Electric RC Airplanes: Beginners Luck Every Time

Author: Michael Cottier

Flying an electric RC airplane is like having beginners luck every time you fly. The first remote control airplane I ever got was electrically powered, I had no flying skills whatsoever, and I still managed to fly it perfectly without even crashing. Why you ask? Because electric RC planes like the one I had are so simple, they only have two control options, power and steering. You go as fast, or slow as you want and just choose your direction.

Now yes, there are electric RC planes that you can buy or build, that have many control channels and all the works, like flaps, ailerons, etc. Those types of electric airplanes are basically made for advanced flyers who don't like the mess that comes with the use of fuel. Most hobbyist start with an electrically powered plane, then move onto fuel powered ones once they have mastered it. But like I said, some people just don't like the mess and added expense that comes with a fuel powered engine, so they stick with electric motors. Fine, do whatever makes you happy, but I am just going to talk about getting a good electric RC plane for a beginner pilot.

Now first off you should note that electric airplanes can come in a few different types. Basically there are only park flyers, slow flyers, regular electric planes and advanced electrically powered RC airplanes.

Park flyers are mainly for parks and small areas similar to that outdoors. Slow flyers are just the opposite, since they move slower they are for indoors. These can be great for the winter or when it is just plain to windy outside to fly.

A regular electric RC airplane is the best for beginners and is exactly what I flew as my first RC airplane. Usually these planes are priced around $50 and they have just two controls, so it is ideal for beginners. This type of airplane is usually made of Styrofoam, and very little metal, so you need to be careful when flying it. Even if you do crash and damage something, usually a little duct tape will fix anything on it. I kid you not, I still have my first electric RC plane, which I broke the wing twice on, and it still fly's!

An advanced electric RC airplane is ideal for advanced pilots who don't like the mess of fuel, like I said before, but it is also great for areas where noise is a concern and you still want the full experience. Advanced electric R/C airplanes are more full bodied then regular ones, usually made of all plastic and balsa wood, plus they also have around 5 or 6 channels of control.

All in all, buy a park flyer if you just want a quick little flight every once in awhile, get a slow flyer if you want to fly indoors, purchase a regular electric RC plane if you want to get into the RC airplane hobby seriously, but are just a beginner. Last but not least, once you master an electric RC plane, move onto a more advanced nitro methane fuel powered one, or an advanced electrically powered plane.

About the Author:

I hope I have helped you in making a decision on purchasing an electric RC plane. If you want more in depth help on RC airplanes, just visit my RC airplane website.