Great RC Airplanes for Beginners

Radio-Controlled (RC) Airplanes are a great way to get your feet wet in the wonderful world of model aviation. RC Airplanes are more than just toys - they can be tools for teaching, great introductions into engineering and technology, as well as vehicles for traveling and meeting like-minded aviation enthusiasts like yourself at local RC flying clubs and aviation related events.

Choosing the right RC airplane can be tricky though. There are so many options on the market that it can be difficult to find the best one for you. You wish to choose a high wing plane for starters. A tricycle landing gear is another desired trait. RC models come in many completion levels as well. There are the RTF or Ready-To-Fly versions, the PNP or Plug–And–Play version is another version which can suit your needs well. The ARF or Almost–Ready–To–Fly version is one we believe you might wish to steer clear of in the beginning. The larger the wingspan the better the model will fly is the general rule and is much easier to see. They present much better in the air. We also recommend working with an electric powered model in the beginning. Gas engines can be finicky to make run reliably. A great place to start is a flight simulator. Here you can work on mastering your new found skill sets without fear of extenuating cost.

Skynetic Shrike Glider 1450mm (57") Wingspan - PNP

One of our favorite RC Airplanes for beginners is the venerable Skynetic Shrike Glider. The Skynetic Shrike is a convenient and low-cost entry into the world of RC Airplanes that raises the bar for foam electric sport gliders. It comes as PNP model so you will have to supply your own transmitter (TX), receiver (RX) and 3S LiPo battery but this glider features pre-installed flaps which can help new pilots learn how to slow down their RC aircraft. The Shrike also assembles in minutes and can be disassembled very quickly into a compact size that can fit in any cars on the market. Ideal for newer pilots wanting to expand their skills with confidence with an easy to fly airplane, share the gift of flight with a friend, or push your own skills further with the Skynetic Shrike!

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Skynetic Cub 505mm (19.8") Wingspan - RTF

This RC airplane is an excellent choice for beginners. It has a wingspan of only 505mm (19.8") and comes out of the box assembled and ready to fly in your yard or local park. The Skynetic Cub is perfect for someone who wants to get into RC Airplanes but doesn’t want to spend a lot of time or money getting their airplane in the air. Considering its smaller size, it flies very stable thanks to the included gyro.

The Skynetic Cub is also an excellent option for kids because it comes ready-to-fly right out of the box. They can assemble the plane themselves without adult help, so you don’t need to worry about your child struggling with assembly or getting frustrated if they can’t figure something out on their own. This RC airplane is truly easy for anyone, regardless of age, so grab the Skynetic Cub and get flying!

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Skynetic Neptune II Blue 1000mm (39.3") Wingspan - PNP

The Skynetic Neptune II is a great choice when learning to fly. Thanks to its simple flying wing design, the airplane can withstand minor bumps and tumbles without needing major repairs. Made of lightweight but durable EPO foam, it can be flown in a park or in a large open field with ease. Its vibrant trim scheme easily discerns top from bottom, helping you maintain visual orientation with the model more easily, helping you see the aircraft, regardless of your flying site’s background. Simplicity is great for beginners, and the Skynetic Neptune II delivers on simple fun!

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Freewing Pandora 4-in-1 1400mm (55") Wingspan - PNP

The Freewing Pandora is not only one of the best beginner planes on the market, it is a great intermediate airplane too. Thanks to its unique design, the Pandora includes options to mount the wing at the top of the fuselage in a high-wing trainer position, or move the wing to the bottom of the fuselage for an intermediate sport aircraft experience, meaning the airplane can grow with your skills! Not only can the wing move positions, but the aircraft also includes options for tricycle landing gear or a more advanced tail dragger landing gear, giving you a total of four unique aircraft configurations. This unique design makes the Pandora the perfect aircraft to learn and advance your skills on.

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A red version is available here.

Skynetic Trainer King 1118mm (44") Wingspan - ARF BUNDLE

Even though the Skynetic Trainer King does require some assembly, there is no doubt that airplanes made of durable EPP foam like the Trainer King can take a beating from all sorts of mishaps. With an easily removable wing and landing gear, transport and storage is a breeze, and its great size handles winds very well. Durable and easy to repair, the Skynetic Trainer King is a great option when learning to fly model airplanes!

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Skynetic Starling 1230mm (48.4") Wingspan - PNP

The Skynetic Starling is a high wing trainer that provides an economical entry for new RC pilots learning how to fly. Requiring only basic assembly with six screws, the Starling is an aircraft that is quick to assemble, even for beginners, and remains easy to disassemble for transport and/or storage. With its rugged tricycle landing gear, the Starling makes takeoffs and landings a breeze, and at a 48.4” (1230mm) wingspan, the Skynetic Starling can fly well in the wind, but can also still be flown in smaller spaces. Made from durable EPO foam, the Starling is lightweight but remains easy to repair when the inevitable may happen.

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