RC Glossary

Below is and Alphabetical list of commonly used Acronyms and Terms used in RC Aircraft Flying and Building

AMA 4204
Jun 15, 2025

RC Glossary of Terms

Wing Loading
This is the amount of weight per square foot that has to be overcome to provide lift. It is normally expressed in ounces per square foot. This specification can be easily calculated as follows: If you know the square inches of the wing, simply divide by 144 to obtain square feet. Divide the total weight (in ounces) of the airplane by the wing area (in square feet). This information is valuable when deciding on which airplane to build next. Planes with high wing loading numbers must fly faster to stay in the air. These are generally "performance" airplanes. Conversely, planes with lower numbers do not need as much air flowing around the wing to keep it flying. Trainers are designed to have low wing loading because slow, efficient flight is desired.
Wing Root
The centerline of the wing, where the left and right wing panels are joined.
Wireless Trainer
Allows wireless buddy box training using two transmitters (instructor and student) typically used to make training easier and safer.
X-Plus
Refers to the number of devices that you can connect into a receiver and control; also references the frequency a transmitter broadcast on. Utilizing the SRXL protocol, receivers with SRXL can utilize X-Plus to expand the number of allowed channel outputs with a X-Plus Expansion Module. These additional X-Plus Channels communicate at a slower rate and resolution (512ms compared to 1024ms) and are intended for non-control surface functions such as bomb drops, lights, winches, and retractable landing gear.
XBUS
Telemetry Module Protocol that allows for multiple sensors to communicate through one connection. This allows for each sensor to be plugged in from one sensor to the next, in a "Daisy-Chain" fashion.
Y-Harness
Two servos can be plugged into one channel with a Y-harness. The two servos will then operate simultaneously. It is most often used in areas where the strength of one servo is not adequate.
Yaw
The left or right movement of an aircraft's nose about its vertical axis.
Yaw Axis
The airplane axis controlled by the rudder. Yaw is illustrated by hanging the airplane level by a wire located at the center of gravity. Left or right movement of the nose is the yaw movement.
Z-bend
Shaped like a “Z,” it is the simplest way to connect a pushrod to a control horn or servo-output arm./dd>

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