
20
Glossary of Terms
• Ailerons: Each side of this airplane has a hinged
control surface (aileron), located on the trailing
edge of the wing. Move the aileron stick on the
transmitter left, the left aileron moves up and the
right aileron moves down. Moving the left aileron
up causes more drag and less lift, causing the left
wing to drop down. When the right aileron moves
down, more lift is created, causing the right wing
to rise. This interaction causes the airplane to turn
or roll to the left. Perform the opposite actions, and
the airplane will roll to the right.
• Carburetor: By adjusting the needle valve in the
carburetor, you control the engine’s lean/rich fuel
mixture and set the engine for correct operation.
• Charger: This is the device used to charge/recharge
batteries. If Ni-Cd batteries are provided with the
radio, a charger is usually provided as well.
• Clevis: The clevis connects the wire end of the
pushrod to the control horn of the control surface.
• Clunk: Located inside the fuel tank, a clunk is
weighted and ensures that the intake line has a
steady supply of fuel regardless of the attitude of
the airplane.
• Control Horn: This arm connects the control
surface to the clevis and pushrod.
• Control Surfaces: The moveable parts of the wing
and tail that cause the aircraft to roll (aileron), pitch
(elevator) or yaw (rudder).
• Dead Stick: When the airplane is in flight
gliding without the engine running, it is called
“dead stick.”
• Dihedral: The degree of angle (V-shaped bend) at
which the wings intersect the fuselage is called
dihedral. More dihedral gives an airplane more
aerodynamic stability. Some sailplanes and trainer
planes with large dihedral dispense with ailerons
and use only the rudder to control the roll and yaw.
• Electric Starter: This is the small motor commonly
used to start the airplane’s engine.
• Elevator: The hinged control surface on the back
of the stabilizer that moves to control the airplane’s
pitch axis. Pulling the transmitter’s control stick
toward the bottom of the transmitter moves the
elevator upward, and the airplane begins to
climb. Push the control stick forward, and the
airplane begins to dive.
• Expanded Scale Voltmeter (ESV): This device is
used to check the voltage of the battery pack.
• Flight Box: The box in which you store and
transport your flying equipment.
• Flight Pack or Airborne Pack: These
interchangeable terms describe the radio
equipment that is installed on the airplane.
• Fuel Overflow Line (Vent): This line connects to
the muffler and pressures the fuel tank when the
engine is running. It also functions as an overflow
line when the fuel tank is full.
• Fuel Pickup Line: This line connects the fuel tank
to the carburetor.
• Fuselage: The main body of an airplane.
• Glow Plug Clip/Battery: A 1.2-volt battery with a
clip that is connected to your engine’s glow plug
and is used to start the engine. You remove it once
the engine is running smoothly.
• High Wing: The term describes an airplane that has
its wing mounted on the top of the fuselage.
• Hinge: Flexible pieces used to connect the control
surface to the flying surface. All hinges must be
glued properly and securely to prevent the airplane
from crashing. (This has already been done for you
on the Alpha™ Trainer.)
• Horizontal Stabilizer: The horizontal flying surface
of the tail gives the airplane stability while in flight.
• Leading Edge: The front of a flying surface.
• Main Landing Gear: The wheel and gear assembly
the airplane uses to land, is attached to the bottom
of the fuselage.