The first use of RC Planes-Remote Controlled Plane-wasn't a hobby at all. No, the first RC planes were used to impress and rouse crowds at theater productions in the later 1800s. Then, of course, radio signals weren't used but spark-emitting radios signaled to the hydrogen-filled airships, causing them to "move" on command from a remote. Later, in the 1930s and on, RC planes became more advanced and started getting "hobbyist." If today you are interested in becoming an RC Plane enthusiast, then here are some important concepts to get you flying high.

RC plane hobby begins with the type of engine you think you'll need. Though you won't be starting off with the latest and fastest-unless you want to lose a lot of money real quick with a crash-models, it's good to start thinking about how you'd like to power your plane. Electric engines are available and typically carry a battery to turn the propeller. These can be quite powerful; however, they often do not last as long as the gasoline powered counterpart engines.

Once you've decided on the amount of time you have for RC plane hobby, then you may be left with some unanswered questions on how to get started. Here are some pointers to get you started on the right steperr wing, as the case may be: First, call your nearest hobby store and ask some questions. Perhaps there is a class or on-site instructor who can give you lessons in flying. If not, find the closest RC club and see if you can come watch a flying session or two. Most likely, someone will take you under their wing (pun intended) and teach you what RC plane flying is all about.

Look into purchasing a flight simulator CD for your computer. These can give you an idea of what it is like-and how much talent it actually takes-to fly an RC plane. A plethora of books and videos on the subject of RC plane hobby exist in nearly every bookstore. Moreover, get on the net and explore websites and video (no lack on YouTube) for RC plane flying and how-to videos.

If you'd like to try an rc plane that uses only the Earth's natural elements, then you might want to buy a glider. You'll not only spend the least amount of money, but these are probably the easiest to put together right out of the box. By using wind and the natural thermals bouncing off the earth's undulating slopes, you'll be able to keep the airplane airborne longer.

Once you've gotten an idea of what kind of plane and engine you'd like to start off with, it may be wise to decide how much speed you can handle. The slowest a RC plane can go is about 20 to 30 mph (the landing speed is about half this). On the other end of the spectrum, you can buy planes that exceed 200 mph. As a rule, the better you become, the faster you can go.

These model planes are often reinforced carbon or fiberglass that provide lightweight with rigidity. Using micro turbines that use thrust and fans to lift up into the air, these RC planes actually use jet fuel to fly. These RC planes are flown by experts who earn a license and fly their RC planes at an AMA (Aeronautical Modelers Association) regulated site. Once you've mastered the art of flying two- and four-stroke engines, you can later move on to some serious high-flying machines such as these.

Once you've gotten an idea of what kind of plane and engine you'd like to start off with, it may be wise to decide how much speed you can handle. The slowest a RC plane can go is about 20 to 30 mph (the landing speed is about half this). On the other end of the spectrum, you can buy planes that exceed 200 mph. As a rule, the better you become, the faster you can go.