The Beginner RC Starter Checklist

1. What to buy

• Forgiving plane — a slow high-wing trainer, or foam board to scratch-build
• Transmitter + receiver (one good radio lasts years)
• Motor + ESC (matched to the plane's size)
• LiPo battery — the right cell count for the ESC/motor
• Balance charger (never a generic wall charger)
• Servos + pushrods/linkages
• Props (buy a multipack — you'll break some)
• Foam board, hot glue, hobby knife, tape

Exact matched list: the Complete Beginner Kit. Different size? The Checklist Builder re-sizes it.

2. Radio & setup (on the bench)

• Bind the receiver to the transmitter; create a model set to airplane
• Check control directions behind the plane: stick back = elevator up, right = right
• Center the surfaces with sub-trim; zero the trims
• Set a throttle cut, and a failsafe that idles the motor on signal loss
• Set the CG (balance point) — usually ~25–33% back from the wing's leading edge
• Set control throws modest, add 20–30% expo

Details: transmitter setup · wiring diagram · CG calculator.

3. Preflight — every flight

• Battery charged and strapped in tight
• CG on the mark; surfaces move the right way and sit neutral
• Prop on tight and undamaged; motor pod taped, not just glued
• Range-check the radio using your transmitter's range-test mode
• Throttle at zero before you plug in the battery
• Prop blast blows backward; wind is in your face on launch
• Keep clear of the prop — treat the plane as live once the battery's in

4. First flight

• Calm morning, big open field, away from people/roads/power lines
• Hand-launch level and firm at ~¾ throttle — don't lob it up
• Climb to "three mistakes high," then trim for hands-off level flight
• Turn with gentle inputs; make big lazy circles
• Land into the wind, power off, shallow glide
• Best move of all: have an experienced pilot or club help the first time

5. The rules (U.S. recreational)

• Take the free FAA TRUST test and carry proof
• Register with the FAA if the plane is 250 g+ and mark it with the number
• Comply with Remote ID (unless at a FRIA or another exception)
• Check the airspace before every flight; stay within visual line of sight

Full rundown + official links in Start Here. Rules can change — check the FAA's current guidance. Outside the U.S., check your national aviation authority.