RC Airplane: Best Choices for That First One

With so many models to choose from, deciding which one to buy for your first RC airplane may seem a daunting prospect. The kind of plane you choose to learn on can be the single most important factor in determining how easy (or difficult) learning to fly will be, so be sure to make that choice carefully and from an informed perspective. There are so many aircraft to choose from, so many different types from so many manufacturers, that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Let's see if I can clear away some of the confusion and help you narrow down your choices. Now I could just say, and I do believe this to be true, that the best plane for most beginners is a small to medium size, electric Ready-To-Fly (RTF) trainer and if that’s good enough for you, stop right here. But if like me, you tend to want to know “why,” read on and I’ll explain this statement. There are several things you need to consider regarding your first RC airplane, including where you plan to do your flying—in the backyard (for most models it should be a fairly good-sized one), a parking lot, a community park, or on a radio control flying field. You don’t want too large a plane for the smaller spaces, so go with a small to medium size; with a more sizable flying space, medium to large (but not giant) are good choices. Ask yourself how much time and expense you want to incur to get started. If your heart is set on a gas RC airplane, because it sounds, smells, even looks, more like the real thing, go for it. There are good gas trainers that don't cost much more than electric models but, because of their relative complexity, the need for maintenance and basic accessories (spare plugs, igniter, charger, etc.), they do require more effort on your part and will cost more to maintain and operate.

Again, you can’t go wrong with a good electric trainer. They are the right choice for beginners because they are forgiving—relatively slow and simple to operate and with good stability. Park or slow flyers are good trainers (the only real difference between them is that the term slow flyer can be used in reference to both indoor and outdoor planes, while park flyers are strictly for outdoors). As the term suggests, park flyers are designed to be flown in area parks, large parking lots (after business hours only!) or very large backyards. Of course, before you use any public facility, you should always check to see if local regulations permit flying RC airplanes there. Park flyers and other trainers, particularly the basic 1 or 2 channel models, are a great way to get started--they are inexpensive, easy to handle and fun to fly.

And if, like me, you're not the type who enjoys spending hours building things, make that a Ready to Fly (RTF) model and within minutes of opening the box, you can be ready to start training. Also, since RTF airplanes come in a package, they’re usually cheaper than buying all the needed component parts individually. The RTF Multiplex Easy Star, Sky Eagle Park Flyer, and Venom Island Hopper are good RTF RC airplane models designed with beginning fliers in mind. ( If you want to build your own from scratch, the Multiplex Easy Star Kit is a good choice.) In a later Hub, I'll cover the differences between Ready-to-Fly (RTF), Almost-Ready-to-Fly (ARF) and Kits.

If you want something a bit more advanced and plan to train on a RC flight simulator and/or work with an instructor (I recommend doing both), then take a look at a 3-channel park flyer or a slightly larger, 4-channel trainer. With 3 or 4-channels, your plane will have more capabilities and you'll be able to enjoy a more realistic flying experience. The Island Hopper is a 3-channel model that works for both beginners and more experienced pilots. Constructed of durable, crash-resistant foam material, Venom's small park flyer features a high-lift wing design producing stable, forgiving flight characteristics, while its 3 controls give you more options than 1 or 2-channle models, even allowing for loops. Team up with an instructor and a Buddy Box (see the Hub: Side-by-Side Instruction: Learning to Fly RC Airplanes and Helicopters is a Breeze with a Buddy Box) and you will be up and flying on your own in two shakes of a lamb's tail.

Remember, the greater the plane's flight capabilities, the less easy it will for the beginner to fly. If you want to learn on your own, you're better off with a 1 or 2-channel RC airplane, but if you plan to join a club and train under an experienced pilot, you’ll be fine with a bit more complex and expensive, slightly ritzier and more maneuverable 3 or 4-channel model.

In my own personal experience, there's no more satisfying and rewarding hobby than flying an RC airplane or helicopter. It's healthy for the mind and body and gets you outdoors. It's fun for the entire family and a great way to make new friends. As you get started in your new hobby, I would love to hear from you. Have fun and good flying!

Related Hubs:

Learn to Fly RC Airplanes through Club Instruction

Learning to Fly RC Airplanes is a Breeze with a Certified Instructor

Learn to Fly RC Airplanes and Helicopters Using an RC Flight Simulator