Frequently Asked Questions

Experience is advised by the manufacturer but think of it as a new challenge. Here at Squadron Leader we all learnt to fly on these little puppies and had absolutely no experience at all. Even if you do have a little bit of an accident on your maiden flight, don't worry because we offer a comprehensive list of spare parts that will get you back in the air in no time.

If though you are really worried, we do offer one training radio controlled plane; the HobbyZone Super Cub but this should only be seen as a stepping stone to the real rc planes.

Note: All of the radio controlled planes on SquadronLeader.co.uk are Ready To Fly (RTF) which are the most suitable plane for beginners. For more information on RTF models, please see the FAQ 'What does Ready To Fly (RTF) mean?'

The ParkZone Spitfire Mk IIB is definitely our favourite.

However, we defy anyone to say warbirds such as ParkZone's Focke-Wulf 190 and the P-51D Mustang aren't cool! Even the HobbyZone Super-Cub was chosen because we liked it more than a long list of other planes. All of the radio controlled planes you see on SquadronLeader.co.uk are chosen from personal experience - we have flown lots of similar radio controlled planes but just didn't think they made the very high standard we demand.

Don't worry, we offer the complete list of replacement parts. Don't give up, crashing is part of the fun and can be hilarious. Anyway, if your crash is any good and you have the caught the carnage on camera, then you can always submit your details on this site (The Fallen) and the funniest crash of the month will be awarded with free replacement parts or plane courtesy of SquadronLeader.co.uk.

On another note, we find that a few pints in the local pub after flying enables you to reflect on the days work and realise where you went wrong. Tomorrow is new day......

Where to Fly?
Fields are ideal - the more open space you can find, the better. Try to avoid fields with trees as they have a tendency to 'jump' in the way. We also recommend fields with long grass so when you crash, damage is limited.

They do, but the warranty does not include crash damage. If your plane has a defect do not fly it as we cannot replace a radio controlled plane that has been involved in a crash.

There are six channels (radio frequencies) available so you can get up to six of these radio controlled planes in the air at any one time.

Nope, we are solely online. We are available on the phone (0845 872 5390) Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:00am and 5:30pm. We don't work bank holidays either because we like to get out and fly our own radio controlled planes.

Orders received by 2:00pm will be delivered on the next working day. We do not deliver over the weekend or over bank holidays.

For more information on our Delivery & Returns policy, please click here.

Ready To Fly (RTF) aircraft are the easiest way to learn to fly model radio controlled planes and are the best plane for beginners. Most RTF planes allow you to get into the fun of things with very little or no building experience.

All of the radio controlled planes on SquadronLeader.co.uk are RTF planes and take no more than 40 minutes from box to first flight. This is why these radio controlled planes make such good presents... people are able to fly them on the day they are given them!

Yes there are... However, through our experience we have found that the others can be a bit boring to fly and certainly don't look as good.

The ParkZone War Birds (Spitfire Mk IIB, Focke-Wulf 190 and P-51D Mustang) look the absolute business and fly really well - what more can you ask for? The War Birds, being scale model replicas, also provide you with a vision as to what these beautiful planes looked like whilst darting around in the air during WW2. C'est Magnifique!

Our chosen plane for the beginner, the HobbyZone Super Cub is also carefully selected from a wide range. We believe this to be one of the best planes to learn to fly in. It's simple, looks good and handles very well. One good thing about the Super Cub is it has ACT (Anti-Crash Technology) - this helps to prevent you from crashing and ruining your plane on your first flights. If you did manage to crash, the Super Cub is a little more durable than the other planes and doesn't seem to suffer in impacts as much. Anyway, if you do crash, it doesn't matter as you can always get all the Super Cub spare parts you need on this website.