How to Buy Control-Line Model Aircraft

Do a bit of research. Start slowly and practice before deciding what aspect of control-line flying will appeal to you.

Find a control-line model flying club.

Attend meetings, get acquainted with model fliers and take part in club activities.

Ask knowledgeable club members about the simplest, most economical way to begin in the hobby.

Check out hobby shops and online retailers such as eHobbies.com to learn about model availability, necessary tools and other supplies.

Develop a rapport with knowledgeable merchants and clerks.

Remember that control-line flying is a sophisticated hobby, and many fliers proceed to aerobatics, model combat, speed runs and team racing.

Note that other modes may end in model damage. For example, model combat requires a competitor to trim a trailing paper streamer from an opponent's aircraft tail by using her own aircraft's propeller.

Check out the specialized control-line models from manufacturers such as Brodak, Cox, Carl Goldberg, Perfect, Sig, Sterling and Sullivan.

Begin with a trainer model. Trainers have their weight distributed forward and have large tail surfaces. Control inputs are mechanically slower, because novices are often prone to overcontrolling.

Find a friendly and patient mentor. Control-line model airplane flying looks simple, but it requires a special touch. Better to be humble, listen and learn than to buy and build several new model airplanes.