Taking Flight: A Young RC Pilot’s Journey into Radio Control Aircraft and Model Airplanes

Eight-year-old Evan has always dreamed of becoming a pilot. Like many aviation enthusiasts, his journey started with a simple love of planes and a passion for flying RC airplanes. But unlike many kids his age who might be content with remote-controlled toys or flight simulators, Evan took his passion to new heights by diving into the world of radio-controlled aircraft and model airplanes.

“He started showing interest in aviation and wanting to grow up to be a pilot, so we explored ways to start learning the art of flying RC planes,” says his mother Haley, who has watched her son’s interest in radio control aircraft transform into a serious hobby.

The Beginning of a Journey into RC Flight

For Evan, the path to becoming an RC pilot wasn’t without its turbulence. When asked about his first RC flight experience with his electric RC airplane, he describes it with the kind of honesty only a child can offer: “My first flight with the radio transmitter made me feel confident somehow, but once I got in the air, I did not know how to do a single control.”

The learning curve for flying RC planes was steep, and the radio control systems weren’t intuitive. “I thought if you pushed the transmitter up, the model airplane would go up somehow,” Evan recalls, describing his initial confusion with the radio control stick. “But actually, if you pull it towards you, the RC aircraft goes up.”

His mother quickly realized this wasn’t just any ordinary hobby shop purchase. “I think we all faced the challenge in realizing how much goes into this RC hobby,” Haley reflects. “The learning, patience, responsibility, the money for RC airplanes and accessories! It was a lot to learn and still is.”

Learning to Fly: From RC Beginner to Radio Control Pilot

For an eight-year-old RC pilot, mastering radio control airplanes requires more than just enthusiasm – it demands patience, dedication, and most importantly, the right support system for every flight. Evan found that support through the Academy of Model Aeronautics affiliated Weed Whackers group, particularly from Jeff, the club’s vice president, who helped him build skill in flying RC planes.

“We could not have embarked on this RC hobby without the club and specifically Jeff taking Evan under his wing,” Haley emphasizes. “Without the tutelage of experienced RC pilots, we would not be able to fly these model airplanes safely, and I’m very glad we found the club.”

Evan is quick to share what he’s learned from the skilled RC pilots at Weed Whackers, noting with wisdom beyond his years, “How they fly their electric RC airplanes is not how I should fly, and I should not try to be at their skill level, otherwise I would probably just crash.” He understands that mastery of radio control aircraft comes with time and practice: “You have to earn up to their level in RC flight. You can’t just skip like five levels to get to level six. You have to do all the work with your remote control airplane.”

When asked about the best RC equipment recommendations for beginners, Evan speaks from experience. “I would recommend a trainer plane that you can turn a gyro on and off, and a basic radio transmitter that grows with you,” he explains. For those unfamiliar with RC airplane accessories terminology, he helpfully adds that a gyro helps prevent the model airplane from “flopping around,” making it easier for every RC beginner to maintain control.

The Power of Community in the RC Hobby

In the world of radio control airplanes and model aircraft, community isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential for every skill level. This truth became even more evident when HobbyTown Santee, a leading RC hobby shop with an extensive selection of RC planes, recently received a touching gift: a collection of electric RC airplanes from a customer who passed away, with the specific request that these remote control airplanes be given to newcomers in the hobby.

The story behind these gifted RC planes is as inspiring as the young pilots who receive them. A beloved customer and experienced RC pilot known as “Tall Guy RC” in RC airplane communities- who was also a Horizon Hobby ambassador with a significant following on Instagram.

He left his collection of approximately 25 bind-and-fly radio control aircraft to HobbyTown Santee with one wish: that they be given to aspiring pilots to help them get started in the hobby. Store owner Mark Focareta was deeply touched by this final request, learning of it through the friend handling the estate. Each aircraft in the collection was relatively new and in its original box, ranging from beginner planes to more advanced models, representing a significant opportunity to help newcomers overcome the initial cost barriers of entering the RC flying community.

Evan was one of the fortunate recipients of one of these gifted model airplanes, an experience that left a lasting impression on both the young RC pilot and his family. “It feels really nice. I feel really loved and appreciated,” Evan says about receiving his first RC airplane, his voice full of genuine gratitude.

His mother Haley saw how this act of kindness affected her budding RC pilot’s confidence. “Evan was proud! It’s a special thing to feel the support of others around you as a kid pursuing something difficult like flying RC planes where you don’t feel confident right away. I saw Evan get a new boost of internal confidence in receiving the radio control airplane and to feel so special in being chosen to do so.”

The significance of this gesture extends beyond just one young pilot’s journey into RC flight. “As a kid this feels like an adults’ RC hobby. We don’t see a lot of kids out at the flying RC range,” Haley notes. “I hope that this inspires more kids to simply TRY! Building and flying RC airplanes isn’t an easy hobby but is so worth it if you just give it a try, and being able to receive a plane will absolutely allow kids access to this really cool art of radio control aircraft.”

The recognition from the RC community hasn’t stopped there. Evan recently received a certificate from the Academy of Model Aeronautics affiliated Weed Whackers group, a milestone that holds special meaning for this RC beginner’s family. “I am so proud of Evan for finding a hobby that he loves enough to want to stick with,” Haley beams. “This RC hobby is a hard one to get into. There is a ton to learn about electric RC airplanes and for an eight-year-old to stick with it is immensely joyful for his parents to watch.”

Advice for Future Young RC Pilots

When it comes to advising other young people interested in flying RC planes and radio control aircraft, Evan speaks from experience as a budding RC pilot. His first piece of advice for every skill level is refreshingly practical: “If you accidentally crashed your remote control airplane, I would help them to get it.” This spirit of helping others reflects the supportive RC hobby community that welcomed him into the world of model airplanes.

For those looking to find RC planes and start their journey, Evan emphasizes the importance of taking things step by step in RC flight. “You have to, if you want to reach someone’s skill level with electric RC airplanes, earn up to their level,” he explains. “You can’t just skip levels when learning to fly RC. You must do all the work with your radio transmitter and trainer plane.”

His mother has equally direct advice for parents considering supporting their children in the RC hobby: “Don’t figure this out on your own. Ask questions about RC airplanes and accessories at the hobby shop and find an Academy of Model Aeronautics club STAT!” She emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions about radio control aircraft from the start: “This selection of RC equipment isn’t cheap, and investing in the correct electric RC airplane and radio transmitter, in the beginning, will save you several hundred dollars at least. Have fun and enjoy! It’s really cool to watch your child grow wings in the world of flying RC!”

Looking to the Future of RC Flight

As for Evan’s own aspirations in flying RC, he has both immediate and long-term goals for his radio control aircraft journey. “I want to become a really good RC pilot to where I can fly model planes like biplanes and other really fast RC jets and planes that have the gear come up,” he shares enthusiastically. He’s also interested in participating in RC flight competitions, particularly “buttering landings” – his term for achieving smooth landings – and flying his electric RC airplane through pylons without using a gyro.

But perhaps his most ambitious dream showcases the imagination of a young RC pilot: “I want a radio-controlled airplane that’s way bigger than the aeroscope. Like, almost the size of this room!” While this goal might seem lofty, it’s exactly the kind of dream that keeps the remote-controlled airplane community vibrant and growing.

Through Evan’s story, we see how HobbyTown Santee’s selection of RC planes and the broader radio control aircraft community continue to nurture the next generation of RC pilots. Whether through gifted model airplanes, building and flying experience or simply providing a welcoming hobby shop for newcomers, they’re ensuring that young enthusiasts like Evan can find their wings and soar in the exciting world of RC flight.

A New Generation Takes to the RC Skies

From electric RC airplanes to advanced radio control aircraft, the world of flying RC continues to evolve. Still, one thing remains constant: the power of community in helping new RC pilots find their wings. Through HobbyTown Santee’s extensive selection of RC planes and accessories and the dedication of organizations like the Academy of Model Aeronautics, the hobby shop has become more than just a place to find RC airplanes – it’s become a launching pad for dreams.

For Evan, what started as a simple interest in model airplanes has grown into a passionate pursuit of RC flight, supported by a community that understands every skill level. His journey from RC beginner to confident young pilot shows how the right combination of support, equipment, and determination can help anyone succeed in the world of radio control aircraft.

As HobbyTown Santee continues to serve RC enthusiasts at every stage of their journey—from first-time flyers seeking trainer planes to experienced pilots looking for RC jets and upgrade parts—they’re not just selling remote-control airplanes; they’re fostering the next generation of RC pilots. Through building and flying experiences, expert guidance on radio transmitter controls, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages, they’re ensuring that the future of the RC hobby remains bright.

Whether you’re considering your first electric RC airplane or looking to advance your flying RC skills, remember Evan’s wisdom: success in radio control aircraft comes one flight at a time. As his mother says, watching your child grow wings in RC flight is truly something special.

Visit HobbyTown Santee today to start your own journey into the exciting world of RC planes and model aircraft. From beginner to expert, from small trainer planes to impressive RC jets, there’s a perfect radio control airplane waiting for you to discover the joy of flight.