Adam's Park Flyer
R/C Airplanes

Home

Planes

Motors

Batteries

Terminology

FAQ's

Motors

    Seeing as this is a site devoted to novices, it would be irresponsible to recommend the most powerful motors.  After all, nobody learns to drive on a Ferrari, at least no one I know!  When you are just starting out it is better to start with an inexpensive power  plant.  There are two good reasons for this.  One, many people end up fatally injuring some part of their plane on their first attempt at flying, and the motor is just as at risk as the rest of the plane.  It is better to trash an inexpensive motor than a pricey one.  Two, to avoid the first scenario it is better not to come in for your first "landing" at 80 MPH.  A motor with less power can afford more control for the novice and the plane is less likely to get out of control.

    Battery powered airplane motors are measured in RPMs (revolutions per minute), and thrust which is measured in ounces.  This is similar to the power ratings of actual aircraft engines, only they are measured in thousands of pounds of thrust as opposed to 5-20 ounces!

    Motors are more affordable these days than ever before.  You can set yourself up with an entry level 18.8k RPM motor than gives 8oz of thrust for under $10 US.  This is the perfect motor for a beginner, and at that price a rough landing won't break the bank.

    Once you have earned your pilot's wings the sky really is the limit on power.  There are battery powered engines out there that will push your machine well past 120 MPH.  That's faster than most people drive their cars (hopefully)!

    Generally, the more pull the motor is capable of giving, the heavier it will be.  There is a fine balance between power and weight which must be considered carefully.  Also, more power means more battery consumption, so be prepared for the added weight of additional batteries if you are planning on building a real screamer.    In the end, the learning experience will be much easier and rewarding if taken slowly.  By starting out with too much power a beginner can easily become discouraged due to the difficulty they will have controlling their machine.  Take it slow and you will have an easier time getting used to the controls.