On a wing and a prayer

Tips for beginners

Please don't say the following things to remote-controlled airplane enthusiasts:

"You are too old to play with toys!"

"How high can your airplane fly?"

"How much did your airplane cost?"

"Where did you buy it?"

"Can I have a try? I think it's not very difficult to play."

Advice to newcomers

1. A remote-controlled airplane is not a toy. Because it may create dangerous situations, don't fly it in crowded places. Even experienced RC helicopter operators have had their fingers broken by the blades of the propeller.

2. Newcomers may believe that RC helicopters are smaller and slower than planes, making them more suitable for beginners because they need less space. Not true: RC helicopters are much more difficult to control than fixed-wing RC airplanes, and they are more expensive and dangerous.

3. RC aircraft are legal recreational items in China, and there are specific radio channels for them. It is illegal to fly RC aircraft on other channels.

4. It might seem easy to fly an RC airplane, but you may easily crash your "toy" before you get it to fly properly. A tip from experienced operators: Practice with RC simulators as a learning tool on a computer as much as possible before playing with the real RC aircrafts. Popular simulators include RealFlight G4/G5, Reflex XTR and Phoenix RC 3.0.

How to choose a beginner-friendly RC airplane

1. Look for an aircraft that is stable and durable, instead of one that looks cool and fast.

2. Planes with electric power are good for newcomers because they are cheaper, quieter and easier to control, compared with fuel-driven types.

3. Consider the number of channels. A three-channel aircraft has controls for motor power, elevator and rudder, while a four-channel plane has control of an additional one-for aileron (movable airfoils at the trailing edge of the wings). In short, a three-channel plane is easier to control but four-channel planes are more fun.

4. Since it is very common to crash the planes, especially for a newcomer, it is essential to store some spare parts.

5. Although the Internet provides rich information, when shopping for an RC airplane it is advisable to visit a physical store and talk to sellers. It is also a good idea to talk with experienced operators face to face.