Gyro-stabilised RC planes

Stabilisation has done more than anything to make RC planes easier to learn. A modern trainer can level itself, refuse to roll upside down and pull out of trouble at the press of a button. Used well, it speeds up learning a lot.

How it works

A small board in the receiver or a separate unit contains gyros (which sense rotation) and accelerometers (which sense which way is down). It makes tiny control corrections many times a second. The same technology stabilises helicopters; the background is in gyros and flybarless units.

The common systems

The modes

Beginner (stabilised) mode. The plane can only bank and pitch so far, and levels itself when you centre the sticks. It's hard to get into trouble.

Intermediate mode. Wider limits, still self-levelling. A good stepping stone.

Experienced or manual mode. No limits. Gust smoothing may stay on (AS3X style) or switch off entirely.

Panic recovery. A button or switch that rolls the plane level, wings upright, and usually adds climb. Use it if you lose orientation.

Which mode when

• First flights: beginner mode. Ideally with an instructor.
• Comfortable with circuits: intermediate, with panic recovery ready.
• Landing confidently: start practising in experienced mode at a safe height.
• Long term: fly mostly in experienced mode, using stabilisation for gust smoothing.

The catch

Stabilisation can hide gaps in your skills. Pilots who only fly in beginner mode often struggle when they switch, or with a non-stabilised plane. Practise each manoeuvre in a less-assisted mode, high up and with panic recovery available.

Choosing a stabilised plane

The best models for beginners are compared in best RC planes for beginners. Your first flights are covered in how to fly an RC plane, and how each control works in RC plane controls explained. Back to the RC planes hub.