Easier Than Ever

• Back before the days of the Internet and box stores, taking up radio-controlled planes involved a trip to the hobby store, where expert model builders assembled kits and radio components from various manufacturers. The planes were fragile and the engines were almost exclusively gas-powered and involved extensive break-in exercises, starting motors and batteries, and fuel and cleaning supplies. The investment of time and money was so large that beginners were uniformly encouraged to learn the basics from an instructor. For today's beginner, however, the RC airplane scene has changed dramatically.
  
  

Charge It Up and Crash It

• While it's still a good idea to get help from an experienced radio-controlled airplane pilot, modern foam construction and electric motors make it easy to learn to fly on your own. Box stores and Internet retailers have dozens of models to choose from, many with solid parts support, and some are so affordable you can easily buy several for the whole family. Modern foam planes will survive many crashes and repair easily with superglue.
  
  

A 747, a P52 Mustang or a Cub?

• Of course you want all three, and the selection doesn't stop there. Keep in mind that the simple Cub, with just one channel for speed and one for direction, will be forgiving and stable in the air. Multiengine planes might take a little getting used to and will be more vulnerable to damage in a crash. The Mustang might be thrilling to fly, but your reaction times will have to be quick and small mistakes will be more difficult to recover from. Start small and work your way up.You may even discover you have the knack for piloting full-feature aerial stunt planes.
  
  

Look, Ma, I'm Flying!

• Once you have your radio-controlled plane assembled and set up according the manufacturer's instructions, it's a simple matter to get it in the air. Simply rev up the motor and toss it like a paper airplane. Beginners will want to shoot for simple flight patterns like a large circle before moving on to then figure eights. Be sure to keep the plane within radio range, and remember that the range will diminish as the battery discharges. Your city or county may have restrictions for flying in public spaces, so be sure to familiarize yourself with local ordinances. Be safe and have fun.