’ll get extra raise and a steadier, simpler take-off.
2) Left Hand: Grip & Toss
- Grip the wing on the center of the forefront (about midway alongside the proper wing) along with your left hand, thumb beneath.
- Many right-handed pilots favor throwing with the proper hand, however launching left-handed is completely doable with a little bit follow.
- Use whichever hand you’re most snug with; I like left-hand toss so my proper hand is prepared on the roll/pitch stick with steer the wing as quickly because it’s within the air.
3) Proper Hand: On the Transmitter
- With the wing held in your left hand, convey up the throttle. As quickly as throttle is ready, get your proper hand again on the stick and be able to steer the wing.
- In the event you don’t use a radio neck strap, you may simply nudge the throttle stick along with your chin—however a neck strap is safer and steadier.
How A lot Throttle?
- Set throttle to a identified “pull level”—the extent the place you’re feeling the wing begins to tug out of your hand.
- This varies by mannequin (typically 50–90%). Some pilots even use 100%, however that may overpower the launch and make the wing twitchy, so someplace in between is most well-liked.
4) The Toss
Take a deep breath… that is the second!
- Grip and Swing: Maintain the wing in your left hand, pull it barely again, and swing it ahead at a few 30° angle in a straight line. Launch cleanly — don’t maintain on too lengthy, or the wing will yaw off to the facet.
- Preserve It Straight: Attempt to reduce roll and pitch deviations throughout the toss. Don’t fear if it’s not excellent — along with your proper hand on the sticks, you may normally appropriate small wobbles. With follow, you’ll even have the ability to save sloppy throws with ease.
- Throttle and Thrust-to-Weight: For heavier wings or fashions with low thrust-to-weight ratios, you’ll want a stronger toss to construct airspeed shortly. With out sufficient pace, the wing will sink and crash. That was the error I made with my first wing — I used to be afraid of crashing too laborious, so I gave it too little of a push. Paradoxically, that made crashing extra seemingly! For highly effective wings, you barely have to toss in any respect — simply information the angle and let the thrust pull it out of your hand.
5) Switching to FPV
- As soon as the wing leaves your hand, use roll enter gently to stabilize right into a stage, climbing place.
- Solely when the plane is flying in a straight line, slide your FPV goggles down along with your left hand.
- Don’t rush this step — stabilization comes first, immersion second.
When you’re secure and the goggles are on, you’re flying! Loosen up, and revel in!
The Benefits of My Launching Technique
I toss the wing with my left hand, whereas my proper hand stays on the proper stick of the transmitter to regulate ailerons and elevator the entire time. The important thing benefit is that you just’re in a position to steer the wing instantly as soon as it leaves your hand. Most wings aren’t completely trimmed (particularly the maiden flight) and will roll or pitch on their very own, so having the ability to appropriate it shortly is important.
Proper Hand or Left Hand?
In case you are right-handed, throwing the wing with the left hand can really feel awkward at first. However bear in mind — that is extra of a delicate launch than a robust, precision throw. Your non-dominant hand is greater than able to dealing with it.
For the reason that majority of pilots at present use Mode 2 radios (ailerons and elevator on the proper stick), it is sensible to coach your left hand to launch whereas your proper hand controls pitch and roll.
In the event you’re flying Mode 1, you’ll most likely do the other.
Methods to Land
Touchdown a wing is commonly simpler than launching.
Strategy
- Line up your last method into the wind towards your touchdown spot.
- Steadily cut back altitude whereas decreasing the throttle to decelerate.
Landing
- As you close to the bottom, gently pull again on the elevator (pitch up) and reduce throttle.
- Use small roll inputs to maintain the airplane stage because it glides in.
- Keep away from including throttle throughout touchdown. If the wing begins to drop too shortly or feels uncontrollable, add only a tiny little bit of throttle to regain management. An excessive amount of throttle might trigger it to climb once more and deviate out of your touchdown spot. In that case simply circle again and check out once more.
Last Ideas
Studying to launch and land an RC fixed-wing plane is a ceremony of passage for each pilot. It may really feel intimidating at first, however with follow, you’ll shortly construct the muscle reminiscence and confidence wanted to make it routine. And bear in mind: each RC pilot has had tough launches and botched landings — it’s all a part of the training curve. Be affected person, maintain working towards, and earlier than lengthy you’ll be flying clean circuits and sticking landings like a professional.
Edit Hisotry
- Dec 2018 – Tutorial created
- Sep 2025 – Up to date