3 Things To Consider When Buying Your First RC Airplane

Do you want to buy a remote control airplane? Flying an RC plane can be a very rewarding experience. It's a great way to spend time outdoors and to meet new people. However, flying an RC plane isn't as simple as just turning on your remote and getting the plane in the air. If it's your first time, you may find the plane to be very difficult to control. You also may realize after the fact that the plane you bought just isn't the right one for you. Here are a few things to consider as you look for your first plane:

Stability. Many first-time pilots look only at the plane's style and body when buying their first plane. While you probably want a plane that looks good, you may want to make stability and ease-of-flight your top priority. As you become a more experienced pilot, you can ease into more challenging body styles. A high wing plane is a great training plane for first timers. With a high wing, the plane's wings are on top of the plane, with all of the weight underneath. That gives the plane more balance, making it easier to control in the air.

You also may want to look for planes that have wings that are slightly tilted up. That can also give the plane more stability and keep it steady during periods of high wind.

Power type. Planes come in two types of power sources: internal combustion and electric power. Electric planes have traditional rechargeable batteries. They're usually less expensive than internal combustion planes, so they often make for a good entry point for beginners. An electric plane could be a good option if you want to try out the hobby but don't want to make a large financial commitment.

Combustion planes have a small motor inside and are usually more expensive than their electric counterparts. Also, combustion planes can be very loud. That can make them unwelcome at many parks and other public places. If you have a combustion plane, you may need a club membership. Despite the added cost, combustion planes are often more powerful than electric planes, which may make them more fun to fly.

Kit or ready-to-fly? You can buy planes that are ready to fly out of the box or kits where you build the plane yourself. If you enjoy building vehicles and models, then a kit may be right for you. However, kits require a lot of work. Your plane will come in many pieces, and it's your job to put those pieces together. It's important to remember that you will likely crash your plane at some point. It can be frustrating to put a kit together and then watch it get damaged in a crash.

If you're more into the flying and less interested in building, you may want a ready-to-fly plane. With them, you just have to open the box, get the plane out, and start flying.

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