Earlier than you’ll be able to take pleasure in flying RC fastened wings, it is advisable to grasp the fundamentals of taking off (launching) and touchdown. For whole newcomers, these are sometimes essentially the most intimidating elements of the flight — however with the fitting preparation and method, they don’t must 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 various 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 newcomers to be taught this manner. The “finest” methodology typically is dependent upon components like, wingspan, energy system, thrust-to-weight ratio, pilot desire and so on. The tactic I’ll present you right here works throughout all kinds of wings, making it a strong start line for many newcomers.
Additionally, crashing is inevitable if you’re simply beginning out and studying the right way to launch a wing. That’s why it’s vital to start with a crash-resistant mannequin. For instance, the S800 is a improbable possibility for newcomers 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 akin to timber, buildings, or energy traces.
- Grass fields are rather more forgiving than concrete if you land (or crash).
- If you happen to’ve by no means launched a wing earlier than, select a relaxed day quite than a windy one. Wings are way more steady in mild or no wind, whereas gusty circumstances make management a lot tougher for newcomers.
2. Pre-Flight Checks
Earlier than you energy up, double-check that every part is working correctly:
- Battery: Totally charged and securely mounted.
- Management surfaces: Guarantee ailerons, rudder, and elevator transfer within the right instructions if you transfer your sticks.
- FPV system: Affirm your goggles are receiving video from the wing’s digicam. Clear the lens if it’s soiled or fogged from a earlier flight.
Tip: Put on your goggles in your brow so you’ll be able to shortly pull them down with one hand (your different hand shall be holding the radio). Follow this just a few occasions earlier than flying.
I additionally suggest establishing an arming change in your radio. It’s not strictly needed, however it’s an excellent security function that permits 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: The best way to Launch an FPV Wing
1) Examine Wind Path
- Toss a pinch of grass or sand and watch which approach it blows.
- Launch right into a headwind. You’ll get extra carry and a steadier, simpler take-off.
2) Left Hand: Grip & Toss
- Grip the wing on the center of the forefront (about midway alongside the fitting wing) together with your left hand, thumb beneath.
- Many right-handed pilots desire throwing with the fitting hand, however launching left-handed is totally doable with a bit apply.
- Use whichever hand you’re most snug with; I like left-hand toss so my proper hand is prepared on the roll/pitch keep on 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.
- If you happen to don’t use a radio neck strap, you’ll be able to simply nudge the throttle stick together with your chin—however a neck strap is safer and steadier.
How A lot Throttle?
- Set throttle to a recognized “pull level”—the extent the place you are 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 couple of 30° angle in a straight line. Launch cleanly — don’t maintain on too lengthy, or the wing will yaw off to the aspect.
- Preserve It Straight: Attempt to reduce roll and pitch deviations through the toss. Don’t fear if it’s not good — together with your proper hand on the sticks, you’ll be able to often right small wobbles. With apply, 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 arduous, so I gave it too little of a push. Paradoxically, that made crashing extra doubtless! 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 together with your left hand.
- Don’t rush this step — stabilization comes first, immersion second.
When you’re steady 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 fitting stick of the transmitter to regulate ailerons and elevator the entire time. The important thing benefit is that you simply’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 should roll or pitch on their very own, so with the ability to right 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 keep in mind — that is extra of a mild launch than a strong, precision throw. Your non-dominant hand is greater than able to dealing with it.
Because the majority of pilots right this moment use Mode 2 radios (ailerons and elevator on the fitting stick), it is smart to coach your left hand to launch whereas your proper hand controls pitch and roll.
If you happen to’re flying Mode 1, you’ll most likely do the other.
The best way to Land
Touchdown a wing is usually simpler than launching.
Method
- Line up your last method into the wind towards your touchdown spot.
- Step by step cut back altitude whereas reducing 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 aircraft 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 take a look at once more.
Ultimate Ideas
Studying to launch and land an RC fixed-wing plane is a ceremony of passage for each pilot. It may well really feel intimidating at first, however with apply, you’ll shortly construct the muscle reminiscence and confidence wanted to make it routine. And keep 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 easy circuits and sticking landings like a professional.
Edit Hisotry
- Dec 2018 – Tutorial created
- Sep 2025 – Up to date
