Frequently Asked Questions

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Taking the first step is always the hardest part. When you are new, it’s not easy. Well that’s why I made this site, for people who are new to this hobby. To begin, all you have to do is decide what type of rc airplane you want. Either an electric, gas, jet, glider or toy rc airplane for your kid. Once you decide, just follow my instructions. All you really have to do is buy your airplane, learn to fly it and maintain it. After you learn how to do those things, you just have to keep practicing. My recommendations for beginners are they get an electric rc airplane, learn to fly it, and then slowly move up towards faster more advanced planes.

How does a remote controlled airplane work?

Basically an rc airplane works the same way as your TV and remote control does. But instead of infrared waves, rc planes use radio waves. When flying your rc airplane, you have the transmitter (your TV remote) and that sends radio waves, on a certain frequency, to the receiver on your plane (the TV). Your airplanes receiver then interprets what direction and speed you told it to go, which are then transmitted to the speed controller and servo motors. The speed controller does exactly what its name is, control the rc airplanes speed. Servos are little motors that move the flaps, tail fin, etc.

Should I join a club?

I recommend anyone who fly’s rc airplanes join a local club. Not only because your local club will have a flying field where you can fly at, but also because you will be introduced to many other people who are interested in the same hobby. It’s a great experience. Clubs are great for beginners because you can usually get an instructor or someone else that is good with rc airplanes and flying. And if you need rc airplane help, there’s always someone there to help you. Check out my clubs and fields page to find a club near you.

Where can you fly?

Like I said above, your local rc model airplane club will have a flying field or place to fly for you. Look at my clubs and fields page for complete listings. If you don’t have a club anywhere near you, or flying field, then I suggest you just pick an area with the most open airspace. If you decide to buy a park flyer or slow flyer, you can fly those in your backyard or at a local park.

How do I take-off and land?

Taking off and landing can be easy with some airplanes, and much harder with others. For instance, an RTF electric rc airplane can usually land by just decreasing the speed slowly. Other rc airplanes with ailerons (flaps), rudder, and two engines require you to decrease speed, raise flaps, lower landing gear and control rudder. All of that is too much for the beginner, so that is why I suggest first timers purchase an electric RTF rc plane. To learn how to land and take off, check out the learn to fly page.

Should you get RC airplane insurance?

RC airplane insurance is purchased basically for two reasons. One is if you injure someone else with your airplane, your rc airplane insurance will cover there injuries. The next reason is if you have a very expensive rc airplane and you crash it, then your insurance will cover it.

So should you get rc airplane insurance? If you will be flying around a lot of people and/or if your rc airplane is expensive, then I think you should. You can purchase RC model airplane insurance from one of these organizations below:

Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)

British Model Flying Association (BMFA)

Model Aeronautics Association of Canada (MAAC)

There are so many ways to build my plane, how do I choose?

Really it is not that complicated. First you need to decide whether you want an electric or gas powered airplane. After you have decided that, you then need to pick whether you want it ready to fly (RTF), almost ready to fly (ARF), a kit, or build it all yourself from scratch just using a drawing plan. It really all comes down to how experienced you are, and how fast you want to start flying the airplane. My recommendation is always beginners start with an electric RTF rc plane, then move to a gas powered RTF and ARF rc airplane. After you master those airplanes, you should move onto kits and building from drawing plans. Drawing plans are the best because you get to design and build your own airplane with just your two hands.

Helpful Book and Magazine

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.

Model Airplane News magazine is written for enthusiasts who truly enjoy the sport and hobby of making and flying model airplanes. Every month, readers will receive features on construction and design, how-to techniques, rc airplane help, and comprehensive evaluations of new kits and models.