How To Choose A Radio Controlled Aircraft?

Photo by hyper7pro at Flickr

If this is your first time to purchase an RC aircraft, then great. You arrive here at the right time. If you have already bought one and aren't very happy with it, you will still benefit of reading this. Buying a toy may look like a very simple thing, but it also has its fine details. Don't rush into buying before you learn more about RC aircraft. As a beginning, you can start by reading this article.

The Price Range

For a beginner RC aircraft enthusiast it's better not to spend a lot of money on your first purchase. Second time buyers may want to have something more fancy, but never forget that essentially you are just buying a toy.

In any case, spending $100 or more is not recommended, unless you are experienced hobbyist and want a really elaborate airplane. Most basic RC aircrafts start from $20 - $30, so somewhere between $20 and $50 is a good price range for a newbie.

Simplicity

You have plenty of time to learn controlling complicated RC airplanes. If you are just starting, try with some of the simplest models. Buying a complicated one from the start will not only cost you more, but may also scare you away from your hobby.

Initially I wanted to own an RC helicopter and to be honest I still like them most. However helicopters are really hard to control even from experienced RC hobbyists. I could easily get disappointed by my inability to keep it in the air for more than few seconds because it was quickly hitting the wall or the ceiling. Fortunately I'm really passionate and not giving up.

Electric or Gas?

Some of the RC beginners don't even know there are model airplanes driven by gas. Indeed, electric aircraft are more appropriate for new hobbyists. They are cheaper and their ongoing maintenance is much easier. Finally, there are a lot more electric RC aircraft available at the general toy stores.

On the other side, the toys that use gas are fairly more exciting because of the realistic feeling that you get flying them. The gas models are generally harder to fly and find - they are sold at more specialized toy stores. In short, gas models are for more advanced users and passionate "pilots".

The Kits

There are thousands of people out there who build real airplanes from kits. Then why wouldn't you be able to build an model airplane this way?

Of course you can do it. Typically the kits for RC airplanes are more elaborate and require some commitment and basic technical skills. But if you are passionate enough, it's much more fun to go this way rather than buying a ready plane.

Finally, buying a model airplane is not a big deal - it costs less than good jeans and can be done from home. So don't spend too much time planning and thinking - just get into the game!

A good place to check for RC aircrafts is RTF Skymasters - they have quality models and the prices are pretty decent.

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User comments:

RTF Skymaster at Aug, 23 '10 00:34
I fully agree with your comment about RC beginners starting with electric power airplanes and helicopters. There is lower total cost of ownership (e.g, not buying fuel) with electric. I do not necessarily agree that moving on to gas/nitro power is the next step. Rechargeable battery technology has and will continue to improve (driven by cell phone and lap tops) giving electric power more and more power over time. That means that the size of aircraft that can be powered electrically rival gas power.

I disagree that starting prices for RC airplanes is from $20 - $40, unless you are talking about really cheap mini airplanes (Airhogs comes to mind). These are not bad airplanes, but just try to fly one of these with any amount of a breeze to see what trouble these little birds can be.

There are tons of good ready to fly rc airplanes out there that are good for beginners at a cost of $100 - $150, and well worth the cost.

I visited www.warplanes.com and could not find anything for rc airplanes (Warbirds are a particular interest of mine, so I was disappointed there - some fine looking static models though).

Please visit www.rtfskymasters.com if you have an interest in good prices on great quality rc airplanes and helicopters for beginner to intermediate rc pilots.


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David at Apr, 03 '12 23:14
I suggest that the title of this article should be accurately labeled as “A Beginner’s Guide on How to Choose a Radio Controlled Aircraft?” The article is well written and the comments before me are well thought out. Keep the hobby alive, and fly safe!
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