Many people come out to the flying field to watch us fly our radio controlled airplanes and say, "WOW, I want to fly an airplane but i'm not sure where to get started.". This page is for people who are new to the hobby and want to know "What type plane should I buy?" and "What other equipment do I need to start flying?". A typical beginner setup consists of a trainer, radio system and a field box that includes fuel and the necessary equipment required to start and maintain the airplane. The cost of getting into this hobby can be expensive depending on the equipment you purchase. A typical beginner setup costs approximately $300.00 to $350.00.

How do I choose a trainer?      A trainer is a plane with the wing located on the top of the plane, also known as a high wing airplane. This type of airplane is used because it can fly slow and gentle for a beginner to react and to learn the basics of flight.      When choosing a trainer, choose one with a symmetrical airfoil or semi-symmetrical airfoil. This allows the plane to do more acrobatic maneuvers and it will be more fun to fly after basic flight is learned. If the wing has a flat bottom airfoil, that is ok to train on. The only down fall is that the plane will not be as capable of doing some of the advanced maneuvers as a semi-symmetrical or symmetrical airfoil wing.      Trainers come typically in two sizes, 40 and 60. 40 and 60 denote the engine size that can fit on the plane. The main difference is the physical size of each trainer. A 40 size trainer's wingspan is approximately from 60 inches while a 60 size trainer's wingspan is approximately 70 inches.

How do I choose an engine for my trainer?      Engines come in a variety of sizes and fuel requirements. For a 40 size trainer, choose a two cycle .40 or .46 (cubic inch) engine. For a 60 size trainer, choose a two cycle .60 (cubic inch) engine. Model airplane engines can be either two cycle or 4 cycle and require "glow fuel". This type of fuel is a nitromethane and synthetic oil blend that only runs in these types of engines. Get the fuel that is designed for the engine you choose. Follow the airplane manufactures suggested engine size for the plane you choose. Also, choose an engine that you can grow with. For a 40 size trainer, choosing a .46 engine is recommended because it can be used in more types of 40 size aircraft, for future airplanes.

How do I choose a radio system?      Choosing a radio systems can be confusing. You might ask yourself, "How many channels do I need?", "What brand should I buy?" and "Do I need a computer radio?".      A trainer only requires a 4 channel radio but you should think in the future. After you have mastered the trainer, you will want a different style of aircraft. You may choose a plane that can do extreme acrobatics or maybe even some kind of scale plane. Whatever you choice is, the next plane may require more channels or extra radio features. Radio systems typically come in 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 channels and up. One rule of thumb is, the more channels you choose, the more expensive it can be. If you want to save money, get a 4 channel radio. If you can spend a little more get a 6, 7 or even a 9 channel radio. It's your choice. One last note, you will need at least 4 servos in your trainer. Not all systems come with 4 servos, so additional servos may be required, depending on the system you purchase.      Most radio manufactures have been around for a long time. Brands such as Futaba, JR, Hitec and Airtronics are all good choices. Once you have decided on how many channels you would like, compare the features of each brand and buy the one that suits your needs, now and in the future.      A trainer does not require a computer radio but it's nice to have. A computer radio allows you more control of the specifics of each channel and more versatility during flight.

What other equipment do I need?      Most flyers put their extra equipment in a field box, see picture to the right. Here is a list of necessary items to get you in the air: 1. Necessary tools to assemble your plan, at the field. 2. Glow fuel 3. Mechanical or electric glow fuel pump. 3. Glow starter. Also known as a "Glo-Bee" 4. Engine Starter (hand held electric device that fits on the engines' spinner and turns the prop) 5. Glass gleaner (such as Windex) and paper towel to clean off the oils on your plane from the engine. Other optional equipment 1. Power Panel and 12 volt battery. This fits in the field box and supplies power to your Glo-Bee and engine Starter.