RC Airplane World Forum

I am new to rc airplanes and would like to get started. After doing some reading on this web site I think a beginner electric plane is my first choice. I believe this will lead me later to more advanced aircraft after I gain some experience. I don't want to purchase a beginner plane with simple radio controls and then have to purchase more advance radio controls later.

Can I purchase a ARTF aircraft without motor and radio controls and purchase the more advanced radio controls and motor to go with it to use now and for future airplanes? Can I just not use the extra channels on the advance radio controls for now while learning and turn them on later when I purchase more advanced aircraft later? If I can do this, can someone recommend some good choices of radio controls, servos, and motors?

Btw25, Welcome. You ask a good question. The short answer is yes, you can purchase an ARF plane designed for electric use then add your motor, servos, and radio equipment to it. Many people decide to do things this way. As you advance in the hobby you can move the parts to new planes.

You will want to start with the best radio you can afford. My personal suggestion is to get something with at least six channels. As you said, you can use the channels you need for now, then use more as you progress. If you want to start with a trainer that has ailerons you will need four channels right off the bat. You will have engine speed control. rudder control, elevator control and aileron control, those are the four channels.

Radios are like cars, people prefer different ones. Many people use Spektrum radios and I have not heard anything bad about them. I use Futaba equipment, the biggest drawback being cost. I'm just a traditional type person, my grandfather used Futaba so I do too. He also worked for Ford Motor Company, so I drive a Ford truck.

I suggest six channels, and 2.4 GHz for the radio. As for suggesting anything for electric planes I will have to leave that to someone else. I don't fly electric very often and don't know much about them.

This is what I suggest, I started flying few weeks back, thsi site helped me alot

1. Join a RC club, get a instructer to fly with a buddy box
2. spend some time ob RC simulater, buy one if not go to hobby shop and see it work
3. Once you are flying with a buddy box with instructer, buy a 4 channel, recomend Apprentice 15e EP
great plane to fly, learm very durable

I spent roughly 8 hours flying with buddy box and then I got flying apprentice, if you follow the steps above, you will
enjoy flying rather then getting frustrated

happy landings

JJ