When you’re getting started and shopping for your first RC airplane or helicopter, there are so many aircraft to choose from that it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Let's see if we can clear away some of the confusion and help you narrow down your choices. Now we could just say, what we believe is true, and that is, the best  RC plane for beginners is a small to medium size, electric Ready-To-Fly (RTF) trainer -- and if that’s good enough for you, skip to the Specific Recommendations near the end of this article. But if like us, you tend to want to know “why,” read on and we will explain some of the basic lingo and the factors that brought us to that conclusion. If you are looking to get started with RC helicopters, check out How to Choose the Best RC Helicopter. If you are shopping for a child or younger teen, RC Planes and Copters has a special page of products that are Just for Kids who are interested in remote control airplanes (Kids Remote Control Planes and Copters).

One of the things you will enjoy about getting started in this hobby is learning loads of fascinating new factoids. You will be flexing and expanding your brain power and you’ll sound very cool and smart when you understand and speak the lingo. Some of the terms you will see in product descriptions are:

RTF: Ready-to-Fly. Unless you’re the hands-on kind, who loves to build things, you can’t go wrong with Ready to Fly. There’s no construction involved and very little assembly - just read the instructions, charge and insert the batteries, attach the wings and tail, and head to the flying field. If your primary interest in RC airplanes and RC Helicopters is flying them, or you want to learn to fly first and build later, an RTF will get you in the air quickly with the least amount of effort. Since RTF airplanes come in a package with everything you need, they’re usually cheaper than buying all the component parts individually.

ARF: Almost Ready to Fly. The plane or helicopter will be about 70-80% finished, needing some final assembly work, taking maybe a few evenings to complete, and you need to install engine and radio gear yourself.

RC Kit.  You will build the airplane or helicopter, you'll need to purchase quite a few extras and tools, and have a good knowledge of model building techniques.

Combo.  When you see “Combo” in a product description, this normally means that some of the items that usually are not included in an ARF package or model Kit, are included in the combo version.

Gas (or Glow or Nitro) RC. The term “Gas RC” can be used to refer to any aircraft powered by internal combustion, including gasoline and diesel, but the glow or glow plug engine is the type preferred by the majority of RC aviators who fly Gas RC models. If your heart is set on a gas RC airplane, because it sounds, smells, even looks, more like the real thing, go for it. There are good gas trainers that don't cost much more than electric models but, because of their relative complexity, the need for maintenance and basic accessories (spare plugs, igniter, charger, etc.), they do require more effort on your part and will cost more to maintain and operate. Flying gas RC airplanes might restrict you to flying at a model flying club if you don't know anyone with, or have access to, any private land. Only electric RC airplanes are acceptable in places like public parks. Gas RC airplanes require certain items of field equipment because of the engine. Gas planes are not as simple as electric ones and the engine alone means a higher level of maintenance is required.

Channels.  Many radio transmitters (TX)(the box you hold in your hands) have four channels. When you move the controls on your TX, the TX sends a signal to the receiver on your plane, the receiver (RX) sends impulses to the servos on your plane, and the servos then move the controlling parts on your plane. The four basic channels are for control of the Throttle, Rudder, Elevator and Ailerons.  (Radios with more than four channels can also control retractable landing gear, flaps, spoilers, lighting systems, etc.) 1 or 2-channel beginner planes are the least complicated, quickest and easiest to learn to fly. If you choose a 3-channel plane with the wings angled up slightly, you won’t have aileron control (roll control will be done by operating the rudder servos instead) but with some models of planes, you can install an upgrade later, to add the 4^th channel aileron control. If you plan to join a club and train under an experienced pilot, you’ll be fine with a bit more complex and expensive, slightly ritzier and more maneuverable 3 or 4-channel model.

Park flyers or slow flyers.  The only real difference between the two is that the term Slow Flyer can be used in reference to both indoor and outdoor planes, while Park Flyers are strictly for outdoors. As the term suggests, park flyers are designed to be flown in area parks, large parking lots (after business hours only) or very large backyards. Before you use any public facility, you should always check to see if local regulations permit flying RC airplanes there.

Choosing the Size of your first RC plane.  Where do you plan to do your flying? In the backyard, a parking lot, a community park, or on a radio control flying field? For indoor flight, choose small, micro or mini models. You don’t want too large a plane for the smaller outdoor spaces, so go with a small to medium size; with a bigger flying space, medium to large (but not giant) are good choices. Planes that are of a high wing design make the best airplanes to learn on because of their stability in the air. For outdoor flying, a plane with a wingspan of between 30 to 55 inches is the optimum size for learning. Much smaller and you'll have trouble seeing what it's doing, much bigger and it'll be too much to handle. 

Repairs. Choose an airplane that is durable and easy to repair. Foam planes are tougher and easier to repair than balsa wood ones. Make sure there are spare parts available for your plane or helicopter because you will need replacement parts at some point.

Flight time. Electric RC airplanes with brushless motors and li-po battery packs will give you longer flight times and more power than brushed motor planes. You can extend your flying time (between recharging) by purchasing extra battery packs and charge them ahead of time. Quick chargers are great to have too – plug them into the 12 volt DC outlet in your automobile to recharge your batteries when you’re away from home.

The RTF Multiplex Easy Star, Multiplex Mini Mag and Sky Eagle Park Flyer are RTF RC airplane models designed with beginning fliers in mind.

The RTF Easy Star is made of very durable foam and can take a lot of abuse without breaking. When it does break, it can be repaired with super glue. It comes with a Hitec Neon SS FM 3-Channel Transmitter and it's flown with Elevator/Rudder and Motor Control. It has good gliding properties, even with the motor turned off.  Wingspan: 54” which is pretty large, but it can be dismantled for easy transport. If you enjoy modeling and want to build your own plane from scratch, the Multiplex Easy Star Kit is a good choice. Related Links: Multiplex Easy Star ; Multiplex Easy Star Kit

Like the Easy Star, the Multiplex Mini Mag's body is made of a very durable type of foam. The Ready to Fly Mini Mag is a 2-channel aircraft that makes a great trainer plane for beginning fliers.  As your skills improve, you can purchase and add aileron control; you can purchase and switch to a more powerful brushless motor and there's a float set you can buy, for take-offs and landing on water.

If you'll have the help of an experienced pilot, the Megatech Ambassador is another option.  It has 4-channel control using ailerons, elevator, rudder and electronic throttle. You can start off in beginner mode and later switch to expert mode. The Ambassador also comes with trainer cables for Futaba, Hitec and Megatech radio systems for side-by-side training with an instructor or seasoned pilot. All the radio system components, consisting of a full range micro FM receiver, 9g servos, brushless ESC and LiPo battery pack, can be transferred to another airplane as your piloting skills progress.  Wing Span: 34”  Related Link: Megatech Ambassador

In our own personal experience, there's no more satisfying and rewarding hobby than flying RC airplanes and helicopters. It's healthy for the mind and body, gets us outdoors, it's fun for the entire family and a great way to make new friends. As you get started in your new hobby, we would love to hear from you and if there's anything we can do to help, please let us know!  You can reach us anytime by filling in the message form on the Contact Us page or by sending an email to Support@RcPlanesandCopters.com.  Have fun and good flying!