RC Airplanes

If you’ve ever wanted to enter the world of RC airplanes but was daunted by the thought of putting one together or experiencing a horrible crash landing, you no longer have to worry.

Getting started in the wonderful hobby of radio control airplanes is easier than ever. There are many types of RTF or ready to fly airplanes available and you may be surprised at how affordable they are.

With new computer technology, the beginner RC airplane pilot can learn to fly without the help of an instructor. This wonderful technology also makes most RC planes very forgiving during flight and they're easy to fix if you should crash.

This fun and very entertaining RC hobby is loved by so many people and is a great past time and wonderful hobby for the whole family. Once you learn how to properly fly RC airplanes you could find yourself hooded on this awesome hobby for life.

With so many different types of radio control aircraft, it’s more affordable then it has ever been to own an RC plane.

There are radio controlled airplanes designed for both the expert and the beginner and they are made so that just about anyone can fly them with a little know how and some practice.

Although very popular, RC airplanes are only a small part of RC flying. There are many other types of RC planes available for you to take to the skies such as:

• Helicopters
• Jet
• Gliders
• Blimps
• Mini Helicopters

Helicopters are a fan favorite when it comes to RC flying. They can move straight up so they don't require a run way. They can also move to the left or to the right and hover over objects and with a bit of practice you’ll be able to pick up objects.

If it’s speed you’re longing for then an RC jet will make the perfect RC plane for you. They come in many sizes with the larger ones costing a few thousand dollars.

RC gliders can be very relaxing and peaceful and if it’s acrobatics that you want then this just may be the RC airplane for you.

RC blimps are great for indoor use and are also very quite. These helium filled RC toys are very easy to operate and also very easy to maneuver.

Mini RC Helicopters have become very popular in the past few years and are great for indoors use.

There are also RC flight simulators that are extremely valuable when it comes to learning how to fly an RC airplane. Although you can learn to fly RC planes without one, an RC flight simulator can make learning to fly lots of fun and you can learn how to fly them much quicker.

Flying clubs are great places to learn from the pros in person if you are lucky enough to locate one not to far from you. A lot can be learned from watching someone who’s been flying RC airplanes for years and people usually are eager to answer questions about a hobby they love.

RC airplanes can be electric or gas, electric being the easiest to use and quickest to get flying, making it the best choice for the first time RC pilot.

You should probably start out with an electric RC trainer if this is your first RC airplane. Trainers can teach you to fly without the help of an instructor and they’re easy to fix in case of a crash. You should also know that crashes will happen, even some very experienced RC pilots crash sometimes, you should be aware of this and except it if you want to be a part of this wonderful hobby. This is a very good article on 'An In Depth Look at Trainer Airplanes',

Here are some words you will come across while looking up RC airplanes:

• Kit: this type of RC plane needs building from provided plans, and you'll also need to purchase many other parts that are not included with the ‘kit’. You’ll also need to have a good knowledge of RC model airplane building techniques.
• ATF - almost ready to fly: These RC airplanes are designed for the pilots who has the knowledge of RC plane building and loves to save some money. These kits may include a basic airframe and some will include the motor as well. Most do not come with the engine, radio system and some other parts that may be needed to complete the kit. They can require bout five to eight or more hours, depending upon the airplane and your knowledge of RC airplane building.
• RTF - ready to fly: This is the most popular category of RC planes today because it gets new pilots in the air quicker. RTF airplanes come with everything needed to take flight and require very little assembly. The wings, tail and maybe the propeller will need to be added before the pilot can take to the skies, however the assembly required is very minor. It comes with everything needed to fly including a radio system and motor. All you need to purchase are batteries for the RC gear.
• PNG - plug n play: This is a new type of RC airplane kit that is becoming very popular amount the intermediate pilots. PNP planes come factory built with most of the work already done. You do need to provide your favorite radio system – plug in the receiver and you’re ready to fly. These systems are great if you have the required radio equipment.

For a look at more recommended RC trainers have a look at An In Depth Look at Trainer Airplanes,




One really good electric RC trainer is Hobby Zone's Firebird Commander 2 which offers 2 channel steering which means you control the throttle and left and right steering. The Commander 2 is very easy to learn to fly making it the perfect trainer for a young pilot. It also can be flown in a small field with no runway required.

Both of the above mentioned trainer airplanes can be upgraded and are capable of electronic combat, dropping a parachute and night flight as soon as your skills progress. ACT - Anti Crash Technology which helps to keep you from crashing comes with both of these trainers.

The Hobbico SkyFly and the RedHawk are two other good trainers you may consider however they do not have the Anti Crash Technology feature and do not do well in a crash.

If you can join a flying club or know of an RC airplane instructor then you may want to consider a gas trainer.

The Hangar 9 Alpha Trainer Airplane and the Hangar 9 Arrow Trainer Airplnae both offer increased power and performance. They do however require a runway because you can't hand launch a gas plane and they are very unforgiving if you crash. This is because they are constructed from balsa coated wood. Both of these RC trainers have a 63' wingspan.

Gas airplanes which have no batteries offer almost 20 minutes of flying time on a tank of gas. They're also more stable in windy conditions and fly more like a traditional airplane. Both of these RC gas trainers come with flight simulators so you can fly the actual trainer on your computer before you take to the skies.

You may also want to consider a simulator such as the G3 or the new FS One simulator.