The Beginner RC Airplane.

How to find the ideal Beginner RC Airplane for you.

If you are a newcomer to this hobby, then you very well maybe overwhelmed at the huge selection available of beginner rc airplanes!

On this page I will attempt to simplify things for you and make some recommendations based on what YOU can consider for your first model.

Please note that all the aircraft shown on this page, should be flown from a qualified flying site and assistance from an instructor should be available. Please do not attempt to fly this type of aircraft from your local park or school yard!

In the days when I was a beginner, the selection was really limited. In fact I had NO choice but to build from a kit or plan. All the models recommended on this page are manufactured from balsa and/or plywood and covered with a heat shrink film. In my opinion this is the way to go!

This type of construction lends itself to simple repair procedures, and you need to fix your model. Hopefully, only minor repairs will be required and being of conventional construction, the fixes should not add a lot to the weight.

If you prefer the park flyer type of model, then please click here for more information.

Exactly what is a trainer rc airplane? Obviously it must be easy flying and have positive stability. This means, when the sticks are released, the aircraft rights itself and resumes SLOW flying in a straight line.

To achieve this a high wing with a flat bottom airfoil is usually used. A generous amount of dihedral is employed and a tricycle landing gear is incorporated, to assist in ground handling and make take-offs and landings a little easier.

In order to simplify things we will only consider the following -

1. The RTF model (Ready To Fly)

2. The ARF model (Almost Ready to Fly)

3. The Model Kit.

4. The GLOW engine powered model.

5. The ELECTRIC powered model.

 

1. The RTF model.

The Ready To Fly beginner rc airplane is the simplest choice. This type is ready to go, right out of the box! The radio and motor (or engine) are installed and the minimum of assembly is required. as long as the instructions are followed, a successful model is assured.

Our choice for this category is the Hanger 9 Alpha 40 DSM2 RTF.

Thousands of pilots have earned their wings with the Hangar 9 Alpha trainer. Now, Hangar 9 introduces an updated version of this ever-popular traditional high-wing trainer with the added benefit of DSM2 technology that provides freedom from frequency restrictions and interference. The Alpha 40 RTF comes equipped with Spektrum’s DX5e 5-channel, full-range 2.4GHz DSM2 radio system making it the first nitro trainer on the market with 2.4GHz technology. And, this Alpha has a completely modernized look that makes it a great-flying and great-looking aircraft.

With the ready-to-fly Alpha beginner rc airplane from Hangar 9, success is all but assured, thanks to its gentle, beginner-friendly flight characteristics and the ingenious, hassle-free Evolution Trainer Power System that makes the Alpha the easiest-starting, smoothest-running trainer available. With the engine and radio gear installed, the Alpha 40 is ready to fly in the just minutes. This easy-to-fly trainer is perfect for first-time pilots because of its super-stable, self-righting flight characteristics. And, club instructors will find the Alpha 40 to be the most valuable tool for teaching new pilots the basics of RC flight.

Specifications.

• Wing Span: 63 in (1600mm)
• Overall Length: 52.5 in (1334mm)
• Wing Area: 710 sq in (45.8 sq dm)
• Flying Weight: 5.25 lb (2.4kg)
• Engine Size: Evolution Power Trainer System (installed)
• Radio: Spektrum DX5e 5-channel 2.4GHz DSM2 system w/AR5000 receiver(installed)
• Experience Level: Beginner
• Assembly Time: Less than 1 Hour

Our affiliate company RED ROCKET HOBBY SHOP shows a price of $299.99 INCLUDING SHIPPING.

I find this to be a fantastic deal!  A complete ready to fly beginner rc airplane, complete with a 40 size glow motor and a 5 channel, 2.4 GHz radio for $300.00!

I challenge you to find a better price anywhere! Click here for further information or to possibly purchase this great deal!

2. The A.R.F. model.

The Almost Ready to Fly model is the second type of beginner rc airplane to consider. More work is required to assemble the model and the radio and engine are not included-thus the price is a lot less!

Consider the Hanger 9 Cessna 40 ARF Value Series as an example of this type.

For information on "How to Assemble RC Model Airplanes from an ARF" Click here.

The Cessna has a semi-symmetrical airfoil-so this model, as well as being a good basic trainer can also be used for basic aerobatic training.

Specifications-

• Wing Span: 63 in
• Flying Weight: 5.25 - 6 lbs
• Engine Size: .40 - .48 (2-stroke), .45 - .60 (4-stroke)
• Radio: 4 channel
• Servos: 4

As always, read the manual two or three times to completely familiarize your self with the process and use the recommended size of engine and the type of servos described.

RED ROCKET HOBBY SHOP List this beginner RC airplane for $79.99.

For further information and to possibly purchase this model, please click here.

3. The Model Kit.

If you are thinking that this is the hobby for you and would like to eventually design and build your own rc airplanes, then I strongly recommend you consider building from a kit.

If you spend the winters in the cold north and flying is not possible, then you do have the time to "build your own". This process will teach you the basics of construction and prepare you for the inevitable repairs that will need to be done, to keep your airplane flyable.

One problem you may face is finding a beginner rc airplane kit! The popularity of the RTF and ARF models has pushed the old fashioned kit to the back shelf of most hobby shops!

If you do decide to try this process, the please make sure you do buy a trainer. One model that comes to mind is the Great Planes PT-40 Mk2 Trainer kit. This is a 40 size, glow engine powered trainer that has an excellent reputation for teaching beginners the basics.

4. The GLOW engine powered model.

All the above mentioned models are powered by a GLOW PLUG equipped engine. I personally love the sound (and smell!) of glow engines! As long as you have fuel you can fly continuously -assuming your radio batteries are OK!

For the beginner I recommend the 40 size  2-stroke engine. This size is easy to start and very tolerant and dependable. The price is reasonable and the size of model can be easily transported to the flying field.

The photo shows the Evolution 40 NT. An excellent choice for the novice. RED ROCKET HOBBY SHOP lists this engine at $99.99. For more information or to possibly purchase this easy starting and powerful engine please click here.

5. The ELECTRIC powered model.

The very latest technology is the ELECTRIC powered beginner RC airplane. No more oily, smelly, maybe hard to start glow engines, just throw the switch and fly!

You must however, charge the batteries between flights or have a spare, fully charged battery, ready to be switched out.

Clean-up, when the flying session is over, is a snap! No more oil on your pride and joy!

The cost of such a system is higher than the glow powered version, but still a BARGAIN!

Our choice for this category is- The Hobbico NexSTAR Select Brushless EP Trainer RTF.

• Wingspan: 68.5 in (1740 mm)
• Wing Area: 722 sq in (46.6 sq dm)
• Length: 56 in (1410 mm
• Weight: 7 - 8.5 lb (3175 - 3855 g)

RED ROCKET HOBBY SHOP's list price is-$429.99 for a complete model with radio and all the electrical equipment, as described above.

If you require further information or to possibly purchase this model please click here.

This concludes our selection and  list of hopefully helpful hints for selecting your beginner rc airplane. Please contact us and let us know if you have found this useful. Any suggestions for improvement are more than welcome and greatly appreciated!

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Please note that RED ROCKET is an on-line hobby shop with a huge selection of planes and now offer International Shipping. They guarantee to have the lowest prices and they have excellent customer service. Why buy anywhere else?