Earlier than you’ll be able to get pleasure from flying RC mounted wings, you could grasp the fundamentals of taking off (launching) and touchdown. For complete newcomers, these are sometimes essentially the most intimidating components of the flight — however with the suitable 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 need to emphasize that there are various methods to launch an FPV wing. On this tutorial, I’ll share my most popular technique — launching wings with out help from a stabilizer or flight controller. And sure, it’s completely potential for newcomers to study this manner. The “greatest” technique usually will depend on components like, wingspan, energy system, thrust-to-weight ratio, pilot choice and so forth. The strategy I’ll present you right here works throughout all kinds of wings, making it a stable start line for many newcomers.
Additionally, crashing is inevitable if you’re simply beginning out and studying methods to launch a wing. That’s why it’s necessary to start with a crash-resistant mannequin. For instance, the S800 is a improbable possibility for newcomers because of its sturdiness. You possibly can 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
- Choose a big open space with minimal obstacles corresponding to bushes, buildings, or energy traces.
- Grass fields are far more forgiving than concrete if you land (or crash).
- When you’ve by no means launched a wing earlier than, select a relaxed day relatively 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 the whole lot is working correctly:
- Battery: Totally charged and securely mounted.
- Management surfaces: Guarantee ailerons, rudder, and elevator transfer within the appropriate instructions if you transfer your sticks.
- FPV system: Verify 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 might be holding the radio). Observe this just a few instances earlier than flying.
I additionally advocate organising an arming swap in your radio. It’s not strictly mandatory, nevertheless it’s a superb security function that allows you to shortly disable the motors if wanted. You possibly can configure this even with out a flight controller, tutorial: https://oscarliang.com/setup-arm-switch-for-wing-no-fc/
Step-by-Step: How one can Launch an FPV Wing
1) Examine Wind Path
- Toss a pinch of grass or sand and watch which method it blows.
- Launch right into a headwind. You’ll get extra elevate and a steadier, simpler take-off.
2) Left Hand: Grip & Toss
- Grip the wing on the center of the forefront (about midway alongside the suitable wing) along with your left hand, thumb beneath.
- Many right-handed pilots want throwing with the suitable hand, however launching left-handed is totally doable with a 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 follow 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, deliver up the throttle. As quickly as throttle is about, get your proper hand again on the stick and be able to steer the wing.
- When you don’t use a radio neck strap, you’ll be able to 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 recognized “pull level”—the extent the place you are feeling the wing begins to tug out of your hand.
- This varies by mannequin (usually 50–90%). Some pilots even use 100%, however that may overpower the launch and make the wing twitchy, so someplace in between is most popular.
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.
- Maintain It Straight: Attempt to decrease roll and pitch deviations in the course of the toss. Don’t fear if it’s not excellent — along with your proper hand on the sticks, you’ll be able to often 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 arduous, so I gave it too little of a push. Sarcastically, that made crashing extra doubtless! For highly effective wings, you barely must 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 degree, 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 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 suitable stick of the transmitter to manage 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 appropriate it shortly is crucial.
Proper Hand or Left Hand?
If you’re right-handed, throwing the wing with the left hand can really feel awkward at first. However keep in mind — that is extra of a delicate launch than a strong, precision throw. Your non-dominant hand is greater than able to dealing with it.
Because the majority of pilots immediately use Mode 2 radios (ailerons and elevator on the suitable stick), it is sensible to coach your left hand to launch whereas your proper hand controls pitch and roll.
When you’re flying Mode 1, you’ll most likely do the alternative.
How one can Land
Touchdown a wing is usually simpler than launching.
Strategy
- Line up your ultimate strategy 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 lower throttle.
- Use small roll inputs to maintain the airplane degree 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 could 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.
Closing Ideas
Studying to launch and land an RC fixed-wing plane is a ceremony of passage for each pilot. It could really feel intimidating at first, however with follow, 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 educational curve. Be affected person, preserve training, 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
