Editing Control line (section)

{{Short description|Way of controlling a flying model aircraft}}
{{distinguish|Line of Control|Line of Actual Control}}
[[Image:strega7a.jpg|thumb|A full-fuselage aerobatic control line [[Strega (aircraft)|Strega]] in flight]]

'''Control line''' (also called '''U-Control''') is a simple and light way of controlling a flying [[model aircraft]]. The [[Fixed-wing aircraft|aircraft]] is typically connected to the operator by a pair of lines, attached to a handle, that work the [[elevator (aircraft)|elevator]] of the model. This allows the model to be controlled in the [[Aircraft principal axes#Transverse axis (pitch)|pitch axis]]. It is constrained to fly on the surface of a hemisphere by the control lines.

The control lines are usually either stranded stainless steel cable or solid metal wires of anywhere from {{convert|0.008|in|mm|abbr=on}} to {{convert|0.021|in|mm|abbr=on}}. Sewing thread or braided fishing line may be used instead of wires, but air resistance is greater. A third line is sometimes used to control the engine throttle, and more lines may be added to control other functions. Electrical signals sent over the wires are sometimes used in scale models to control functions such as retracting undercarriage and flaps.

There is also a control system that uses a single solid wire, this is called Monoline. When the pilot twists the wire around its axis, a spiral inside the airplane spins to move the elevator. While it can be used with some success on any type of model, it is best for speed models where the reduced aerodynamic drag of the single line is a significant advantage. The control provided is not as precise as the two-line control system.

Almost all control-line models are powered with conventional model aircraft engines of various types. It is possible to fly control-line models that do not use on-board propulsion, in a mode called "whip-powered", where the pilot "leading" the model, whose lines are attached to a fishing or similar pole, supplying the necessary energy to keep the airplane aloft, in a fashion similar to kite-flying.