How to Buy a Beginner RC Airplane

If you've found a local flying club, asked questions, and practiced flying on a simulator, you are ready for that first RC airplane, your "trainer." You can use these steps to guide your search for that perfect airplane. If you are just getting interested, check out the resource below for learning to fly an radio control airplane.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• local hobby shop
• local flying club (for advice)
• internet
• money

1. Visit your local hobby shop for advice on your purchase. However, remember that the employees will be trying to sell you certain products. Invite an experienced member or your flying club to come with you so that you will have an outside opinion. If you have not taken the first steps in learning how to fly an RC airplane, please see the resource below "How to Learn How to Fly an RC Airplane."

2. Keep in mind that the RC airplane you buy should correspond to the type of flying you envision doing, either park, yard, or approved field, and will depend on the space and resources available to you. Ask the salespeople and your mentor to show you which training models will be appropriate for which types of flying.

3. Look for a 3-channel radio control airplane. These are the easiest trainers because they do not have any aileron control; you will steer solely with the rudder. Eliminating variables simplifies the learning process.

4. A beginner RC airplane should be slow and stable. Look for a plane that has the wing mounted high up. This makes the plane more stable and better suited for beginners.

5. Look for a RC airplane that has wing tips which are angled-up. This will also help create stable flight for the beginner.

6. Look for an RC airplane that has the propeller mounted at the back of the wing. Since those who are first learning to fly are likely to crash, this design will protect the airplane's propeller from breaking.

7. Consider a complete RC airplane package such as those sold by www.e-flight.com. These package kits have become popular because they include a transmitter and lithium flight battery. At the lowest price point, you can purchase a microplane for indoor flight only. This tiny plane is ideal for those not sure if they want to continue in the hobby. On the other hand, the E-flite T34 is one of the best inclusive packages around and a great option for those who have decided they are serious about the hobby and have access to a club field. At around $499, the T34 includes a computer transmitter that can be used in the future on other models and, although it has a low mounted wing and ailerons, includes attachable wing cuffs and fixed flaps for easy beginner flying.

Tips & Warnings

• Learning to fly an RC airplane is a difficult but rewarding process, please see the resource below to make it go more smoothly and avoid crashing your new investment.

Resources

• Guide to Learning to Fly an RC Airplane

[krazigirl79]

on 10/14/2008 My hubby loves RC anything..thanks for the tips!

[bar10dr98]

on 10/10/2008 Great article, thanks!