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RC plane controls explained
By Paul Walsh Last reviewed
Every plane, from a micro trainer to a full-size airliner, is controlled the same way. Once you understand what each control surface does, flying becomes much more intuitive.
The four controls
| Control | Surface | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Throttle | Motor | Speed and climb |
| Elevator | Hinged part of the tailplane | Pitches the nose up or down |
| Aileron | Hinged parts of the wing trailing edge | Rolls the plane left or right |
| Rudder | Hinged part of the fin | Yaws the nose left or right |
Elevator
Pull the stick back and the elevator goes up, pushing the tail down and the nose up. Push forward and the nose goes down. Elevator controls whether you're climbing or descending, together with throttle.
Ailerons
Move the stick right and the right aileron goes up while the left goes down, rolling the plane to the right. Ailerons start a turn by banking the wings.
Rudder
The rudder yaws the nose left or right. On 4-channel planes it's used for steering on the ground, coordinating turns and in crosswind landings.
Mode 2 and Mode 1
| Left stick | Right stick | |
|---|---|---|
| Mode 2 | Throttle (up-down), rudder (left-right) | Elevator (up-down), aileron (left-right) |
| Mode 1 | Elevator (up-down), rudder (left-right) | Throttle (up-down), aileron (left-right) |
Most new UK pilots learn Mode 2, but many experienced club pilots fly Mode 1. If you'll learn with an instructor, it helps to use their mode. See RC transmitters explained.
3-channel and 4-channel planes
3-channel planes have throttle, elevator and rudder, but no ailerons. They turn by yawing with the rudder, and a wing with plenty of dihedral (a shallow V-shape) rolls them into the turn. They're gentle but less precise.
4-channel planes add ailerons. Turns are crisper and the plane copes better with wind. Most modern trainers are 4-channel with stabilisation.
Making a good turn
- Roll into a gentle bank with aileron.
- Return the aileron stick towards centre.
- Add a little up elevator to hold height.
- To level out, roll the wings level with opposite aileron and release the elevator.
Rates, expo and flight modes
- Dual rates reduce control movement; use low rates while learning.
- Expo softens the response around centre.
- Flight modes on stabilised planes switch between beginner, intermediate and full control. See gyro-stabilised RC planes.
Check directions before every flight
A reversed control surface is one of the most common causes of crashes on a first flight. The RC plane pre-flight checklist shows how to check. Then follow how to fly an RC plane. Back to the RC planes hub.
Frequently asked questions
How does an RC plane turn?
Mostly by rolling into a bank with the ailerons and adding a little up elevator. On 3-channel planes, the rudder yaws the nose and the plane's wing shape rolls it into the turn.
Is a 3 channel plane easier to fly?
It can be gentler, but a 4-channel stabilised trainer teaches the full set of skills and usually handles wind better.
What are dual rates?
A switch that reduces how far the control surfaces move, making the plane less sensitive. Use low rates while learning.
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