RC Plane Gyro: How Stabilisers Work and How to Set One Up
An RC plane gyro is an electronic stabiliser that senses the plane’s rotation and automatically moves the control surfaces to counter unwanted movement, smoothing out gusts and twitchy handling. Many ready-to-fly planes have one built into the receiver (such as AS3X and SAFE in Horizon models, or X-Pilot in Volantex models). You can also fit a standalone 3- or 6-axis gyro between the receiver and servos. Correct mounting, direction and gain settings are essential: a gyro set wrong can make a plane uncontrollable.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
How it works
A gyro sensor (MEMS chip) measures rotation rates around the roll, pitch and yaw axes many times per second. If the plane rolls when you haven’t moved the stick, the gyro adds a small opposite aileron command. In a 6-axis unit, accelerometers also sense the plane’s angle, which allows self-levelling and rescue modes. The pilot’s stick commands are mixed with the gyro’s corrections, so you still fly the plane while the gyro dampens disturbances.
Modes
| Mode | What it does | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Off | No stabilisation | Normal flying |
| Rate (normal) | Damps rotation, plane stays where you put it | Wind, smooth flying |
| Attitude / level | Limits angles, self-levels when sticks are released | Beginners |
| Rescue / panic | Returns to level flight | Emergencies |
| Hover (3D) | Holds a vertical attitude | 3D practice |
Installing a standalone gyro
- Trim the plane mechanically first: a gyro won’t fix a bad CG or twisted wing; see how to trim an RC airplane.
- Mount the gyro firmly near the CG, aligned with the plane’s axes, on vibration-damping tape.
- Connect receiver outputs to the gyro inputs, and gyro outputs to the servos.
- Assign a switch for modes and, if available, a knob for gain.
- Power up with the plane still and level so the gyro initialises.
- Check direction: roll the plane right; the ailerons must move to roll it left. Reverse any axis that’s wrong.
Setting gain
Gain sets how strongly the gyro corrects. Too low does little; too high causes fast oscillation, often at high speed. Start low, fly at a safe height, and increase until you see a slight wobble, then back off. Many pilots use lower gain at high speed and higher at low speed; some gyros adjust automatically with throttle.
Built-in systems
Ready-to-fly planes with AS3X, SAFE, X-Pilot or similar systems are tuned at the factory. You usually choose modes with a switch and may adjust gain through the transmitter. Follow the maker’s instructions, and still do a control-direction check before every flight. Helicopter gyros follow similar principles; see helicopter gyros.
Tips
- Always check gyro correction direction before flying.
- Keep the plane still while it initialises.
- Have a switch to turn the gyro off if something goes wrong.
- Re-check after crashes; mounting tape can shift.
- Don’t rely on the gyro to fix trim problems.
Choosing a standalone gyro
Look for a gyro with the number of axes you need, enough servo outputs for your plane (including dual ailerons), easy gain adjustment from the transmitter, and support for your receiver type (PWM or a serial bus like SBUS). Some include a self-level and rescue mode, which is valuable for beginners or for testing a new plane. Read reviews for reliable models; a cheap gyro that glitches is worse than none.
FAQ
What does a gyro do on an RC plane?
It senses rotation and corrects the controls to stabilise the plane.
3-axis or 6-axis?
3-axis damps rotation; 6-axis adds self-levelling and rescue.
Why does my plane wobble with the gyro on?
Gain is too high.
Can I add a gyro to any plane?
Yes, a standalone gyro fits between receiver and servos.
More on this topic: the complete RC Airplanes guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
