How to Take Off with RC Turbines

Excitement streaks above as you catch a glimpse of a fast-moving aircraft and hear a sound that can only come from a real jet engine. You knew going to the flying field would be fun and model airplanes were always something you were interested in trying, but RC turbine jets? Who even knew that was a thing?!? When you learn the fascinating world of RC turbines is real, they are often viewed as out-of-reach examples of what you might fly someday. What does it take to go from that first time seeing, smelling, and hearing a miniature jet turbine to being able to own and operate them on your own?

Prior High-Speed RC Flying Experience

Before you are ready to begin training on an RC turbine jet, you need to hone your skills on aircraft that are capable of at least 100mph. You want to prepare by flying large, substantial aircraft that have retractable landing gear and use flaps for landing. You will need to understand how to fly a large aircraft within the airspace laid out by your flying club. This is often a non-issue with smaller models, so it’s important to fly something more substantial to prepare for jets, when you will eat up all the airspace you can get ahold of. Hangar 9 warbirds are a great place to get some practice in, as well as the 80mm and 90mm EDF offerings from E-flite. The Viper 90mm EDF is highly recommended for aspirational turbine pilots.

You Must Pass a Test

Unlike other aspects of RC flying, turbines are unique because you must pass a test to obtain a waiver in the US. Although this is not a legal requirement, this is based on insurance provided by the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) which is required at most flying fields. This makes getting a waiver effectively mandated to be able to fly turbine jets. An AMA CD (Contest Director) with a turbine waiver is required to sign off on your turbine training and tests, so if you want to fly jets you need to engage with your local jet flyers and find out who may be willing to mentor you. The last part is owning or having access to a turbine powered model to fly. You cannot pass the tests with an electric or engine powered model, it must be powered by a turbine and meet the requirements outlined in AMA’s document 510-A.

Proficient RC Flying Skill level

It isn’t about winning a contest, but a relatively high level of proficiency and skill is expected before most RC turbine mentors will be willing to start training you. It’s expected you are able to take off and fly proficiently with a high-powered RC airplane, in cross wind as well, keep the model within the boundaries of your flying area without additional coaching, fly safe and smart and not overload the model in maneuvers, and be able to land a high performance model on a small runway without running off  one side or the end. Running off the runway may seem like a minor setback for a smaller model, but most jets will be severely damaged by off runway excursions. In a worst-case scenario, running a turbine off the runway could cause a fire.

Why the Restrictions?

Radio controlled jet airplanes can be dangerous when not properly built, flown, and maintained. Understanding the risks that go along with the thrill is essential to be safe. We are required to carry fire extinguishers, and we use either CO2 or Halotron style because they will not damage the engines. If you use a conventional chemical fire extinguisher the engine will be destroyed. Small fires can happen from issues such as a fuel leak, so having the right firefighting equipment on hand when starting the turbine can prevent a minor issue from destroying the model, or worse. We prepare for the unexpected by having water and shovels on hand and being ready on a moment’s notice to attend to a crash, try to put out small fires, and call for emergency services if required. Most crashes will not result in a fire, but if the fuel tank ruptures it does happen, and we must be prepared as best we can by flying in a safe and smart manner and obeying a relatively strict set of restrictions to limit risk. One of the restrictions which is not imposed on other forms of RC is a 200MPH speed limit.

Finding a Mentor and Flying Field

Because of the increased risk associated with RC turbines, not all RC flying clubs are viable flying sites. Many simply don’t have enough flying area or have noise limitations, whatever the case the options for where you can fly turbines is limited. Search for local flying clubs and other jet pilots on the AMA club directory, Facebook, and RCGroups. Ask around who the local turbine mentors are and ask if you can go flying with them when you are proficient and are ready to move up. It may take some time flying with people to get them to trust you enough to be willing to mentor you on a turbine jet. You will not be allowed to fly your own turbine without a buddy box until you have completed 20 flights with your mentor and only then can you take the final test and fly on your own (outlined in AMA document 510-D).

Complicated Systems

Turbines may use the same basic systems you are used to for RC flying but get ready for a whole new level of complexity and steep learning curve! This is one reason a turbine mentor is essential. It’s not just about a flying mentor; it’s also about someone who understands all the systems and can help guide you on how to install and use them. Turbine engines have an ECU and a fuel pump. They use a fuel shutoff and fuel filter, and most will have an air trap (UAT) in the system. Landing gear must have brakes and retract and brake systems may be electric or air powered. Lighting systems can be much more complicated than you might think, they always seem to take longer than you expect to install! Gyros are not required, but the Spektrum Synapse system offers additional stability that improves how any jet flies in turbulence and can add an emergency bailout SAFE option. It’s not uncommon to see a turbine using three or four Lithium batteries to run various systems, there is so much going on it is common to be a bit overwhelmed with information until it all starts to make sense, and the waiver program is designed around you having a mentor during the complicated early learning phase to ensure success and safety.

Which is a Good First Turbine Jet?

Consider the Hangar 9 MB-339 for your first RC turbine jet. It doesn’t have a swept wing which ensures it will be stable in all flight regimes. It can take off and land from short grass runways, which is another limiting factor that prevents many jet pilots from using great flying fields. This author regularly flies from a 300-foot grass runway with his MB-339 using a KingTech K-86 G4 for power. It is capable of aerobatics and still slows down nicely for landing. At the top end the MB-339 is fast enough to be thrilling, but not so fast you have to worry about the 200MPH speed limit. Assembly is straight forward, and it is big and bright enough to see well at speed and a distance, but not so large it’s difficult to transport in an average family SUV or minivan.

Turbine Maintenance

RC turbine jets also require more in-depth maintenance than other RC models, due to the high speeds, risks, and the wildly high RPM numbers the turbines see. You might see a high end of 150,000 RPM or more from a hobby turbine. Many of the airframe repairs can be done by experienced builders, and if you don’t have the skills for repairs people within the jet community are usually happy to offer advice. Most turbines are rated to last 25 hours between service and then need to return to the factory. If a turbine is in a crash, it may need service, and if the turbine isn’t running correctly it may need to return to the factory for service. In short, one friend said it best when he told me to just set aside $500 for unexpected maintenance costs if a turbine needs to go in for service. Many turbine related problems can be directly traced back to the fuel system. The fuel system must be working correctly or you will have problems. Kinks, air leaks, plugged lines or faulty fuel pumps and other issues happen from time to time and you must be on top of your maintenance or a crash may result.

Exciting from First Sight to First Flight

RC turbines are thrilling and often seen as the pinnacle of the RC flying hobby. Sometimes part of the thrill we experience at the top end of any hobby or sport is tied to the risks of operating at a high level. If RC jets excite you the first time you see, hear, and smell one, it will be thrilling to go through the process and learn how to be an RC turbine pilot. Proving you can pass the test and qualify for your turbine waiver cements you among your peers as a verified expert-level, REAL jet pilot!