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How do I get started in Radio Control Flying?

      Pick a suitable 1^st aircraft that is easy to learn on.
Your 1^st aircraft should have 1/2 the landing speed of your 2^nd, which has less landing speed than your 3^rd, & so on.
Fit an autopilot to your plane, it levels the plane out when you can't . 
Read our web pages. It contains lots of information to help you select the right stuff.  We have books and videos too.
Computer software R/C flight simulators (that actually use your RC radio) help a lot.
If you choose a glowfuel engine 1^st aircraft - find an instructor, or contact a club with qualified instructors.
Let Green Hobby help: Our staff give you access to years of experience and information.
Ask -  we can help you select a plane, choose accessories - everything you need.

 First choose your engine:
            Power for our R/C model planes, boats, cars and helis comes from .....

• 2-stroke engines use a methanol/nitro/oil mixture called glow fuel. The popular option by tradition. Good for heavier larger planes.
• 4-stroke engines - quieter and more economical on glowfuel than 2-strokes. More expensive than a 2-stroke.
• Electric motors - reliable, clean, quiet, flight, for propeller aircraft and jets. Eliminates liquid fuel. Geared electric is like a compact, lightweight less costly 4-stroke with no vibration.
• Micro Jet Turbines - the real thing - more costly - burns kerosene - these tiny turbines produce amazing thrust.
• Brushless Electric- the most adaptable power, replaces any of the above. Good for indoor flight, conventional prop aircraft, high torque 4-stroke replacement, and jets with an authentic high rpm sound. Power available has increased to new highs. Costs are surprisingly low  and falling.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost?
A lot depends on your budget and what size aircraft you want.
While assembling the complete outfit, you can get an electric parkfly trainer outfit for €315 (yes €315!) €480 (NiCds & charger = no fuel purchases).
A quality electric or basic glowfuel aircraft outfit from €435-€550 .
For a heli outfit €890-€950 + €160 ground gear, or under 300 for indoor helis.
Most complete beginners select startup outfits that average about €475.

How fast do models go?
Trainers (glowfuel or electric) cruise at 35-40 mph, dive at 60-80mph, and land at speeds of 12-20 mph. The new indoors micro electrics fly at a walking speed, but we also have off-the-shelf airplanes that do 250 mph! For learning slower landings are best.

How far can a model fly?
The range for a modern R/C system is about a mile. However, to stay in control, you need to have your model close enough to see what it is doing. A plane with a 5-6 foot wingspan looks tiny at a 1/4 mile (400 metres) so visual range is more important.

What happens if I run out of fuel during flight?
We do it all the time! If your engine stops running you still have control. You just glide your plane in for a "dead stick" landing. The on board control system has rechargeable batteries and controls the plane for landing whether engine is on or off.