Introduction to RC Model Planes

If you’re just getting started in the hobby, this beginner’s guide to RC airplanes will help you understand the most important basics before your first flight. From RC airplane sizes and power systems to the best plane types for beginners, this guide breaks down what to expect—and what to fly first—so you can start with confidence.

RC airplanes come in a wide range of sizes and styles, each designed for specific flying environments and pilot experience levels. Choosing the right one early on can make the difference between fast progress and early frustration.

What Are the Main Sizes of RC Airplanes?

One of the most common beginner questions is how RC airplane sizes work. Size affects where you can fly, how fast the plane moves, and how forgiving it is in the air.

What Size Are Electric RC Airplanes?

Electric-powered (“EP”) RC airplanes are the most popular choice for beginners today. Instead of engine size, which is how glow and das RC airplanes are sized, electric RC airplanes are typically measured by wingspan.

Electric RC airplanes are:

• Quieter and cleaner than glow or gas models
• Easier to maintain
• Suitable for parks, open fields, and some indoor spaces

Because of their simplicity and versatility, electric RC airplanes are often the best starting point for new pilots.

What Size Are Gas-Powered RC Airplanes?

Glow and gas RC airplanes are usually not recommended in a beginner’s guide to RC airplanes due to higher complexity and maintenance. But for reference, these RC planes are measured by engine displacement, which refers to the size of the engine.

Common Gas-Powered RC airplane sizes include:

• 20-size: .20–.36 cubic inch engines

• 40-size: .40–.53 engines

• 60-size: .60–.75 engines

What Types of RC Airplanes Are Best for Beginners?

RC airplanes fall into several major categories. While nearly every full-scale aircraft has an RC counterpart, not all are beginner-friendly. This section of the beginner’s guide to RC airplanes explains which types to fly now—and which to save for later.

What Is a Trainer RC Airplane?

Trainer RC airplanes are specifically designed for beginners and are the most recommended aircraft for first-time pilots.

Key trainer features include:

• High-mounted wings for stability
• Flat-bottom airfoils for smooth, predictable lift
• Slow flight speeds that give pilots more reaction time

If orientation is lost, many trainers naturally return to straight and level flight when controls are released. Their low stall speeds also reduce crash risk during takeoffs and landings.

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What Is a Park Flyer RC Airplane?

Park flyers are small, electric RC airplanes designed for convenience and accessibility. They’re often recommended in a beginner’s guide to RC airplanes for pilots with limited flying space.

Benefits of park flyer RC airplanes include:

• Affordable price points
• Ready-to-fly or bind-and-fly setups
• Minimal assembly
• Ability to fly in parks, school fields, or backyards

Park flyers are ideal for casual flying and quick sessions without the need for a dedicated airfield.

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What Is a Sport RC Airplane?

Sport RC airplanes are built for aerobatics and advanced maneuvers such as loops, rolls, and inverted flight. They typically feature:

• Mid- or low-mounted wings
• Symmetrical airfoils for equal performance upright and inverted

While not beginner aircraft, sport trainers combine elements of trainers and sport planes, making them a logical next step after mastering basic flight control.

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What Are Biplane RC Airplanes?

Biplanes feature two wings stacked vertically and are famous for their classic aerobatic airshow appearance. RC biplanes offer excellent performance but require more pilot skill due to increased drag and sensitivity.

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What Are RC Warbirds?

RC warbirds replicate historic military aircraft and appeal to pilots who love scale detail and aviation history. These planes often fly faster and handle more aggressively, making them better suited for experienced RC pilots rather than beginners.

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What Is a Giant Scale RC Airplane?

Giant scale RC airplanes are large, highly detailed models with wingspans often exceeding seven feet. Due to higher cost, transport needs, and advanced flight characteristics, they are recommended only for seasoned hobbyists.

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What Is an RC Sailplane?

RC sailplanes rely on rising warm air, known as thermals, to stay aloft. Their long wings, slow speeds, and stable flight make them surprisingly approachable for beginners. Many modern sailplanes include electric motors for easy launches, while others are hand-launched or slope-launched.

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How Do Beginners Choose the Right RC Airplane?

The best advice in any beginner’s guide to RC airplanes is to start simple. Look for:

• Electric power
• High-wing or trainer-style designs
• Stability systems like SAFE® or AS3X®
• Ready-to-fly or bind-and-fly options

Starting with the right RC airplane builds confidence, shortens the learning curve, and helps ensure the hobby stays fun from day one.