Resources
Everything below is here to help you fly safely, spend your money wisely, and have more fun faster.
New to R/C? Start Here (Step-by-Step)
Our beginner guide is built for Fargo–Moorhead flyers and covers the basics: what to buy, where to fly, rules you need to know, and how to get your first successful flights.​
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What to buy (and what to avoid)
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Where you can fly locally
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Safety + FAA/AMA basics made simple
Before You Buy Anything... Talk to Us
RC gear is awesome… and also full of expensive traps. If you tell us your budget and what you want to fly (trainer, warbird, drone, etc.), we’ll point you at setups that actually work.
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Beginner-friendly recommendations (planes, radios, batteries)
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Local help (buddy-box training when available)
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Safe flying guidance (where/when to fly around airports & people)
Beginner Guides & Tutorials​
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Flite Test Beginner Section
A three-step guide to choosing, building, and flying your first RC airplane, complete with videos and community support.
URL: https://beginner.flitetest.com/ -
Academy of Model Aeronautics – Help for the Newer RC Pilot
AMA’s Sure-Start Guide offers articles and videos on basic RC flight principles, safety, and equipment selection.
URL: https://www.modelaircraft.org/help-newer-rc-pilot -
Instructables – Beginners Guide to Radio Control Airplanes
A step-by-step tutorial on RC aircraft basics, from component overview to choosing your first model.
URL: https://www.instructables.com/Beginners-Guide-to-Radio-Control-Airplanes/ -
The Park Pilot – Getting Started in RC
Covers safety considerations, AMA Flight School links, and tips for selecting flying sites.
URL: https://www.theparkpilot.org/getting-started-in-rc -
Flite Test – 3 Essential Tips for Training New RC Pilots
Insightful advice on choosing expendable trainer planes, teaching fundamentals, and building confidence.
URL: https://www.flitetest.com/articles/3-essential-tips-for-training-new-rc-pilots -
AMA Flight School – How to Get Started in Flying RC Airplanes
Step-by-step advice on finding fields, meeting instructors, and planning your first flights.
URL: https://www.amaflightschool.org/getstarted/how-do-i-get-started-flying-remote-control-rc-model-airplanes -
AMA – Learn to Fly
An overview of AMA’s learning pathways, including field visits, mentor programs, and safety codes.
URL: https://www.modelaircraft.org/learn-fly
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Community Forums & Advice​
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RC Groups – Top 5 Tips for Beginner RC Pilots
A community forum thread sharing essential beginner tips, including the importance of simulators and trainer planes.
URL: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?3846757-Top-5-Tips-for-Beginner-RC-Pilots -
Reddit – Any RC Plane Recommendations for a Beginner?
Community-sourced advice on the best first-flight kits and building vs. ready-to-fly options.
URL: https://www.reddit.com/r/RCPlanes/comments/100fv9p/any_rc_plane_recommendations_for_a_beginner/
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Training Programs & Flight Schools​
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AMA Introductory Pilot Program
A free 90-day trial allowing beginners to fly under supervision at AMA chartered fields.
URL: https://www.modelaircraft.org/clubs/introductory-pilot-program/introductory-pilot-program -
Horizon Hobby Flight School
Connects new pilots with certified RC flight coaches for hands-on lessons and confidence building.
URL: https://www.realflight.com/flight-school.html
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Simulators & Practice Tools​
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RealFlight RC Flight Simulator
Industry-leading simulator software with virtual instructor lessons, ideal for honing skills without risk.
URL: https://www.realflight.com/ -
FPV Freerider (drones)
An affordable FPV quadcopter racing simulator offering LOS and FPV flight modes for beginner drone pilots.
URL: https://fpv-freerider.itch.io/fpv-freerider -
VelociDrone FPV Racing Simulator (drones)
A realistic drone racing sim used by professionals to practice track layouts and freestyle tricks.
URL: https://www.velocidrone.com/
