Radio Control Aircraft For Beginners

Radio Control Aircraft For Beginners

Maybe you've seen those RC hobbyists flying their aircraft, performing incredible aerobatics and thought you might like to get involved but be aware you are unlikely to succeed by just splashing out and spending your hard earned cash on the most impressive and advanced model in the shop.

Performing those stunts and even just flying your aircraft comfortably and confidently takes practice, sometimes lots of it. You might be better advised in a less complicated trainer airplane to start with while you get to understand just how much concentration is really required to control a model airplane, then you can consider moving up to the bigger league.

Buying and flying your first radio control airplane should be a good experience that encourages you into the hobby. It is often recommended that beginners learn to fly with a high-wing trainer. What is it? A high-wing airplane is one with the wing on top of the fuselage, a build which allows for slower and gentler flights and fairly forgiving of control errors so making them ideal for new RC pilots.

High-wing trainers are a great way to learn the basic skills before trying faster low-wing airplanes which require considerable skill to fly safely. You can buy trainer airplanes in an almost ready to fly kit, requiring just some assembly to get going, or as fully assembled airplanes that just need their batteries charged.

Try to look for trainer airplanes that are specially built for durability and which can be easily fixed because like all beginner RC pilots you will have a small number of  'imperfect landings'. Easily repairable construction means you can be back in the air quickly having hopefully learnt from your experience. Airplanes with tricycle style landing gear are easier to control on the ground than those with low tails (sometimes known as tail-draggers) so take that into consideration when making your purchase too.

Don't worry too much about the power and electronics of RC for now. There are any number of combinations of power units and radio controllers possible but your first airplane will have that side of things all matched up for you. The guys at the hobby store will explain all you want if you have any questions.

There is no substitute for expert advice. Try to visit a radio control flying area and observe the airplanes, maybe wait until aircraft have landed before asking questions, though you'll notice the RC hobbyists, like most other hobbyists, are happy to chat. Then you're probably ready to go to a good hobby store and talk with the guys there. They will be happy to help you make the right choice, it's in their interest to encourage you and they really want to encourage newcomers into their world, the world of radio control airplanes.