Top 6 Starter and Beginner Remote Control Airplanes
New to the RC airplane hobby? Looking for a good trainer plane? Here are my top six trainer RC airplanes. First, here are the features I look for in a trainer or beginner plane:
Tricycle landing gear
High wing (wing on the top of the fuselage) as opposed to a low wing aircraft
Larger wingspan (1.0 meters to 1.6 meters). – larger wingspan makes the plane more stable, especially in the wind. You might think small planes are easier to fly, that isn’t the case.
1. Apprentice – Tricycle landing gear and high wing make this an excellent trainer plane. The wing is attached with rubber bands, which gives the plane more forgiveness with rough landings. Also, the Apprentice is easy to transport with the wing easily removed from the fuselage.
2. Pandora – Tricycle landing gear and the Pandora is convertible from a high wing to a low-wing aircraft. As you become more confident in your piloting skills, you can convert the plane into a low-wing plane—all these features for a reasonable price. Typically priced below the Apprentice.
3. Timber – There are three versions of the Timber. I like this plane’s versatility as you can take off and land quickly, commonly known as STOL (Short Takeoff and landing), do all the acrobatics you want, even 3D flying, and has a large wing area for stable flying. A nice plane you can grow with as your skills progress. Flaps allow for slow landings, which help reduce the damage associated with hard landings.
4. AeroScout. - With a 1.1-meter wingspan, a great starter plane. AeroScout’s unique feature is that it is a pusher plane. The motor and propeller are on top of the wing facing the tail (“pusher”). This design helps protect the propeller and motor from damage on heavy crashes. Starting out, you tend to go through a lot of propellers.
5. Carbon Cub S - Another larger plane at 1.3 m wing with tricycle landing gear. Civilian scale plane so looks excellent in the air. SAFE mode is exclusive to Horizon Hobby, as is “Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) technology that helps to prevent over-control, loss of orientation, and crashes so nearly everyone can learn to fly successfully” .
6. Air Titan 1600mm (63”) Large wingspan at 63 inches (1.6 meters). All around nice plane to fly and grow into. Stable in the air and easily repairable.
Conclusion - You cannot go wrong with any of these planes, so it comes down to some of the unique features they offer. Also, what looks good to you, and what are you going to be excited to pilot. If you have a local hobby shop, what brands, models they stock to get replacement parts quickly can be critical. I have made many stops on the way home from the field to pick up or order replacement parts.
Disclaimer - None of these links are affiliate links. Links are only included for your convenience; I have no association with the vendors linked. Thanks
6 Reasons Remote Control Cars are good for your Remote Control Airplane Club
Here are six reasons introducing Remote Control Cars to your RC Airplane Club is a great idea.
You can’t fly when it is too windy. When the winds pick up that is a great time to switch to RC cars. Either on a separate track or even on the runway, racing and driving cars is a great pastime when the winds pick up. RC Cars can extend the day and help build camaraderie amongst your club members.
Want to expose more people to the RC airplane hobby? Which means more dues-paying members for your club? Putting in an RC car track or facility will attract RC hobbies and while there are there expose them to RC airplanes. You can even have memberships that cover both or either hobby.
RC Cars are popular now, especially amongst kids. Introducing RC cars to your flying field will help expose kids to the RC airplane hobby. This is a great way to get kids into the RC hobby.
Adding an RC car track doesn’t take up that much space. Adding a track to your club grounds can be easy. A packed-dirt or clay track can be easily built and maintained. A little planning will ensure the race track is away from the flying field, so both can coexist.
RC races are a great way to bring revenue into your club. You can organize fly-ins but weekly races are popular and bring needed revenue into your club. More revenue equals more upgrades and better maintenance for the entire club grounds. Also, more people at the field equals more people exposed to RC airplanes.
People enter the RC airplane hobby for the enjoyment of flying, the technical nature of the technology, and the creativity towards flying and building planes. RC Cars bring the same creativity, technicality, and enjoyment. The thrill of racing and trying to beat your best lap time is awesome. RC cars are a great compliment.
If you are brainstorming ideas on expanding your club, bring up introducing RC cars at your next club meeting.
What I take to the Field
NOTE: Free Download Below!
Do you wonder what to pack for a day at the field? Here is a video of what I pack to enjoy the day at the field. Also, I have added the actual checklist I use to make sure I don’t forget anything. Add your name and email address below and download the checklist.
I'M Back
Hello It's John and I've been absent from the blog for a bit but I'm back. Remote control airplanes is a new passion for me. Enjoying and learning about RC airplanes with my son has been fantastic. Join me on this journey as I share useful information here as I grow and learn about remote control airplanes. I will cover everything you need to know to have a great day out at the park, field or your local flying club. The beginner pilot up through the most experienced will find something useful here. I will cover topics like:
Best RC airplanes for children
Best RC airplanes for beginners
Flight videos (including my crashes!)
How to store your RC airplanes
Best way to transport your RC airplanes
RC Technology
I will be adding an RC Glossary page where I will have an ever-growing glossary of RC airplane definitions to help clear up the mysteries surrounding the hobby and to simplify everything you need to know. I will share what I learn as I grow into the hobby, including tips on how to start out, and how to get your family and children involved. I will keep you updated on the latest technology and trends in RC airplanes. Do you want to enjoy and grow your RC airplane passion? If this sounds like you then join me on this journey.