How to Fly a Remote Control Plane

Flying a radio controlled plane can be tricky. Some simple steps will help you figure out the basics of RC flying. 
Decide on ready-built versus build-your-own. Do you want something pre-built, or want to assemble your own? RTF stands for Ready To Fly and includes everything including controller and battery, while ARF is Almost Ready to Fly (requires a little assembly). PNF stands for Plug-n-Fly, often requiring you to buy your own battery and controller separately. Do you want electric or glow (gas)? For the more challenging, kits are also available. 
Buy a remote control plane. Many good beginner planes are typically electric RTF trainers in the approximate $50-$300 price range including battery and controller. A good Internet search is "RTF trainer", or visit your own local hobby superstore. Build the plane (if assembly is required). Most RC planes, even RTF ones, require a bit of assembly. Pre-flight the plane. Turn on the transmitter, then the airplane. Check the direction of flight surfaces (have someone experienced check you). Check which control stick operates which surfaces. There are different conventions about which stick does what. These are called "modes," and there are 4 main ones - Mode 1, Mode 2 etc. 

rc plane

It is best to use a mode which is used by any instructor or the most common to other flyers in your area. Do a range check... with the antenna on the transmitter collapsed, walk 50-100 feet away and check that your control surfaces still respond without chattering or unwanted movements. 
Determine approximate wind speed by tying a ribbon to the end of the antenna of the remote and holding the controller parallel to the ground. Don't fly if the ribbon is parallel to the ground! Under 30 degrees is perfect. Determine wind direction by throwing some grass clippings or other light material into the air. If possible, launch INTO the wind. If you are taking off from a runway and the wind is perpendicular to the runway, it is possible to take off, but not advisable for a beginner. Slowly advance the power on your aircraft and wait for it to gain sufficient speed on the ground. If you're hand launching, advance the power to full and give the plane a straight level and firm (not too hard though) toss into the air and quickly grab the controls. 

remote control plane

If you are still learning, have someone else launch your airplane for you so you can keep your hands on the sticks. Keep the throttle at 100% until the plane reaches a sufficient altitude for the size plane you're flying. I usually fly what we call 3 mistakes high, which is 150-200 feet up, then reduce the throttle to half power. Use a very light touch. Just push the stick over for a split second and release. Simulator training will make you better at this. Turn to the left or right by moving the appropriate control stick left or right. This will roll the plane slightly to the side. You will also need to pull back on the appropriate control stick slightly to pull the plane through the turn. To complete the turn, roll the plane parallel to the ground. Remember to always keep the plane upwind, this way it won’t blow away from you.(this only applies if you turn with ailerons. Keep the plane as level as possible; if you raise the nose too much, it may cause a stall. 
Practice an oval shaped flight pattern, keeping all turns in the same direction. When you find yourself comfortable with this pattern, try flying an oval in the opposite direction (let other pilots around know what you are doing so they know to avoid you if you are flying an opposite pattern). When comfortable with both directions try a figure 8 pattern. Land the airplane by first making note of the wind direction to land into the wind. Reduce power slowly (don’t touch the (elevator) stick - to descend, simply reduce the throttle). You want the plane to almost glide on its own. When the plane is about 5 feet from the ground, cut the throttle. 
Flare just before the plane comes in contact with the ground by raising the nose at the last second so all three wheels touch at the same time.