RC Gliders and Sailplanes - Glide through the sky with an outdoor R/C glider

Articles & Tutorials

There are two types of rc gliders and sailplanes, powered and non powered. Buying a glider or sailplane for your first rc airplane experience is a good idea.

While I recommend beginners start with an electric rc airplane, rc gliders are much slower and are easier to recover from a potential accident. Usually the transmitter on a glider operates on only 2 channels.

Those two channels control the rudder and elevator, or the aileron and elevator. You should also know that a glider and sailplane are basically the same thing, besides maybe the wing span.

Getting Started

Most rc gliders and sailplanes operate on 2 channels, and require more room to make a turn. They also move very slow, which is an advantage for beginners because it allows there more reaction time. Below is more information on the two types of gliders and some helpful tips. If ever need help fixing your rc glider, check out my help page.

Non-Powered RC Gliders

Non powered gliders ride on thermal air currents which allow the plane to drift along slowly. Flying a non-powered glider is not only fun, but also more relaxing and laid back. Another advantage to flying a non-powered glider is that there slower and easier to adjust too. So you don’t have to have those first time flying jitters.

Powered RC Gliders

Powered gliders have a small electric motor with a folding propeller on it. When it gets up to your desired height, you can just flick the motor off and it becomes a glider. If you start to drop, you just turn the motor back on and you’re off.

Flying RC gliders

Flying rc gliders is just as easy as flying electric rc airplanes. So visit my learn to fly page for help, and be sure to look at the hand launching section. Getting your glider in the air is a different story.

There are many different ways you can launch your glider. Some powered gliders can take-off like a regular rc airplane, but that kind of takes away the fun of flying a glider.

What else will you need?

When buying any glider or sailplane, always check for required accessories and what is “not included”. An RTF glider should come with everything needed to start flying, but other kits might require some extra spending. Take a look at my parts and accessories pages for top quality products.

Also, a good book or magazine can do wonders for getting you started. Below I have my recommended book.

Recommended RC Glider Books

Model Airplane Secrets contains all the insider tips, techniques and secrets you need to know to go from beginning model airplane enthusiast to expert in no time! You will learn about the history of model airplanes, how to get started in the hobby, what accessories you need, how to avoid crashes, tips on all other aspects and much more.

RC sailplanes & electric gliders is a great book on building and flying gliders and sailplanes.