RC airplane magazines, books and eBooks
Reading rc airplane magazines and books (whether hard copy or virtual) is one of the best ways of keeping up to date with what's happening in the world of radio control airplane modeling and flying.
Popular magazine choices such as Model Airplane News and Backyard Flyer are invaluable sources of information, both for the newcomer and the seasoned enthusiast. And an annual subscription offered by online magazine suppliers and publishers will often save you anything up to 50% off the price of buying each magazine separately over the course of a year.
The rc airplane magazines below are just some of the more popular ones available. Some great rc books and eBooks are listed further down the page...
This top magazine is always loaded with high quality articles from flight training to engine tuning, reviews on various products whether it's a new kit or a new rc system, and excellent photography. Model Airplane News would be a very sensible first choice for anyone already involved with or about to take up the hobby of rc airplanes.
Extract from a MAN reader review: "The price is just right, the editorial, product reviews, how-to's and pics are all amazing, and the subscription is a breeze. This magazine is for everyone, from beginners to pros..."
Extract from a BYF reader review: "This is a great magazine for the beginner RC pilot wanting to fly for fun in restricted spaces... Its articles are easy to read and reviews of various backyard flying airplanes fill the pages..."
Extract from an FRC reader review: "It is often difficult to find a trade rag that gives honest reviews of products, but Fly RC has stepped up to the challenge and provides a quality rc airplane magazine that is informative and has honest reviews of products..."
Search for more rc airplane magazines at Amazon
RC airplane books
Books on rc airplane building and flying techniques can also be invaluable, and well worth keeping on the hobby room shelf. A couple of popular examples of rc airplane books can be seen below:
Getting Started in Radio Control Airplanes
Editorial description: "The most comprehensive and up-to-date book answers all of the beginning hobbyist's questions about building and flying rc airplanes. Step-by-step techniques and are illustrated with a wealth of photography and cover all the basics, from choosing and building a first model to covering and finishing it, understanding and installing glow engines, flight basics, and much more." See the book in detail
R/C Pilots Handbook
"This book has it all from basic flying skills (take offs and landings) to intermediate skills (dreaded cross wind take offs and landings)..."Read more
Search for more rc airplane books at Amazon
RC airplane eBooks
If you're looking for an electronic download, here are a few recommended rc eBooks on the subject of building and flying rc aircraft...
How To Make RC Airplanes is an excellent resource for anyone thinking of building an rc airplane from a kit. The book closely follows the construction of a fairly standard type trainer from a kit, and is filled with tips, tricks and model building techniques. Modeling bench construction, work area organization and money saving advice is all offered.
Setup & Tips for 400 Size RC Helicopters is essential for anyone getting in to electric CP (Collective Pitch) rc helicopters. Focusing on, but not limited to, the E-flite Blade 400, this ebook will take you through the setup process for flying your 3D heli confidently as a trainer, as well as covering many other aspects of electric rc helicopter flying, including those inevitable 'heavy landings'!
Model Airplane Secrets is an rc flying eBook covering all the important topics needed to understand and learn the hobby, such as how to get started with model airplanes, what accessories you'll need to keep your airplane in top working condition, what size engine to use and answers to commonly asked rc flying questions.
