• Before you buy.

• Watch out!

• Where to buy.

• Gas vs. Electric.

• Radio control (RC).

Before you buy  (top of page)

A good rule as with any new hobby is to let the thought run through your mind for a day or two. A total beginner can expect to invest a minimum of $150 to get you up-and-running. Don't waste your money if you where just bored for the day.

That said, be warned that the model plane experience is totally addictive. Nothing more exilirating than a hour or two break from the office to get your plane in the air. When buying your first model plane please stay calm at all times. Don't let the addrenaline pumping through your vains control your rational thoughts.

Remember you are a beginner and there are planes specifically designed for beginners. Most ARF ("Almost ready to fly") planes are quite easy to assemble and are engineered to stay up with minimum skills. Don't underestimate the term "minimum skills".

There is nothing more frustrating and emotionally desctructing than crashing your first $400 plane equiped with all the "bells and whistles". Remember that it's a growing process. First crawl then walk AND then run. And after you have mastered all of this, buy yourself a model plane for beginners!

Watch out!  (top of page)

Why? Because.

Surf the internet for model planes and you will quickly find a couple of good sites. They even sell model planes online. That's even better. They migh also be a little bit cheaper. That's even MORE better. BUT beware, if it's your first plane. As a total rookie (if that qualified) you will need a mentor. You will need somebody to hold your hand. Buying a ARF kit and assemble it within 15min is possible. Even if it's a ARF kit for beginners, smashing it within 2min is ALSO possible. And there goes your "passion". (and money).

If you are an old dog in the model planes industry then be my guest and do your shopping online. I personally prefer to shop online. But I just don't want to imagine myself buying my first plane online.

Visit a couple (please note: "a couple") of hobby shops near you and start to chat with the people there. They are more than friendly to assist with beginner's questions. Yes they are, because they want your money and therefore, another beware. Never buy until you are 101% ready and satisfied and informed.

Questions you should ask:

1) Do they provide training with the purchase of a model plane?

2) Do they have spare parts for the plane you want to buy?

3) Can you join them for a day out on the flying field before buying. This is a good idea to first see what it's all about.

4) And hopefully they are in the model plane's business for more than just a day or two. Use your own descretion.

Where to buy  (top of page)

The question again. Is it your first plane? Yes or No?

If yes:

Whatever you do, just make sure you have somebody to accompany you to the flying field. This somebody should have enough skills to train you.

If no:

So this is NOT your first plane. You can do a take-off and land a plane with one eye close.

Then I will suggest the following websites to purchase planes, parts etc online. Please note that I can not take responsibility for these sites at all.

http://www.rchobbies.org

http://www.helihobby.com

http://www.heliguy.com

http://www.modelflight.com

http://www.hobby-lobby.com

Gas vs. Electric  (top of page)

Now this is a difficult one. I remember the battle when I bought my first plane. The gas engine just seems to be so much more realistic. I mean while I am planning to spent a few dollars why not just add a couple more and buy the proper thing.

The answer is, there is no proper thing between a Gas and Electric engine. Both these engines have their advantages and disadvantages. So lets compare them:

Gas engine

Electric engine

Performance

Cleaning / Maintenance

Safety

Equipment

Radio control (RC)  (top of page)

There are several ways to save money when buying your first beginner kit. One will always find a cheaper RC and although it might be sufficient for the moment it might lack in the future. Most of the ARF beginners kits are sold with a RC included but if this is not the case don't hesitate to get a better than entry level RC.

Your RC can last you a long time and you can still use it for your second plane and all the ones thereafter, if you bought a decent one the first time.

Your RC will live long after your plane has died. Spend money on it!