Radio Control Hovercraft Operating Guidelines

Radio Control Hovercraft Operating Guidelines

The hovercraft model is supported on an air cushion.

As such, there is ideally no contact with any surface over which it travels; and all maneuvers, turns and direction change have to be accomplished by the coordinated use of the throttle and rudder. You must treat it with caution. Exercise caution with the lift fan and the propeller. Keep fingers clear and do not insert object into rotating propellers.

The hovercraft model operates best over smooth and level surfaces. Parking lots, level driveways and water surfaces – especially ice – are ideal. The model will not operate well on heavy grass, deep pile carpeting or soft powdery snow. On surfaces that are “crowned” and hence sloped the model will trend to drift to the lowest point.

You should first learn to “walk” the hovercraft much like a puppy. Become well acquainted with the turning and backing behavior as you operate the throttle and steering. Remember – this is a new experience and you will improve your driving rapidly as you practice. The real skill and expertise is getting the model to do what you want it to do, not making it go fast in an uncontrolled manner. In a hovercraft – including the real ones – each maneuver must be planned ahead and executed in anticipation of the flight path of the vehicle. Remember – there is no contact with the surface and all maneuvers must be powered. Practice does make perfect!

Operations over water require special precautions. Make sure your radio gear is watertight. You should begin water operations carefully. Become familiar with the model characteristics on water – they are different than on land. As before, you should start slowly and develop your driving skills before you move to higher speed flight.

CAUTION: Never operate the model on roads and areas with there is vehicular traffic!

The unique nature of hovercraft flight lends itself to exciting contests and races. Much like the radio control cars, boats and airplanes, competition adds to the excitement of the hobby. The following suggestions can make your and your friends hover maneuvering even more exciting.

Slalom Courses: A slalom course can be set up on any flat area such as parking lots, garages, driveways, et. Coffee cans, boxes and other suitable course markers can be arranged in small or large patterns. Each contestant then runs the course and is timed from start to finish. The shortest time wins. Installing jump ramps made from pieces of plywood, water traps or even a small pond or lake, can enhance your slalom course.

Races: A racecourse can be set up in minutes as described above in the slalom race. This time, however, 2 or more hovercraft models are competing against each other. You will find that your driving skill will be more critical than brute force speed.