If you've ever watched an RC airplane carve across the sky and thought "I want to do that" — you're in exactly the right place. This is our complete guided course for people brand new to the hobby. Twelve lessons, zero gatekeeping, all the information you need to go from total beginner to confident pilot.
RC Plane Lab is a podcast hosted by Ron, Tom, and Dave — three guys who love this hobby and have been flying for decades combined. We kept hearing from newcomers: "I don't know where to start." So we built this — twelve structured lessons covering everything from picking your first airplane to maintaining it after a rough landing, plus a full library of extra resources.
covering the whole hobby
from experienced pilots
on the Discord server
to take to the field
Work through these in order, or jump to whatever you need right now.
What is RC flying, what does it cost, how much time does it take, and is it right for you?
Read lesson →FAA registration, the TRUST exam, AMA membership — all the legal requirements in plain English.
Read lesson →Trainers, warbirds, gliders, foamies, electric vs. glow — know what's out there before you shop.
Read lesson →RTF vs BNF vs ARF explained. Our specific plane picks and what gear you actually need.
Read lesson →Practice before you crash for real. Our two simulator picks and how to use them effectively.
Read lesson →Charging, storage, disposal, and the safety habits that keep your batteries working safely.
Read lesson →What every stick, knob, and switch does. How to bind and check control directions.
Read lesson →Pre-flight checklist, takeoff, turns, landing, and building your skills flight by flight.
Read lesson →How airspace works, how to use B4UFLY, and how to always fly somewhere legal.
Read lesson →Wind limits, temperature effects on batteries, and how to read a forecast before you go.
Read lesson →Why joining a local AMA club is one of the best moves a new pilot can make.
Read lesson →Post-flight inspections, foam repairs, servo care, and workbench habits that keep you flying.
Read lesson →Lesson 1 covers what the hobby is really like, what it costs, and whether it's right for you. No commitment required — just good information from pilots who've been doing this for years.
Begin Lesson 1 →