The Best Remote Control Planes
RC planes provide an exciting hobby for families and individual aviators in the making that want to learn about aerodynamics and have fun too. RC planes are radio-operated devices that can rely on a variety of designs and motors to propel the aircraft across the sky. Typically, RC planes require large areas of open space in order to avoid hazardous crashes, but with quick reactions and a keen sense of direction, these gleeful gadgets can be piloted through all manner of environments. Whether you're looking for replicas of actual airplanes, futuristic concepts, or anywhere in between, our top remote control planes will help you hone in on the perfect pick for your flying pleasure.
PowerUp 4.0 Paper Airplane Kit
Shoot for the Stars
When you want to take to the skies with a custom-made creation of your own, check out PowerUp’s 4.0 Paper Airplane Kit. With the help of a handy app, PowerUp will guide you step-by-step through the creation of premade models. You can also design your own paper airplane and attach it to the kit. The kit contains a USB-powered motor that pushes two propellers and a crossbar for stabilization purposes. Assembly and flight are as easy as folding, mounting, downloading, and activating the motor via the app. Once up in the sky, your airplane can fly for up to 10 minutes of uninterrupted flight.
Pros:
- Great for practicing aerobatics and tricks
- A maximum speed of 20 mph
- Takes only 30 minutes to fully charge
- The program includes an auto-land feature
Cons:
- The replacement parts can be expensive
Top Race TR-C285G RC Plane
Take to the Skies
If your airborne ambitions reach towards a bygone era of aircraft design, Top Race’s TR-C285G RC Plane is the choice for you. This affordable, easy-to-navigate machine is driven by a gearbox and propeller system in a traditional biplane style. The maximum operable range of 320 feet is above average for its size and price point and the handling is surprisingly forgiving. The flight controller features a dongle, which changes the difficulty of flight. This means you can easily toggle between gyroscope-led smooth sailing or sharp turns and acrobatic stunts. For the enthusiast that wants to wow the crowd with aerodynamic wonders, the TR-C285G is a top-notch pick.
Pros:
- Long maximum flight time of up to 16 minutes
- The propeller features a joint that disconnects upon crash, preventing damage
- The styrofoam build is extremely lightweight
Cons:
- Due to the light weight, it doesn’t handle well in the wind
QT 2 Channel Remote Control Plane
Earn Your Wings
The QT 2 Channel Remote Control Plane offers formidable control and stability in a compact package. With intuitive controls that can be easily mastered, this aviation accessory is our top choice for individuals just picking up the hobby. QT’s RC plane can be activated using the flexible landing gear or tossing the vehicle in a direction square to your body. In the air, the auto-stability system helps beginners maintain equilibrium. All in all, if you’re looking to introduce a fellow fan of flight to model planes, the QT RC Plane’s speed, quick assembly, and durable components make it a fabulous first choice.
Pros:
- 300-foot flight radius
- Incredible value for the price
- Easy to paint and customize with decals
Cons:
- You can lose control of the plane if you fly it beyond the flight radius
iHobby RC Ready to Fly RC Aircraft
Chart the Right Course
Serious collectors and amateur aerospace engineers can agree that iHobby RC’s Ready to Fly RC Aircraft is ready for takeoff and prepared to steal the show. This RC plane is a scaled-down model of the Airbus A380 commercial airplane, a popular vehicle in European and Asian airlines. The plane’s form is preserved by cleverly placing two propellers behind the toy’s ‘turbines’, allowing for a brisk speed immediately after takeoff. While the dual-channel controller doesn’t allow for more exotic flight patterns, this model is more geared towards collectors and beginners that want to revel in this replica’s smooth turns and seamless landings.
Pros:
- Thorough instruction manual included
- A single charge can provide up to 15 minutes of flight time
- Wide 250-foot range
- The thick body can withstand significant crashes
Cons:
- The plane’s rechargeable battery cannot be easily replaced
E-flite UMX Turbo Timber RC Airplane
Find Your Home Port
Upgrading to a more robust flight control system can be daunting, but the balance and reliability provided by E-Flite’s UMX Turbo Timber make the transition infinitely easier. The Turbo Timber features an impressive 6-channel receiver, offering you unprecedented control over the roll, yaw, and pitch of your aircraft. By suspending the ‘training wheels’, you can execute technical maneuvers such as short take-offs, upside-down flight, and hard banks. Hobbyists obsessed with powerful motors, keen attention to detail, and near-limitless control will have the time of their lives with the UMX Turbo Timber.
Pros:
- Winged LED lights for easy identification
- Optional water-takeoff set available
- Almost no assembly required
Cons:
- Wheeled take-offs can be difficult to master
Frequently Asked Questions
What basic flight terms should I be aware of operating an RC plane?
The most crucial terminology concerns your direction of movement. As far as manual planes are concerned, moving in 3D space is achieved by altering pitch, yaw, and roll. Roll is control over the ailerons, or wing flaps, determining how much you bank right or left. Yaw is the rudder’s direction and dictates how much you turn left or right in 2D horizontal space. Lastly, pitch refers to the angle of the back elevator flaps, which makes the nose of the aircraft move up or down.
What are the best places to fly RC planes?
RC Planes require vast, open spaces with as little electrical interference as possible. In cities, RC planes can pose difficulty due to countless buildings, trees, and curious dogs. As a rule of thumb, a minimum 200-foot radius of open ground is sufficient breathing room for beginners. If you’re in a more rural setting, the opportunities are nearly endless. Popular destinations for RC planes include beaches, riverbeds, lakes, state parks, and much more. Just make sure to fly with caution and always check your local laws concerning RC aircraft.
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