Before flying

• 1). Consult the staff at a hobby store that sells radio-controlled airplanes and accessories. Getting advice from those who sell the equipment, and who may often use it themselves, can give you a base of knowledge before starting the hobby.
  
  
• 2). Research the type of plane you may want to buy. Subscribe to a magazine dedicated to radio-controlled flight or do some research online.
  
  
• 3). Try using a radio-controlled flight simulator to get comfortable with flying. There are types of software for home computers that mimic the controls and maneuvers needed without having to buy a plane.
  
  
• 4). One factor to consider before buying a radio-controlled airplane is its power source. An electric-powered plane often is easier to control than one that uses fuel.
  
  
• 5). Join a radio-controlled flying club. This will allow you to train with a qualified instructor and offer benefits such as the "buddy box." The buddy box connects your transmitter to your instructor's transmitter and allows him or her to control the aircraft if there are problems.
  
  

First flight

• 1). Prepare for your first flight by checking that the plane's parts are in working order, your fuel supply is fully charged or fueled and that the transmitter operates. Test the transmitter by walking about 100 feet away and watching whether the plane responds.
  
  
• 2). Gauge wind speed and direction. Tie a ribbon to the transmitter's antenna to help establish direction of the wind. This is important because you always should launch a plane into the wind. The ribbon also will indicate the wind speed, especially if the ribbon is blowing parallel to the ground. If so, the wind is too strong to fly.
  
  
• 3). Launch the plane into the wind by applying thrust to the engine. Pulling back on the transmitter's elevator stick will cause the model to rise. Slowly ease off the thrust when the model is elevated around 50 feet.
  
  
• 4). Practice turning the plane to the left and right by using its ailerons and elevator.
  
  
• 5). Practice landing by turning the plane back into the wind. Slowly decrease the power and push down on the elevator to ease descent until the plane lands.