Although most people assume that radio controlled aircraft applies to airplanes only, there are actually many types of radio controlled aircraft.  They can be broken down into several main categories.  Although aircraft such as model rockets, balloons, kites, etc. exist, we are going to limit our information to the types, or styles, of aircraft we commonly build and fly in our hobby.

The first style, known as fixed wing, are commonly referred to as airplanes.  The term is derived from the fact that the lifting surface, or wing, is rigidly attached to the airframe, or “fixed” in place.  The wing, in relation to the fuselage, does not move in the course of normal flight.  The propulsion for the airplane is provide through a propeller or turbine driven engine.  Some airplanes lack a propulsion system and rely on lift created by differences in air temperature aloft, otherwise known as thermals.  These airplanes are refered to as sailplanes or gliders.

The next type of aircraft is called a helicopter.  Most people are familiar with helicopters.  The main lifing surface on a helicopter actually rotates!  In the case of helicopters, the wing is referred to as a rotor.  Another difference between helicopters and airplanes is that airplanes have engines that are separate from the lifting surface.  In helicopters, the lifting surface, or rotor, also provides the propulsion by means of an engine that spins the rotor.

There is a type of aircraft that incorporates the propulsion system of an airplane and the lifting system of a helicopter.  It is called a gyro-plane or gyro-copter.  Although the lift is provided by a rotor, the rotor has no power source attached and spins freely.  When the rotor is spinning fast enough due to the forward momentum of the craft, it generates lift.  The forward motion is provided through a conventional, propeller driven engine as you would find on an airplane.  As with airplanes, there are propulsion-less versions called gyro-gliders.  Gyro-gliders utilize a tow-cable for means of propulsion.  They must be towed by another, powered vehicle in order to achieve and maintain flight.

Another category that is similar in operation to a gyro-plane is a paraplane or paraglider.  The only real difference between the two is that the paraplane uses a parachute as the lifting surface vs. a free-spinning rotor.  As the names would imply, there are powered and non-powered versions.  Although they are not as efficient as sailplanes, the non-powered versions are also capable of using thermals for propulsion.

Last, but not least, there is the dirigible, airship, or blimp.  Most of us have seen or heard of the “blimps” that float high above football games and provide the overhead view.  These airships remain aloft by using a “balloon” filled with a gas, usually helium, that is lighter than air.  This allows the entire craft to remain airborne.  The gas filled balloon is not only the body of the ship, it is also the lifting surface.  Propulsion is provided by means of several propeller driven engines that provide horizontal, as well as vertical propulsion.

As you can see, our choices are many.  Generally, pilots choose their craft based off personal preference, experience with a particular type or style, recommendations from friends and fellow pilots, or simply the opportunity to expand their horizons by experimenting with something new.  Whatever choice you make, I’m sure there is an aircraft out there that will suit your desires!