Step by Step Aviation
We explain the fundamentals of flight from scratch, step by step. Every post is based on reliable sources, listed at the end of the post.
Your First Model Airplane: Choosing, Safety and SHGM Rules
The last step of the series: using what we have learned, we explain how to choose your first model airplane, safety at the field, and the rules for hobby flying under the UAS Instruction published by SHGM on 30 July 2026.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 15The Electric Power System: Kv, LiPo, ESC and Flight Time
How does the power chain of an electric model airplane work? We explain the basics of the Kv rating, a LiPo battery's cell count, capacity and C rating, choosing an ESC and calculating flight time.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 14Wind and Course: Groundspeed, Crosswind and Wind Correction Angle
In windy weather it is not enough to point the nose where you want to go. We explain the wind triangle, groundspeed, the crosswind component and the wind correction angle.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 13Take-off and Landing: Into the Wind, Flaps and Distance
Why do airplanes take off and land into the wind? We explain with numbers how a headwind, flaps, weight and the runway surface change the take-off distance.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 12Climbing and Gliding: Excess Power and Glide Ratio
How far does an airplane go when the motor stops? We explain that the glide ratio equals L/D, how wind changes the glide, and that climbing comes from excess power.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 11Stability: Why Does an Airplane Correct Itself?
What do static and dynamic stability mean? We explain how the centre of gravity, the horizontal tail, dihedral and the vertical tail bring an airplane back after a disturbance.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 10Wing Geometry: Aspect Ratio, Tip Vortices and the Tapered Wing
Why are glider wings long and slender? We explain how aspect ratio, wingtip vortices and the wing planform affect induced drag and stall behaviour.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 9Types of Drag: Parasite, Induced and the Best Glide Speed
The force that slows an airplane down is not a single piece. We explain how parasite and induced drag change in opposite directions with speed, and the speed at which total drag is lowest.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 8How Does a Propeller Produce Thrust? Diameter, Pitch and Safety
A propeller is a rotating wing. We explain how it accelerates air, what the size "10x6" means, and what to look out for when choosing a propeller.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 7The Atmosphere and Density Altitude: Flying When It Is Hot and High
What is the standard atmosphere, and why does the air get thinner as you climb? With calculations, we explain how a hot summer day affects the performance of airplanes and model airplanes.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 6Centre of Gravity: Where Does an Airplane's Balance Come From?
What happens if the centre of gravity is too far forward or too far back? We show step by step how to find the centre of gravity with a simple calculation and how to balance a model airplane.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 5The Three Axes and the Control Surfaces: Aileron, Elevator and Rudder
An airplane rotates around three axes. We explain which control surface produces which motion, how an airplane actually turns, and the "adverse yaw" effect.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 4Stall: A Matter of Angle, Not Speed
Why does a wing suddenly lose lift? We explain the critical angle of attack, why the stall speed rises in turns, and how to protect a model airplane from stalling.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 3The Lift Equation: Speed, Air Density, Wing Area and Angle of Attack
We take apart the equation L = ½·ρ·V²·S·Cʟ step by step and calculate the slow-flight and stall speeds of a model airplane together.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 2How Is Lift Produced? A Common Misconception and the Correct Explanation
Why is "the air on top travels a longer path, so it speeds up" wrong? We explain how a wing turns the air and where the pressure difference comes from.
Step by Step Aviation · Step 1Why Does an Airplane Stay in the Air? Meet the Four Forces
Lift, weight, thrust and drag: in plain language, we explain the four forces acting on every aircraft in flight and the balance between them.