I did visit the local hobby store too to verify some of what I thought I had learned. Locally, there really is only one store that sells “non-toy” rc aircraft. That did not give me comfort that I would be getting the best deal I could.

I ended up buying on line, though not directly from a manufacturer. I looked for a dealer that was also selling all the parts for the airplane I was interested in.

Here is one point missed. buying from an approved dealer for one of the manufacturers can be the better way to go. These manufacturers are not going to let just anyone be a dealer. The dealer is monitored and graded by the manufacturer and will not be a dealer for long if they provide bad service (as this reflects directly back on the manufacturer).

As long as the dealer can provide all the parts as well as the aircraft, I think your best bet is to buy there. But … still do research. Some dealers simply take the suggested price and run with it, while others are willing to take a lower price for the product you are interested in.

Not to “toot my own horn” but rtfskymasters is not after big profits. I am more interested in growing rc flying in general so I discount the pricing as a dealer to make it more affordable AND offer all the parts one would ever need for the aircraft we do sell (also discounted).

That does bring up one additional point. Though most rc aircraft are a little over priced (our opinion), that is not where the money is really being made. Replacement parts! From propellers to landing gear to main wings (etc) – very important to check the pricing (and availability) for these items from whichever source you choose. You will crash your plane. Common items to replace are props, landing gear, wings – the parts that will be hitting the ground first. Other parts (electronics mostly) may never need to be replaced.

The point here is to do as much research on the pricing and availability of replacement parts as you do on the aircraft itself!