Top 5 RC Planes [Updated 2021] – The Best RC Airplanes on the Market
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Table of Contents
- FAQs About RC Planes
- The Best RC Planes – Review
- Hobbyzone Sport Cub S RTF RC Airplane with SAFE Technology
- HobbyZone Delta Ray RTF Airplane Safe Technology Vehicle
- PowerUp 3.0 Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane
- GoolRC F949 Cessna 182 Remote Control Aircraft
- HBZ Carbon Cub S+
- Conclusion About The Best RC Planes
RC planes are remote controlled aircrafts that are able to take off and fly for your entertainment. There are many available models out there and picking just one can deem to be a very overwhelming task. Here, we have compiled a list of 5 best radio control planes available on the current market. We have also answered a few frequent questions. Let us dive into it:
Many people seem to think that there is no difference between an RC airplane and a drone. On the contrary; these two devices do have similar qualities but they also have different features and usages. Yes, these two devices do fly but they are very different when it comes to their design and overall look.
RC planes are controlled by a remote but drones are a bit more complex than this. Drones can also be controlled by a remote, they can hover (just as a helicopter) but overall drones are more specialized in the way they are controlled and how they function. Let us look at some common questions regarding RC planes.
FAQs About RC Planes
Do you fly the same way an RC plane and a drone?
Both RC planes and drones are near similar. However an RC plane is controlled by a remote whereas a drone can be controlled remotely or flies autonomously
Are there any organizations I can join for more information?
Yes there are. Ask your local hobby shop for clubs near your neighborhood.
What’s the range of RC planes?
A typical hobby grade RC will carry about half a mile in direct line of sight. Others can carry twice that far. However, at half mile, being able to see your model starts to become limiting.
Can I fly it anywhere?
It depends on where you live and what sort of rules you have regarding public flying. Before flying your RC plane, always check whether flying such an aircraft is allowed.
Does they have the same rules as drones?
Since they are both airborne devices, they tend to have similar rules.
The Best Radio Control Planes – Review
RC airplanes will provide you with countless hours of fun. Whether you are planning to fly alone or with your son/ daughter, these models are perfect for anyone looking for a relaxed day out in the open fields. Here, we have compiled a list of our top 5 best RC airplanes. We have selected them based on features, durability, affordability, and overall performance. Let us take a look:
Hobbyzone Sport Cub S RTF RC Airplane with SAFE Technology
Read Reviews About Sport Cub S RTF
Hobbyzone Sport Cub S RTF is a fantastic option for all beginners and intermediate hobbyists. Thos model is compact and easy to carry with you wherever you might need to go. However, this is not to say that it is not big enough to provide you with countless hours of fun. Hobbyzone Sport Cub S RTF comes with three modes – beginner, intermediate, and expert – on its radio. We would recommend that you always launch it under beginner mode – this way, regardless of how it takes off, you will be assured that it will be fine and incur no damages. Once you have it airborne at approximately 50 feet, you can now switch from beginner to whoever other level you are comfortable with – these levels will be able to perform more challenging flying such as rolls or dives. Hobbyzone Sport Cub S RTF is a perfect replica of Cessna 172. Overall, it’s a fun and easy plane that will provide you with countless fun.
Tech Specs
– Powerful motor
– Compact 2.4GHz transmitter and DSMX technology
– SAFE technology from Horizon Hobby
– Recovery with the pull of a trigger with Panic Recovery mode
– Proportional 4-channel control with working throttle, rudder, elevation, and aileron
– Steerable tail wheel for easy ground control
– USB port DC Fast charger
Pros
– Easy to assemble and fly
– Can be able to withstand inevitable bumps without any difficulties
– Gathers altitude incredibly fast
– Its panic button is very useful especially for first time Rc pilots – simply click the panic button any time you lose control
– Very stable
– Comes with 3 modes allowing all users regardless of their experience to have fun with it
Cons
– Manual does not come with instructions on how to pair your plane with its remote
– Requires extra battery at the ready as you only receive approximately 8 minutes of flight time
Hobbyzone Sport Cub S RTF is a great plane for first time RC pilots. Thanks to its panic button, you never need worry about it crashing and breaking when you lose control. Simply click on that button and your model will take it from there. It is fairly priced and from past users, it is evident that Hobbyzone Sport Cub S RTF will last for a long time when well cared for.
HobbyZone Delta Ray RTF Airplane Safe Technology Vehicle
Read Reviews About Delta Ray RTF Airplane
HobbyZone Delta Ray RTF is every RC pilot’s dream as it appeals to all level pilots across the board. It is inclusive of so many features that will make your flying memorable. This model is armed with SAFE technology that provides a user with four modes that will allow new pilots an extensive learning experience. HobbyZone Delta Ray RTF has a panic model that you can use any time you lose control of your aircraft. All you have to do is click on Panic Mode button and your craft will sail back down to stable flight levels. Beginners, intermediates, and experts can all use this craft. Simply select your experience mode and enjoy a lovely afternoon out in the fields with your aircraft. Finally, HobbyZone Delta Ray RTF has a durable and strong construction that is hard to crack. However, if your plane does get damaged, you can easily restore it back to new by using any glue you might have.
Tech Specifications
– Intuitive SAFE technology inclusive of four flight modes
– Panic mode button that returns aircraft to stable level flights
– Beginner and intermediate modes
– Experienced mode
– Full 4-channel control
– Full-range Spektrum DX4a 2,4GHz DSMX transmitter
– Impact resistant durable Z-Foam construction
Pros
– Easy to use
– Remarkably well engineered and fun to fly
– Affordable
– Made from durable and strong Z-Foam materials
– Inclusive of three level modes that ensure every pilot enjoys flying HobbyZone Delta Ray RTF
– Panic mode to ensure you retake control of your machine anytime you lose control
Cons
– Be careful when flying as it cannot withstand too many bumps and crashes
– Some past users have had issues with its receiver
All in all, HobbyZone Delta Ray RTF will provide you with a flying experience that is fun and gentle. You will have access to features all working to ensure you have a safe and incident free outing.
PowerUp 3.0 Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane
Read Reviews About PowerUp 3.0 Paper Airplane
PowerUp 3.0 is the world’s first remote controlled paper airplane. PowerUp 3.0 has a 580 feet/ 55 meter range and a crash resistant design. PowerUp 3.0 allows a customer to be involved in the creation process as they have to artfully fold their paper planes. All you need is a standard copier paper (which you will fold into a paper plane), attach the Smart Module to your paper airplane, and fly it. A user will be able to control their piloting by tilting their smartphones to steer and increase or reduce throttle to go up or down. PowerUp 3.0 is a perfect option for anyone looking to purchase an RC plane but at a cheap price/
Tech Specifications
– 10 min flight on full charge
– 180 feet range
– FlightAssist TM technology
– Bluetooth Smart Technology allowing you to control your device using your smartphone
– Special template paper that ensures easy folding and flying spare
– Micro USB cable for charging
– Spare propeller and rudder
– iOS and Android friendly
– Beginner and advanced modes
Pros
– Cheap RC plane
– Fun to assemble
– Has a powerful and solid construction that does not get damaged regardless of how many times it crashes
– Works very well – once you figure out how to design your paper-plane
– Highly entertaining as you will have to build your own plane if you want to fly it
Cons
– Some people have gotten frustrated with the DIY plane assembly process
PowerUp 3.0 is a perfect gift to buy for your little one if you wish to teach them all about aerodynamics – or for yourself as well. You will enjoy countless trial and errors until you finally get your physics right. What better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than with your family trying to get this little model up in the air?
GoolRC F949 Cessna 182 Remote Control Aircraft
Read Reviews About GoolRC F949
The GoolRC F949 Cessna 182 Remote Control Aircraft is an excellent option for beginners as well as expert pilots. Its controls are responsive and versatile, and its specs are impressive. It has a control flight range of up to 200 meters, which is a lot more than you’d expect from an aircraft that costs less than 100 dollars. The Cessna also looks great and has a very low stall point – this means that on breezy days, you will be able to fly your model at low throttle and watch as it lazily glides forward. A perfect plane if you’re looking for something that is really fun and easy to modify, fly, and land.
Tech Specifications
– Accurate scale model of a real Cessna-182
– 3 coreless motors combine for more flying power
– Flying range of up to 200 meters
– Adjustable rudder volume size
– Frame is made of flexible and durable EPP composite material
Pros
– Very stable, sturdy, and easy to fly
– Aircraft battery, charger, and motor included
– Long flight range
– Powerful and very responsive to controls
Cons
– At 1.8 pounds, it’s heavier than some of the other planes on this list.
The GoolRC F949 Cessna 182 Remote Control Aircraft is packed with tons of features that will make your flying experience fun and easy each time, whether you’re a first-time pilot of an advanced rc plane user. Instead of staying cooped up inside watching television or playing games on your screen, purchase a radio controlled aircraft like this one and enjoy the feel of being out in the open field as you expertly maneuver your craft over soft winds and sunny skies.
HBZ Carbon Cub S+
Read Reviews About HBZ Carbon Cub S+
Looking for a great RC airplane that won’t break the bank? This versatile and durable Carbon Cub S+ is one of the easiest-to-fly RC planes around. Like some of the best beginner drones, the S+ (a refined version of the previous HBZ Carbon Cub) comes with several high-tech features that make it easier for newcomers to fly. These include AutoLand (a one-touch takeoff and landing system), Holding Pattern (in which the plane will keep itself stable in the air), and Virtual Fence (which will prevent the plane from leaving a set area.) Included accessories like oversized tundra tires and optional flaps will also allow this RC plane to travel anywhere in any weather conditions.
Tech Specifications
– AutoLand, Holding Pattern and Virtual Fence modes
– Oversized tundra tires
– Optional flaps and floats
– Durable EPO frame
– Propeller
– Battery sold separately
– Charger
– Three flight modes
Pros
-Great for beginners and advanced pilots alike
-Extremely versatile
-Durable frame can withstand a few crashes
Cons
-Battery not included
So if you want to get into the world of RC flying vehicles but don’t feel like you’re ready for a quadcopter or multirotor drone, the HBZ Carbon Cub S+ is a great way to get into the hobby.
Radio Controlled Aircraft – Frequently Asked Questions
How do radio controlled airplanes work?
Radio controlled airplanes work because the radio transmitter sends a signal to a receiver on the aircraft itself, which interprets the signal as a command, which tells it to send a certain electrical impulse to a motor which controls the vehicle. RC has been around for decades and the technology is only improving with time.
What material is used to make RC planes?
RC planes can be made of many different materials. Foam board is one of the most common, but models can also be made of plastic, coroplast sheets, or composite materials like Expanded PolyOlefin (EPO).
How high can model RC airplanes fly?
The FAA makes it illegal to fly radio controlled aircraft higher than 400 feet above the ground. Most consumer-grade RC airplanes fly well below this limit, at around 50 to 200 feet.
Do RC airplanes need to be registered?
None of the hobby-grade RC aircraft listed in this article require registration in the United States. Always consult your local laws and regulations before buying any RC vehicle.
How much are RC airplanes?
Depending on the quality of the aircraft and its feature set, you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 for a hobby grade radio controlled airplane.
Conclusion About The Best RC Planes
RC planes are incredibly easy to use and a fun way to pass time. These devices will provide you and your loved ones with countless hours of fun. Here, we have selected five best RC planes based on their durability, affordability, and included features. To save more money, you should always keep an eye out for RC planes on sale. Such offers will help you save money as you hunt for a cheap RC airplane for your extracurricular use. If you have any questions regarding any of the RC planes mentioned above do not hesitate to comment below and we shall get back to you as soon as possible. Feel free to click on mentioned links for added information regarding our 5 best RC planes.
Further Reading
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Kennedy Martinez
kennedy@dronethusiast.comKennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer's guides for our readers.
Make no mistake about it. It takes help and time to learn to fly a radio controlled airplane. I started when I was 12 years of age with a 3 channel. Many of the men that flew at the same field helped me. The best thing you can do is get a “buddy cord “, which is connected to the instructors transmitter. As long as he holds a button down you are flying it. As soon as trouble sets in and it will , the instructor lets the button go up and regains control of the aircraft. Depending how much of a knack you have for it you may be in training for 6 months, then take it off , fly it and practice approaches for landing.
The best example I can off is one day I was leveling our field for the weekend. A fellow can up I had never seen and had a new , well crafted plane. i was 16 and ask him if he has flown rc. He was a a707 comm pilot. A few minutes later I was teaching him how to fly as he almost crashed several times before handing me the transmitter to save his plane. He could fly an airliner but r/c is more difficult. I was 16 at this time and did not want to see him crash his new plane. make no mistake about it you will need help for some time before you are on your own.