Notice to Aerobatic Students: Modern technology and ARF’s have advanced the sport tremendously. Yet, due to the fading of fundamental airplane setup skills and knowhow, along with the fact that one needs a good understanding of aerodynamic principals in order to use the new technologies properly, planes brought to the school are typically taking a minimum of one to two hours to set up by the instructor. (Whereas, in the past planes brought to the school only took an average of 15 minutes to pre-flight, and only a few minutes in the air to trim and confirm the setup was correct.)

Did you know that most “low rates” today are low only relative to high “3D rates”, but are still too sensitive for most flyers, and thus introduce a series of complications that can inhibit your rate of learning, landing success, fun, etc.?!

The increased time and expertise required to set up and adjust the planes brought to the school has made it necessary to begin charging for that service. You are welcome to bring your own plane and have it professionally inspected, test flown, and trimmed by the school's instructor for a minimal fee of $35.

Note: To reduce the time required to ready your plane, please arrive at the school with your engine fully broken-in, your plane’s control surfaces set at neutral, and the surface travels close to manufacturer’s recommendations in all directions. We also suggest that if you're not flying 3D anytime soon that you do not complicate your setup with 3D settings until you have good reason and a better understanding of how to program them correctly.

David Scott brings a life-time of aerodynamic study, 30 years of R/C flying experience, the practical application of designing nearly 50 planes, and his experience of setting up and test flying hundreds of airplanes at the school to each plane that he inspects.

Control Setup Methodology

Structural Pre-flight

Incidence Check

Optimal Balance

Proper Control Setup

Neutrals

Optimal Travels

Proper Range Check

Engine Tune & Taxi Test

Test Flight & Trim

Proper Rudder Trim

Post-flight control adjustments suited to owners' skill level