Beginners Guide to RC Airplanes

If you are considering getting into the hobby of rc (radio control) airplanes, but you are not sure how to do it, then this guide is for you. I have consolidated some basic information that will answer some of the FAQ’s (frequently asked questions) you may have about  entering the hobby of flying radio control aircraft. I have also included some tips and tricks to make sure your first experience in flying  R/C is positive and successful.

A lot has changed in hobby of model aviation over the last several years.  It used to be that if you wanted to learn to fly rc (radio control) airplanes, you really had to have a friend or mentor that could help you.  There was not a lot of information available to would-be pilots about how to get started.  You also had to be a reasonably skilled craftsman and have a decent bank account.  If you met the previous criteria, especially having a friend or mentor to help you, then you probably had already been exposed to many aspects of flying and building rc airplanes. This also allowed you to make an educated decision on entering the hobby. If you decided to give it a go, then your mentor would give you some suggestions of which type of trainer kit to build and a list of items to purchase. Like modeling tools, your balsa wood kit , glues, covering material, and radio control equipment.  Then, unless you were building a glider, you would also have to purchase a engine, fuel, battery, starter, glow plugs, propellers, etc.

After you spent several days or weeks building your first airplane you would then cover it, mount your engine, install your fuel tank, radio gear, control horns, clevises, push rods etc. Then after balancing it, trimming it, and breaking in the engine, you would take it out to the field.  If you were lucky enough to have a mentor he would advise you to either let someone else try to take it off for you, or attempt it yourself under the close supervision of a qualified instructor.  All too frequently the end result would be a wrecked or damaged aircraft and a disappointed human. In retrospect, you really had to be dedicated to learning all about the sport before you even had your first flying aircraft.  I guess that’s not all bad!

Today things have changed.  There have been many improvements and innovations made in the hobby. Equipment is less expensive, easier to operate, and more reliable.  Planes are not only available in kit form.  But are also available in ARF (almost ready to fly) and RTF (ready to fly).  Which means that you don’t have to be a skilled craftsman or have a degree in aeronautical engineering to have a well built good flying plane.  Gas engines have a new counter part.  The simple and reliable electric motor.  As you can probably tell by my post on gas engines, I am partial to them.  But I will be the first to admit that the advances in electric motor design and batteries alone have revolutionized the sport over the last decade.  RC Flight simulators have become so realistic that if a new pilot can learn to fly on the simulator he or she will have a much higher success rate on the field.  Where else can you take off, fly, crash, and have a new airplane in a couple of seconds?  Check out my review of the best and most realistic simulators available.  You also don’t have to purchase the best and latest simulator to teach yourself how to fly.  Some of the earlier generation simulators work well and can be found on ebay for a fraction of the cost of a new one.

FAQ’s

“How expensive is it to get started in flying radio control airplanes?”

This is probably the most common question I get.  Unfortunately the answer is not cut and dry .  First, you have to decide if you really want to “get in to” radio control aircraft, or just have something to fly around the park and make the kids smile.  Both are enjoyable.  Both are considered “radio control airplanes”, But they are indeed two different animals.  You can usually find a decent entry level electric powered foam rc airplane with  everything needed to fly around the park for between  $50 -$150.  But these really are not even considered “entry level” models for the true radio control airplane enthusiast.  They should be looked at as fun, disposable toys that may provide you with several hours of fun or a few moments of excitement!  Usually they will at least get you in the air.  I should also mention that there is another category of small electric powered aircraft that are called “park fliers”.  These should not be confused with the disposable type mentioned earlier.  “Park fliers” are true radio controlled aircraft.  They fly better, they are built better, they are designed for all different skill levels, and they can also be extremely fast and maneuverable!  But, you will also have to spend a little more money for a “park Flier” in this category.  Often times the cost of a decent park flier can be high due to the extreme micro size and light weight components involved.  I usually do not recommend them for the first time pilot. To answer the question of  “How expensive is it to get started in flying radio control airplanes?” , I will show you how to do for under $300.  That is about the minimum for a decent plane and necessary equipment.

“What type of plane do you suggest as a trainer?”

Some of the attributes of a plane that would be considered a trainer are universal.

Radio Control Airplane-Trainer

1. High wing design
2. greater than 5 degrees of dihedral
3. Large enough to be seen at altitude
4. Minimum of rudder, elevator, and engine controls
5. highly visible paint scheme
6. Durable construction
7. Easy to repair
8. Parts available

Even though I am a gas engine enthusiast,  I would have to say that if you are breaking into the hobby, and you want the simplest and most cost effective alternative,  an electric powered trainer is a wise choice.   They can be flown on a smaller field, They require less equipment, and are safer to operate.  However if you just love the sound and excitment of a gas engine, and you are willing to spend a little more time and money, then a gas powered trainer in the .40 size is a good alternative.  Look for my “top 10 radio control airplane models for beginners”. suggestions for some tried and true choices.

“Where can I find a place to fly or a trainer to learn from?”

Finding a flying club near you is a great place to start.  You can visit the Academy of Model Aeronautics website for listings of sanctioned clubs in your area.  Almost all clubs have an apprentice program to get folks interested in the sport and they don’t require you to buy a thing.  It really is a great way to decide if flying  rc (radio control) airplanes is something that interests you.

If you would like to learm more about rc (radio control) airplanes and flying in general, keep poking around.  Check out the glossary for an explaination some common radio control terms.