Remote Control Aircraft Trainers
Remote control aircraft trainers are the doorway for beginners into the world of RC flying. They often come with a computer simulator so that you can practice and hone your skills before ever risking your aircraft.
The trainer in the aircraft world refers to a smaller plane with fairly simple controls. The trainer was used, just as its name indicates, to train pilots in the basics. The trainers tended to be easy to take off and land and extremely stable. Remote control aircraft trainers serve this same purpose in the model plane hobby. They also generally have these same characteristics, simplicity and stability.
Although the remote control aircraft trainers are ideal for beginners, this does not mean they are not capable of more advanced flying. Many of the best trainer kits are capable of upgrades to higher capabilities as the flyer's skill level and confidence increases. The majority of trainers are RTF kits. The RTF kit means "ready to fly." The advantage of the RTF kit to the beginner is that model assembly is a totally separate branch of the hobby and it is better to take one thing at a time. Thus, the trainer usually comes ready to go.
One very common feature with trainers is a CD for your personal computer. Modeled after flight simulator video games, these programs can duplicate the controls and responses of your aircraft from the safety of your computer monitor. This allows you to get very comfortable with the controls, practice take offs and landings, and, most importantly, make your mistakes without any actual potential damage to your model.
Almost every maker of RC models will have some remote control aircraft trainers in their lineup. They are usually among the least expensive offerings which is another reason they are popular with beginners. It allows them to, well, get hooked on this exciting hobby before they expend a large amount of cash. Getting hooked will be a risk here, as despite their simpler controls and characteristics, the trainers are a lot of fun to fly and serve as some really tasty bait.
If you are shopping around for a good remote control aircraft trainer, look for the ability to upgrade the performance after you gain skill. You should take advantage of the CD also. Even the most advanced RC flyers use computer simulators today to hone flying skills and practice more complex maneuvers before attempting them with their RC aircraft. Unless you really think model assembly is going to be the most interesting part of the hobby, look for an RTF model to get you started and in the air quickly.