Can I learn to fly an RC plane on my own?

Yes, but it's much easier with help. Practicing on a simulator first and making your first flights with an experienced pilot, for example at a club, greatly reduces the risk of breaking your plane.

How much wind is too much for a first flight?

For a first flight, a day with almost no wind is best. In the wind, a light trainer plane becomes hard to control and to land.

Which way should I take off?

Always into the wind, even if it's very light. That way the plane lifts off with less ground speed and more stability. The same goes for landing.

First RC Plane Flight: Preflight Checks, Takeoff and Landing

The first flight is the most exciting moment in RC flying, and also the most delicate. With a little preparation, most pilots manage to take off, fly a few laps and land with the plane in one piece. This guide helps you show up well prepared.

Before your first flight

Practice on a simulator

A few hours on a simulator are worth more than a lot of crash-filled flights. You’ll learn how the controls reverse when the plane is flying toward you, which is the hardest part at first. Check out the options in our guide to RC flight simulators.

Pick the right plane

A high-wing trainer or an electric glider is ideal: they fly slowly and tend to stabilize themselves. See the RC trainer plane guide and our tips for choosing your first RC plane.

Get help

An RC flying club gives you a field, fellow pilots and, often, an instructor who can fly with you on a buddy box (trainer) system. In the US, many clubs are chartered by the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA).

Ground checks

Batteries in the plane and the transmitter fully charged.
Center of gravity: hold the plane at the point shown in the manual; it should balance level or slightly nose-down.
Control surfaces: when you move the aileron stick to the right, the right aileron goes up; when you pull back on the elevator stick, the elevator goes up. Check the rudder as well.
Range check the radio as described in your transmitter’s manual.
Propeller tight and undamaged.
Rules and location: a large field with no people, trees or power lines nearby, where flying is allowed. Review the drone laws in the USA: the FAA’s rules for recreational flyers also cover model aircraft.

Pick your day

A day with almost no wind, good light and no rain. Early morning or evening usually brings less wind.

Takeoff

Stand facing into the wind, with the plane also pointed into the wind.
Ease in the throttle up to takeoff power, or give it a firm, level hand launch if your plane is hand-launched.
Climb gently, without pulling much elevator, up to a safe altitude where you have room to correct mistakes.

In the air

Adjust the trims so the plane flies straight with the sticks centered.
Fly wide ovals in front of you, always in sight.
Smooth inputs:
Keep an eye on flight time and land with battery to spare.

Landing

Make a long approach into the wind, low and with the power reduced.
Throttle back and let the plane descend on its own, correcting direction gently.
Just before touchdown, raise the nose slightly so it settles in gently.

If something goes wrong, cut the motor: it protects the propeller and the motor on impact.

Once you’ve mastered the basics, discover other types of airplane in our guide to RC planes.

To check the balance, find the exact point with the RC plane CG calculator.