So, you are interested in learning to fly radio control model aircraft? This Guide will give you basic information to help you along.

It is important to chose a suitable trainer for your first attempts. RTF electric rc trainers are the best choice if you just want to get flying with the least amount of fuss and in the shortest possible time.

The electric RC models on this guide are all RTF (ready to fly) and all have the same basic characteristics, because they have been design with the beginner in mind. They are high wing design with increased dihedral which add plenty of stability in the air.

All the following are full Kit models:

Cessna

 ATR

RC Sonic

3Ch Wind Spirit

Phantom

Airplanes designed to be trainers have a high wing for one simple reason - stability

In a high wing plane the weight of the fuselage below the wing will always act to stabilize the model in flight, after a turn, for example, it will naturally level itself. Airplanes of this design are therefore perfect for the beginner.

Low wing designs are the opposite; the model is top heavy making it suitable for preforming aerobatics but more challenging to control.

There are also the mid wing designs, were the wing is located approximately halfway between top and bottom of the fuselage. these models give a good balance of stability and maneuverability.

Other factors to consider...

Wing shape
When choosing between model rc airplanes, wing shape (aerofoil) is another factor to consider. There are basically 3 types - flat bottomed, semi-symmetrical and symmetrical.
An airplane with a flat wing section will have the most lift at the slowest airspeed - obviously good for the beginner.
A symmetrical aerofoil provides equal amounts of lift regardless of whether the plane is right-side up or upside down - perfect for aerobatics.
An airplane with a semi-symmetrical aerofoil holds advantages of both flat and symmetrical, so is ideal for the 'sport' flyer.
Rarely will a trainer be of a symmetrical aerofoil; the most common will be flat bottomed.

Dihedral
Dihedral is the upward 'V' angle of the wings from the fuselage, looking at the plane from the front.
Greater dihedral increases the airplane's stability, as it will naturally want to center itself to its lowest point.
Model airplanes that are designed for aerobatics will have very little or no dihedral, so maneuvers can be executed without the tendency for the model to keep righting itself.
Ones that are designed to be trainers will always have noticeable dihedral.

Undercarriage layout
While some models will have no undercarriage, there are two choices otherwise; tricycle or taildragger.
Airplanes with a tricycle undercarriage have two main wheels beneath the wing and a (sometimes steerable) nosewheel. On the ground, the plane is held level and is easier to steer, making it better suited to beginners.
A taildragger has the same two main wheels but instead of a nosewheel, has a much smaller wheel located beneath the fin. Taildraggers are generally harder to steer on the ground.