Help for the newer RC pilot
AMA's Sport Aviator's Sure-Start Guide for the Newer RC Pilot
Model Aviation is a fascinating, wide ranging Sport. By far the most popular form of the sport is Radio Controlled flying (RC). RC model flying allows the pilot to have complete control of his aircraft as it soars and flies free through the clouds and blue skies. There are numerous forms of RC flying including replica's of real full-size aircraft, aerobatic airplanes, gliders, helicopters, jets and even indoor aircraft. RC flying is also one of the best family participation sports around.
Getting Started Video RC Flying is a Great Family Sport: This short video (1:43) lets you see just how much fun RC flying is for everyone in the family. It also gives a small idea of what learning to fly is about.
So you are interested in taking up the sport of Radio Control Model Flying. This first article covered some aspects of the non-model part of getting started in RC.
Choosing your first training model can be daunting. Learn all the pros and cons of various airframes so you can get the basic trainer you want without frustration and extra expense.
Getting Started in RC Modeling - Hardware
Flight Lessons If you are wondering what it is like to take that first RC flight, fly along with Bill as he takes his first RC flight on an Alpha 60. Go to Ground School, fly the airplane and then see what it takes to land your trainer. This is a real-world, un-rehearsed video taken as it happened at the flying field.
Ground School
First Flying Lesson
Landing
Way Up High In The Virtual Sky
A simulator will allow you to learn at a more rapid pace than you ever could at the field. As long as you have electricity and free time, you can be in the air—virtually.
Fast-Start Guide RC Trainers are designed to be easy to fly and land. They are great learning tools. But that doesn't mean they are boring to fly. Watch this short video to see some surprising trainer performance.
How to Assemble Your First Ready-To-Fly Trainer
If you have wondered just how hard it is to build your first RC trainer, read how simple it is to do in this photo illustrated article. Modern Ready-to-Fly trainers use simple tools, no adhesives, don't require any special skills or knowledge and can be built in less than an hour.
Art Tech Wing Dragon 4
Not all first trainers must be engine powered, expensive and big. The 47-inch wingspan Wing Dragon 4 is a complete 4-channel airplane (equipped with ailerons) that is Ready-To-Fly right out of the box. For less than $140, this capable, electric-powered aircraft will teach anyone how to fly even in small fields and school yards.