RC Airplane Parts and Controls

4 Channel Radio Gives More Control (in Multiple Modes)

Controls On A 4 Channel RC Airplane Transmitter

© J. James

There are 4 modes of operation for RC airplane controllers. Mode 1 and Mode 2 are the most widely used.

Mode 1 is favored in the UK. Mode 2 is favored in the US. However that is not a hard and fast rule. Some pilots prefer one over the other depending on how they were originally trained. Some RC controllers can be set for either mode.

• Mode 1: One of the reasons some pilots might prefer Mode 1 is that it puts the elevator and aileron controls on opposite sticks. Some feel that this is good, especially for beginner pilots, because you won't accidently change one while adjusting the other.

• Mode 2: With both the elevator and aileron control on the same stick it acts more like the controls of a real airplane and provides more true-to-life flight control.

Mode 3 is the opposite of Mode 2. Mode 4 is the opposite of Mode 1. These might be used to get the same effect as either Mode 1 or 2 but reversed for left-handed pilots (or anyone who prefers it).

• RC Airplanes From Nose to Tail
• Wing Placement Affects How a Plane Flies
• Control Surfaces Are Moving Parts
• Ailerons Are For Rolling Over
• Elevators Are For Going Up and Down
• Rudders Are For Turning
• Elevons Are For Mixed Control
• Differential Thrust Is For Moving Without Rudder Or Elevator
• 2 Channel / 3 Channel Radio Gives Little Control
• 4 Channel Radio Gives More Control (in Multiple Modes)