RC Getting Started

New to RC? Start here.

Your Path from “Curious” to “Solo Flight”

We’ll help you choose the right gear, learn on a simulator, and fly safely at the Lake Sawyer Hawks field. Show up with questions — leave with a plan.

Typical Startup Cost

$120 – $500

Plane, radio, batteries & charger

Time to First Solo

4–6 sessions

With regular flying & sim time

Club Support

Free instruction

Buddy-box training & advice

Four Simple Steps to Get Airborne

You don’t need to buy anything before talking with us.

Visit the Field

Drop by during a flyable day and introduce yourself. Watch a few flights, ask questions, and see what type of models catch your eye.

Try a Simulator

Practice takeoffs, turns, and landings at home with a desktop simulator like RealFlight — it saves planes and speeds up your learning curve.

Choose a Trainer

With instructor input, pick a stable high-wing or pusher-prop trainer, plus a simple radio and 2–3 batteries so you get plenty of stick time.

Buddy-Box & Solo

Fly on a buddy-box with an instructor until you’re comfortable. We’ll help you learn safe patterns, landings, and field etiquette on your way to solo.

Beginner Gear Shortlist

These are examples of the type of gear we recommend. Models change over time — talk with an instructor before you click “Buy Now.”

Trainer

High-Wing Trainer (Carbon Cub-style) Stable, durable, and easy to repair — a classic first airplane style.

Pusher Trainer

Pusher-Prop Trainer (AeroScout-style) Prop behind the wing helps avoid nose-over damage on rough grass.

Horizon Hobby Real Flight RC Simulator Combo

All-in-One

Ready-to-Fly Combo Kit Everything in one box — model, radio, charger, and often a training program.

Radio

Computer Radio (NX7e / DX6e-style) Trainer-link (buddy-box) support and model memory make learning easier.

Power

3S LiPo & Balance Charger Expect 8–12 minute flights per pack; we suggest bringing 2–3 per flying session.

Simulator

Desktop RC Flight Simulator Practice at home in all conditions — crashes here are free.

Frequently Asked Questions

New pilots usually ask the same core questions about cost, safety, and how long it takes to fly solo. Here are honest, up-to-date answers:

You can enter the hobby for as little as $65 with basic toy-class RC planes that include gyro stabilization (great for learning control), or spend up to around $330 for durable beginner-friendly RTF trainers with SAFE or Reflex systems. A full starter kit — with plane, batteries, charger, and radio — typically runs between $120 for a small RTF up to $500+, depending on quality and features.

RC planes operate much like full-size aircraft. Your handheld transmitter sends radio signals to a receiver onboard the plane. That receiver drives servos to move control surfaces (ailerons, elevator, rudder) and works with an electronic speed controller (ESC) to manage motor power. Modern systems often add gyros and stabilization to smooth out turbulence and pilot inputs.

RC aircraft are safe when flown responsibly. At Lake Sawyer Hawks, we follow AMA safety protocols, use designated flying areas, and coach new pilots on safe practices. Beginner models are typically foam, fly at modest speeds, and use modern stabilization — all of which help prevent accidents.

The best way to learn is a combination of simulator time and hands-on instruction: use a simulator to build muscle memory, then fly at the field on a buddy-box with an instructor. We’ll help you progress from straight-and-level flight to safe turns, approaches, and landings.

No. Many new pilots start with Ready-to-Fly (RTF) or Almost-Ready-to-Fly (ARF) models that require minimal assembly. Building from kits or plans is a fun part of the hobby you can explore later if you enjoy tinkering and craftsmanship.

Beginner RC planes typically cruise around 15–40 mph. More advanced sport and racing models can exceed 120 mph or more. We’ll help match your first airplane to a friendly speed range so you have time to react and learn.

A typical trainer spans about 0.8–1.3 meters (roughly 2.5–4 feet) and fits comfortably in most vehicles. Larger, more advanced models can exceed 2 meters in wingspan and are better suited to experienced pilots.

With regular practice, many pilots can comfortably fly solo after 4–6 club sessions, especially if they also practice on a simulator. Everyone learns at a different pace, and our instructors will stay on the buddy-box as long as needed.

Ready to take the next step?

Reach out to our officers and we’ll help you plan your first visit, simulator setup, or trainer purchase.

Contact a Club Officer

Lake Sawyer Hawks

Start Flying RC Aircraft

From first field visit to your first solo flight – here’s your path.