Maybe you’ve seen those hobbyists flying their rc airplanes, 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.
Flying a radio controlled airplane and performing aerobatic stunts takes some practice and plenty of it. You may well be better off getting a cheaper smaller model to start with just to get a feel for how much concentration is really required to control a model airplane, then you can think about moving on to more complicated models.
Selecting and flying a beginners rc airplane should be an enjoyable experience that encourages you to keep on flying. A high-wing trainer airplane is often recommended for beginners learning to fly their first model. What is it? A high-wing airplane is one with the wing on top of the fuselage, a type of construction which tends to allow slower, gentler flying characteristics and fairly forgiving of control errors so making them ideal for new RC pilots.
High-wing training airplanes 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 a little assembly to get going, or as fully assembled aircraft that just need their batteries charged.
Try to look for trainer airplanes that are specially built for durability and which can be easily repaired because as a beginner you will certainly have a share of sub-optimal landings (ahem!). An easily repaired airplane means you are back in the skies in no time to try again. Trainers with tricycle landing gear tend to be easier to handle on the ground than those with the tail down (tail-draggers) so take that into consideration when making your purchase too.
Don’t get stuck thinking too much about the power and electronics of RC for now. There are various motors, batteries and radio controllers available 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.
Of course getting some expert opinion is a must. 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 ready to get into a good hobby store and talk with the guys there. They are always eager to help you make the right choice and they genuinely like to see new people join their world, the world of radio control airplanes.
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