If you have never flown before, and are looking to learn, then we are here to help.
For fixed wing, currently to start from scratch, the cheapest you will get in the air for is around £464. This will include the plane, radio, receiver, 3 batteries, dual charger, 2 charging bags, club membership (£70), BMFA insurance (£51), and CAA license (£11.79)

THE PLANE:
We recommend a high wing plane (as they are more stable), with a wingspan of at least 1.2 meters, running a 2.2 amp 3 cell lipo battery.
I would recommend a XFly Glastar Bush Trainer (£155), or similar. Don't be tempted by a ready to fly (RTF) plane, as the radios will only do that plane, with no room for expansion if you wanted a second plane.

THE BATTERIES:
You will need 3 batteries to start with (£53). These would need to match the recommendation of the high wing plane you have purchased, but usually this will be a 3 cell Lipo of around 25c. Most Lipos come with XT60 connectors. If the plane has a different battery connector, it's a quick swap for a few pence.
A dual lipo charger (£50), and two charging bags (for safety, they can go boom £20).
Only balance charge your batteries the day before or the day you intend to use them. NEVER keep them fully charged for longer than 48 hours, and ALWAYS put them into storage level with the charger before you put them away.
For safety keep them in an ammo tin, or Lipo storage bag. Click HERE for info on Lipo safety.

THE RADIO:
For your £464 you are looking at a very basic FlySky FS-i6X with receiver (£53), but I would recommend spending more money on your radio, as a good one will last you ages. Take a look at a Radiomaster Boxer 4in1 (£140), or TX16S MKII 4in1 (£180), with a R86C V2 receiver (£10).
If you are a bit flush, perhaps a Spektrum NX6 (£338), you will then need a 6ch Spektrum receiver, like an AR620 (£53).
I fly a Radiomaster TX16S MKII, and and use my old MKI as a buddy radio. Some use FrSky, some FlySky, but a lot at the club fly Spektrum, but buy once, and be happy. Your radio is your best friend.
You will see there are modes 1, 2, 3 & 4 for radios. A majority of people fly MODE 2. This will have your throttle and rudder on the left stick, and elevator and aileron on the right stick. This mode is closest to how a real plane would fly.

THE RECEIVER:
You will need a receiver of at least 4 channels (Throttle, Elevator, Rudder, and Aileron) to get your plane working.
The planes servos will plug into this, and this will receive the instruction from the radio for you to fly.
If your plane has flaps, landing gear etc. Each one is another channel required to plug a lead into.

SECOND HAND:
Perhaps you may consider giving someone elses items a new home to start you on the way a bit cheaper. eBay and Facebook Market Place are ideal locations for these items.
The basics outlined above are a guide to help you, but if you can save some pennies...

The good news is, we do not charge for tuition, we do that free of charge.

Also have a read of THIS, the BMFA 'A Flying Start' to give you a deeper insight, and HERE to make sure you are legal!

(All prices were correct as of March 2026)

A club instructor will check your model over prior to take off to make sure it is airworthy.
But be aware, accidents can, and still happen.
The instructor and the club will not be liable for any damage or loss of your model.