RC Planes for Beginners – What Are Channels and How Many Do I Need?

The receiver and servos are inside the remote control model. The operator holds the transmitter and moves the controls on it. The transmitter sends radio signals to the receiver. The receiver sends signals to the servos and the servos move the working parts of the model. The more channels a model has, the more moving parts over which you have control, it has.

When you purchase that first RC airplane, take time to familiarize yourself with it before you fly. Yes, that does mean reading the manual but believe me this will be time well spent. One of the things you’ll learn from your manual is where the various controls are located on the transmitter and what functions they serve in the operation of your plane. While at first glance the arrangement of knobs and switches may look a bit confusing, learning which one does what is not that difficult. What is difficult, for most novices, is making your hands do what your mind is trying so hard to make them do. That is to be expected and will all be sorted out with a little practice. For now, read on to learn more about channels and how they work.

Channels are used to control the speed and movement of an RC airplane. The transmitter (some, incorrectly, refer to it as a control box) houses the channels that are used to fly the plane. The simplest RC planes for beginners have 1 channel and are really more toys than true RC aircraft. Most beginner planes are 2 or 3-channel models. Typically, 2-channel planes have controls that operate the rudder (vertical stabilizer- left or right) and the elevator (controls pitch up and down) and maintain a constant speed. Three-channel RC planes for beginners usually have rudder and elevator controls plus a throttle to increase or decrease motor speed. Another possible 3-channel configuration is throttle, elevator and ailerons in place of the rudder, though this combination is usually seen on more advanced planes.

"Ready to Fly" (RTF) or "Ready to Run" (RTR) remote control models will include the Radio Transmitter (TX) in the package. Some are designed for a specific product and you won't be able to use them with your other radio controlled devices. Others can be used with other RC models (as long as they have a compatible receiver). Playing with RC toys often turns into a hugely satisfying past-time and hobby. And most of us look to purchase a programmable 2.4GHz radio system that we can use with many different RC models at that point. If and when you reach that stage, you'll probably want to get a transmitter that has channel or two more than you currently need, so that you have the option to expand your channels as your skills progress without having to purchase a new transmitter.

Transmitters with more than 3 channels are for more experienced pilots, ones who have already developed the skills to fly faster, more maneuverable, more demanding planes. Before you go there, get the basics down with a 2 or 3-channel plane and then move up to multi-channel models. Just like flying a real aircraft, flying radio control airplanes takes a lot of patience, persistence and practice. It is very important that newcomers learn on RC planes for beginners, instead of models designed only for experienced fliers. If you’ve had nothing but trouble trying to fly your first plane, you may simply be in over your head with a model that’s too demanding. Novices will do better with electric-powered park flyers or trainers with 2 or 3 channels. Look for stability and durability in a first plane. Stability, because it will be easier to fly; durability, to survive the inevitable crashes intact. To find out more about great RC planes for beginners, visit your local hobby store or check your online retailers that specialize in RC aircraft.