RC Flight Training – How to Fly RC Planes
Buying your first RC airplane is the most important step in your RC flying journey. The aircraft you choose will directly affect how fast you learn, how often you crash, and whether you enjoy the hobby or quit early. A beginner-friendly RC airplane makes learning smooth and enjoyable, while the wrong airplane can make RC flying feel impossible.
Many new pilots believe crashes are part of learning—and while mistakes do happen, most beginner crashes are caused by choosing the wrong airplane, not by lack of ability. This guide will help you choose the right RC airplane from the start.
Why Choosing the Right RC Airplane Is So Important
RC airplanes are real flying machines. They react instantly to wind, control inputs, and balance issues. Beginner pilots need an aircraft that:
Flies slowly and predictably
Recovers easily from mistakes
Remains stable in calm and light wind
Can survive beginner-level crashes
Training airplanes are designed to forgive errors and help pilots learn proper control. Fast or advanced airplanes do the opposite—they amplify mistakes.
Starting with the right RC airplane saves money, time, and frustration.
What Beginners Should Look For in an RC Airplane
Let’s break down each key feature every beginner should prioritize.
1. High-Wing Airplane – Built-In Stability
A high-wing RC airplane has its wings mounted on top of the fuselage. This design naturally stabilizes the aircraft during flight.
Why High-Wing Design Is Best for Beginners
The airplane naturally wants to stay upright
Turns are smoother and slower
The plane self-corrects after small mistakes
Easier to control in light wind conditions
This is why flight schools and RC clubs almost always use high-wing trainers for student pilots. Low-wing planes may look cooler, but they are far less forgiving.
2. Lightweight Foam Construction – Beginner-Proof Durability
Most beginner RC airplanes are made from foam materials such as EPO, EPP, or EPS. These materials are flexible, lightweight, and easy to repair.
Benefits of Foam RC Airplanes
Absorb impact during crashes
Easy to repair using simple glue
Lightweight design improves slow flight
Lower risk of serious damage
Crashes are part of learning—but foam airplanes allow you to learn without fear. A broken foam wing can often be fixed in minutes instead of replacing the entire airplane.
3. Slow Flying Speed – More Time to React
Speed is the enemy of beginners.
A slow-flying RC airplane gives you:
More reaction time
Better control during turns
Easier orientation in the air
Safer takeoffs and landings
Fast airplanes cover a lot of distance very quickly, making it difficult for beginners to process what’s happening. Slow airplanes allow you to think, correct, and stay calm.
If an airplane looks fast while taxiing on the ground, it’s probably not a beginner plane.
4. 3 or 4 Channel Control – Simple and Effective Learning
RC airplanes are controlled using channels. Beginners should start simple.
Common Beginner Control Channels
Throttle – Controls speed and climb
Elevator – Controls up and down movement
Rudder – Controls left and right turns
Ailerons (optional) – Used later for smoother turns
Starting with fewer controls reduces mental overload. Many beginners learn faster with 3-channel aircraft, then upgrade to 4-channel airplanes once they feel comfortable.
Simple controls help build confidence and proper flying habits.
5. Electric Power – The Best Choice for Beginners
Electric RC airplanes are the standard choice for beginners today.
Advantages of Electric RC Airplanes
Easy to start and operate
No fuel, mess, or tuning
Quiet and environmentally friendly
Low maintenance
Reliable performance every flight
Electric power systems allow beginners to focus on flying instead of engine problems. They are ideal for training and casual flying.
Best Types of RC Airplanes for Beginners
Not all RC airplanes are beginner-friendly. Below are the best categories for learning.
Trainer RC Airplanes
Trainer airplanes are specifically designed for flight training.
Why Trainers Are Ideal
High-wing design
Stable flight characteristics
Gentle stall behavior
Strong and lightweight construction
Trainer airplanes are forgiving, predictable, and perfect for learning basic flight skills such as takeoff, turns, and landing.
Motorized Gliders
Motorized gliders combine efficient wings with electric motors.
Benefits of Motorized Gliders
Extremely stable flight
Long flight times
Excellent gliding ability
Smooth control response
Gliders teach important skills such as throttle management, energy conservation, and smooth flying. These skills transfer easily to all other RC airplanes.
Pusher-Prop Aircraft (Rear-Mounted Propeller)
Pusher-prop airplanes have the propeller mounted at the back instead of the front.
Why This Design Helps Beginners
Propeller protected during landings
Safer hand launches
Reduced damage during crashes
Because the propeller is not exposed, beginners are less likely to break it during training. This design also improves safety.
What Beginners Should Avoid When Buying an RC Airplane
Some RC airplanes look exciting but are not suitable for beginners.
Jet RC Airplanes
RC jets are fast, heavy, and extremely sensitive.
Why Jets Are a Bad Choice for Beginners
Very high speed
Minimal reaction time
Expensive repairs
Advanced flying skills required
Jets are best left to experienced pilots.
Warbirds (Fighter Planes)
Warbirds such as WWII fighters are popular—but dangerous for beginners.
Common Problems With Warbirds
Low-wing design
High stall speed
Unstable at slow speeds
Sudden loss of control
These airplanes punish beginner mistakes quickly and often end in crashes.
Fast or Advanced Aerobatic Planes
Aerobatic airplanes are designed for precision flying.
Why Beginners Should Avoid Them
Extremely sensitive controls
Require advanced coordination
Difficult to land
Unforgiving flight behavior
Aerobatics should only be attempted after mastering basic flight skills.
Ready-to-Fly vs. Kit Airplanes for Beginners
Beginners should choose Ready-to-Fly (RTF) or Bind-and-Fly (BNF) airplanes.
Ready-to-Fly (RTF)
Includes airplane, transmitter, battery, and charger
Minimal setup
Best option for beginners
Bind-and-Fly (BNF)
Requires compatible transmitter
Suitable if you already own RC equipment
Avoid build kits until you gain flying experience.
Final Thoughts: Start Smart, Fly Longer
Buying the right RC airplane sets the foundation for your entire RC flying journey. A beginner-friendly airplane:
Reduces crashes
Builds confidence
Saves money
Makes learning enjoyable
Every skilled RC pilot started with a trainer airplane. There is no shortcut—only smart choices.
What’s Next?
In Lesson 2, we will cover Getting to Know Your RC Airplane, including parts, controls, and electronics—knowledge every RC pilot must understand before flying.
✈️ Fly smart. Learn slow. Enjoy the journey.