If you're starting out in the hobby of radio control aircraft, the best advice is go along to a club and have a look at the planes and radio that are available, before jumping in and buying something. The club members will be more than happy to show you around their models and radio's. A try-out flight with a buddy box system will normally be available if you contact the club in advance.
There are two main types of power system, electric and internal combustion (IC). Electric is good for novice's as it's easy to use, clean, reliable and easy to control. Though, you will need several batteries and a charger. The batteries will last a few years if looked after. IC uses glow fuel, petrol or diesel. The engines need a bit of attention and setting up to get the best from them. Also, you need things like fuel pumps, glow starters, electric starter and battery. They are also a bit messy, and you need to clean the model down after use. Having said that, it's nice to fly a plane with a real engine in it.
The planes themselves are many and varied, and are made balsa, foam or glassfiber/carbon.
Foam models are generally ARTF ( Almost Ready To Fly) they are normally electric, and require a receiver (RX) and battery to get in the air. They are good for a novice as they are easy to set up, and tend to fly well. Also, they are fairly easy to repair after taking the inevitable knocks and scrapes.
Balsa models come in ARTF, kit form and plans. ARTF's are also easy to set up and fly. Building from kits and plans is a great part of the hobby but requires, time and effort, but you end up with something that's personal to you.
Here are a few links to trainer planes.
FMS Tasman nice stable flyer. Flies on 3 or 4s batteries. Good finish on the foam. There are many more types out there that are suitable, but get some independant advice before buying.
Modern Radios are very reliable, and use a frequency of 2.4Ghz and sometimes 900Mhz.
As the signals are digital, there is no interference from other transmitters (TX). The receivers (RX) are small and lightweight and often have many built-in functions. The TX have a multitude of functions that were unheard of a few years ago, some very useful some not so. Once again before comitting to a TX talke a few fliers at your local club.
Here are link to the popular TX manufacturers.
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