Beginners Guide

What is RC flying, and is it hard to learn?

RC (radio-controlled) flying is the hobby of piloting model aircraft using a handheld transmitter. The learning curve is real but very manageable. Most beginners can learn the basics in a few weeks of regular practice, especially with modern trainer planes and flight simulators. It's one of those hobbies where patience and consistency matter more than natural talent.

How do I get started with RC flying?

The best path for most beginners is to start with a ready-to-fly (RTF) trainer airplane, which comes with everything you need in the box. From there:

Start by spending a few hours on a free or low-cost RC flight simulator on your computer or phone. This builds muscle memory without crashing real planes. Then bring your trainer to our club for first flights and training from one of our instructors. Many beginners benefit from joining our club, where experienced members can offer hands-on guidance and let you fly with a "buddy box" a setup where an instructor can take over the controls if things go wrong.

Is RC flying expensive for beginners?

It can be as affordable or as pricey as you make it. A solid beginner setup, plane, transmitter, batteries, and a charger typically runs around $500 sometimes less. Foam trainer planes are inexpensive, and replacement parts are usually cheap. Where costs can creep up is if you crash frequently before developing control skills (hence the simulator advice), or if you upgrade to more advanced aircraft too quickly. Overall, compared to many hobbies, getting started is quite reasonable.

What is the best RC airplane for beginners?

A few models consistently get recommended for newcomers: HobbyZone Aeroscout S2 and the E-flite Apprentice STS are among the most popular beginner planes. Both are foam-built, durable, have built-in stabilization technology that helps correct mistakes automatically, and are available as complete RTF kits. The Volantex Trainstar series is another budget-friendly option. Look for planes marketed as "trainers" with high-wing designs — the wing position above the fuselage makes them naturally more stable and easier to control.

What equipment do I need to start?

At minimum you'll need the airplane itself, a transmitter (the controller you hold), a LiPo battery pack, a compatible battery charger, and a field to fly at. Most RTF kits bundle the plane, transmitter, battery, and charger together, so you can fly straight out of the box. As you progress, extras like spare propellers, a prop balancer, and a battery bag for safe charging become worth having.

What do all the channels and modes mean?

"Channels" refer to how many independent controls your transmitter can send — a basic trainer typically uses 3 to 4 channels covering throttle, rudder, elevator, and ailerons. "Mode" refers to how those controls are laid out on the transmitter sticks. Mode 2 is by far the most common in the US (throttle on the left stick, steering on the right), and most planes and tutorials are built around it.

How long can I fly on a single battery?

For most beginner electric planes, expect 10 to 15 minutes per battery charge depending on throttle usage and wind. Buying two or three spare batteries is a common move so you can keep flying at the field without waiting for a recharge.

Is RC flying safe?

It is safe when practiced responsibly. Always fly in open areas away from people, roads, and animals. Never fly near airports or in controlled airspace without proper authorization. In the US, the FAA requires you to register drones and model aircraft over 0.55 lbs and fly within certain rules. Our club and field is a chartered club of The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). Following the AMA safety code and our club by-laws ensures that operations are conducted safely and responsibly.

Do I need a license to fly RC planes?

In the US you don't need a pilot's license, but you do need to register your aircraft with the FAA if it weighs more than 0.55 lbs (which most planes do). Registration is simple and costs $5 for three years and covers all your aircraft. Flying under the AMA's safety guidelines also keeps you compliant with FAA rules for recreational flyers.

Should I learn on a simulator first?

Yes. This is one of the best pieces of advice for any beginner. Free options like RealFlight Mobile or affordable desktop simulators let you crash as many times as you need without spending a dime on repairs. Even just a few hours on a simulator will dramatically reduce how often you crash your real plane in the early stages.

What's the difference between RTF, BNF, and PNP?

These refer to how complete the kit is when you buy it. RTF (Ready to Fly) means everything is included — you can fly right away. BNF (Bind and Fly) includes the plane but not the transmitter, so you bind it to a transmitter you already own. PNP or PNF (Plug and Play / Plug and Fly) comes with the plane and motor but without receiver or transmitter. As a beginner, RTF is almost always the right choice.

What should I do when I inevitably crash?

Don't get discouraged, crashing is a normal part of learning. Foam planes are surprisingly easy to repair with foam-safe CA glue. Inspect the motor, propeller, and control surfaces after any crash before flying again. Keeping a few spare props on hand is smart since they're the most commonly broken part and usually cost just a dollar or two each.