PGAM Introduction to R/C

Getting Started

The best RC airplane to learn with is probably not going to be the prettiest. With your new found interest in this hobby I know you have been looking at all the different RC airplanes available. There are some awesome planes out there including 3D planes, warbirds, and even jets!

Full-scale pilots don't learn to fly with an F18 fighter jet! Pilots generally learn to fly with a stable more forgiving airplane such as a Cessna. Flying RC airplanes is no different. To be successful the best RC airplane to learn with must also be a stable and forgiving airplane. Trainer airplanes are stable, forgiving and awesome to fly!

Once you've mastered your first plane your second airplane will be a bit less forgiving and more aerobatic. After a couple of flying seasons you will be able to fly just about anything!

TRAINER: Best choice for new pilots. Easy to fly with gentle slow-flight characteristics. Wing is situated on top of aircraft (high-wing) with either a flat-bottom wing (or airfoil). This type of wing develops the most lift at lower speeds, so it's a good choice when first starting out in model aviation. It makes the airplane easier to control and provides self-righting if you make a mistake. A semi-symmetrical trainer is curved in different proportions on both top and bottom. This wing lacks the authoritative self-recovery characteristics of a flat-bottomed wing, but it will also allow you to perform a few basic aerobatics like loops, rolls and inverted flight. The semi-symmetrical trainer might be slightly tougher to master, but will do much more.
SPORT: These planes offer higher performance in the form of maneuverability and speed. The wings are located mid-level or low-level of fuselage or are bi-wing (2) design. These planes are generally preferred as the next step for beginners.
SCALE: These planes replicate full-scale aircraft in looks and performance.
AEROBATIC: 3D aerobatics include hovers, torque rolls and waterfall tumbles. These are the most difficult to fly and take a great deal to learn.
RTF: Ready to fly aircraft require minimal assembly and come with the radio system and engine preinstalled.
ARF: Almost ready to fly planes require some basic assembly that may include some gluing of parts and using basic tools. Radio and engine or motor selection are usually left up to the discretion of the builder (requirements are noted with each kit..
KIT: Kits by nature require the most amount of assembly and the basic structural components are usually either balsa wood or foam. Most kits also contain hardware components required to complete. Usually items such as tires, fuel tank and various other components are left to the discretion of the builder to select separately. Radio and engine or motor selection is up to the discretion of the builder (requirements are noted with each kit).