The principle responsible for guiding the RC planes is the same that enables 747 jets to remain aloft and paper airplanes to glide. The principle of different RC planes can vary as per their designs. To make these RC planes function just as their full-size counterparts, different power sources can be used.

When an RC plane is mid-air, the transmitter passes the signals from the plane’s operator to the plane’s receiver. Just as the radio receiver converts signals into sounds, the plane’s receiver converts the signals into commands that run its mechanical components, including the rudder, propeller, landing gear and ailerons.

A circuit board is responsible for handling this process and helps to trigger the motion of the plane.

The drag and thrust effects are responsible for maintaining the forwards motion of an RC plane. The jet engine or the propeller provides the thrust. Until the time the thrust remains greater than the drag, the velocity of the plane remains constant. As long as the lift and thrust are greater than the drag and weight, the plane stays in the air.

There are two important types of engines used in remote controlled gliders such as helicopters. These engines are essentially a combination of methanol and nitromethane, which serve as the source of fuel for their combustion.

Heavier models of RC planes usually tend to use a form of internal combustion engine to power their flight. Most commonly used engine is the glow engine, which is a device that burns a combination of nitromethane, methanol and synthetic oil. Until the combustion process starts, an electric reaction heats the glow plugs present inside the engines. Thereafter, a two-stroke cycle rotates a crankshaft to power the airplane.

Flying RC planes can be a very interesting and satisfying hobby; however, it’s recommended that you seek the help of flight stimulators to understand the finer nuances associated with flying RC planes.