Thankfully, radio controlled aeroplanes are now designed for every skill level from the beginner to the advanced flyer. Youve done your research, worked out the cost (hopefully including the running costs for power and replacement parts), chosen a power source and then your model. Now you have just brought your first radio controlled aeroplanes home and opened the box.

Here's hoping that yours is a straight forward fly-out-of-box model that needs very little set up, or I guess it may get put on the shelf for a few days! What model did you get? Was it a smaller one that you can practice with indoors, a middle model or perhaps you thought it was really easy and went for a really expensive model with a six foot wing span!

It doesn't matter what model it was but Im guessing that unless you are a naturally over confident person, that a little voice inside you is telling you to be careful. You dont want to crash and burn on your first flight as this will not only be embarrassing but will cost you even more money! Of course money is not everything and you dont want to injure anyone either I hope.

There are some really basic things you should consider before your inaugural flight outdoors which may sound silly, but something inexperienced users often do and regret later. First things first though, read the manual properly! Its not rocket science, but there are a few things you should be familiar with first.

Select an area to fly in very carefully and be especially mindful of the law! Do not even attempt to fly in an area where there are clear signs displayed that you cant operate any remote controlled devices. You will get fined so beware. Seek out an open area where there are very few people around and one that has no telephone lines as these tend to be quite low. Trees can be a big problem as well as they will attract an inexperienced users model to crash into like a homing beacon! Take a look at the ground, as although not necessary, you may have a habit of walking around to direct your radio controlled aeroplanes and then fall over the odd tree trunk. What do you think will happen to your model then? Bang! Somewhere, there should also be a nice flat and stable area to take off from.

Now youve found a suitable area, whats the weather like? Choose a still bright day and if the sun is particularly strong, get some polarised sunglasses so you dont get blinded at certain angles.

Double check your radio controlled aeroplanes before you start. Experienced flyers will always do this and for a very good reason, so get in the habit yourself. Check the landing gear is working and secure, check the batteries (or other power source) and know your expected flight times. Make sure the radio connection is communicating with your aeroplane properly.

One final check before you attempt your take off " is the area you are going to use clear? Hopefully your take off and landing will be smooth but you are likely to be concentrating hard on this and be oblivious to everything else.  Good luck and enjoy the ride!

A good entry model to start with is the 3ch Wing Dragon radio controlled aeroplanes. It may also be an idea begin your new hobby with a rc training simulator. Some aeroplanes, such as the Art-Tech P-51D Mustang, include a simulator. The Mustang is a bit more expensive but has a top spec.