Just ask any child right now what kind of toys they would love to get for Christmas.
And it is a guarantee that several kids will not miss mentioning that they want a remote-controlled device. Right at the top of that same list, they would most probably desire to have one of the best RC planes.
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Now here is the kicker:
The best RC planes are built for all; kids and even adults savor over the flying aircraft’s hobby and find them fascinating. These planes, therefore, come in different forms, sizes, and complexity, something we are to discuss briefly next.
Please keep reading to find out what we mean.
Types of RC Planes
Park fliers
As the name suggests, these RC planes are mostly used in parks and other open spaces with limited area space. They are small, mainly electric, and are controlled with a radio transmitter control.
They are slow, docile, and can be flown in small spaces, including large halls and gymnasiums. For these reasons, they are child-friendly, thus the best RC planes for beginners and the best indoor RC planes.
Trainer airplanes
These are RC planes that aim to train the operator to gain expertise in controlling airborne crafts. Their designs are subtle and conventional. They are typically motor-run crafts, but some could have an internal combustion system or run by a glow plug. They are high-winged crafts with leveled flat airfoils and are usually stable at high altitudes.
Sport airplanes
These designs are also used for training but mostly for low-wing training techniques. They have impressive acrobatic maneuvers because they are mid or low-winged crafts that are best for stunt flying. For this reason, they are the best RC planes for intermediate and pros. The airfoils are either semi-symmetrical or fully symmetrical on these kinds.
Aerobatic airplanes
These types are quite similar to sport airplanes, but these offer a higher 3D flying experience. They are mostly mod-winged and have oversized controls and motors, which give the craft more power to fly. So much so, they are stable in high altitudes and can be flown a bit aggressively during races or stunts.
RC helicopters
There are ideally two kinds of RC helicopters categorized by the rotor they possess. First, the single rotor helicopter has one spinning component, usually at the top and powered by either electricity through the battery or IC using a clutch system.
The second type is the contra-rotating helicopter, also known as the dual or coaxial RC helicopter. This kind has two main rotors that spin in opposing directions to cancel the torque force. They are easy to fly hence one of the best beginner RC planes.
Other kinds of RC planes
Gliders are RC planes that lack a motor and usually rely on wind and heat to stay airborne. In that same category, there are powered gliders that have engines to steer flight. There are blimps, a helium-filled balloon with a motor at the bottom that operates the craft using electricity. These blimps are best used in calm weather since helium is exceptionally lightweight, and the blimp could be blown away.
The next selection is multi-copters, which are commonly known as drones with three or more electric motors. They are stable and agile and even offers the user extra space to carry a camera.
Lastly, there are the replicas of well-known aircraft; one of the most known is the warbirds. They resemble old vintage planes that were once used in the war. Other models are airbuses and many other planes scaled down to toy size.
Products
1. Top Race TR-C285G – Best Overall
The Top Race TR-C285G model is a stylish blue and white plane that rules the skies as the best micro RC planes. And you are about to find out why.
Product specifications
This model is ready to fly unit that comes already assembled, and in the box is a remote control, a USB charger, and a few extras. This plane is a trainer airplane making it the best RC plane for kids and adults who want to start training how to fly an aircraft.
The plane has a three-level flying capability of a beginner, intermediate, and expert level. The remote controller used a 2.5GHZ frequency, which has an outreach of up to 320ft. This plane has an impressive twelve-minute flying time, uses a gear system, and weighs 12 ounces. The batteries on this unit must be charged after depletion. Click here to see the best price.
- This machine is straightforward to use as it comes ready to fly and is already assembled. You can get flying immediately after unboxing and charging.
- The three levels make it a great flight for everyone with a passion for flying.
- The plane’s color is visible, even high up in the sky. Even if it crashes, you can find it easily.
- There have been incidences that past clients have put across that losing control of this flight is possible. And this is especially if the plane goes beyond the transmitting coverage area.
- Because of its lightness, it is tricky flying this craft in windy conditions.
Buying advice
The Top Race TR-C285G retails for $90. It is best for children above the age of eight and for adults who want to start learning. Both boys and girls will find this plane unique.
2. HobbyZone Sports Cub S 2 – Best RC Plane for Beginners
This airplane is a trainer and comes in blue and white colors. Because of its simplicity, it is the top choice best beginner RC planes electric model.
Product specifications
The HobbyZone Sports Cub S 2 is a 3.34-pound aircraft with a 2.4 GHz radio transmitter with a 150mAh 3.7V lipo battery. This plane has three flight levels that accommodate hobbyists across the board.
Most interestingly, it has a panic mode, which automatically resets your flying experience by balancing the craft into returning it to a steady altitude. Lastly, it has an impressive telemetry feature that alerts you when your craft’s battery is running low. Click here to see the best price.
- This HobbyZone craft is lightweight and compact, providing operators an easy time flying it.
- You have two methods you can use to launch your craft, hand or runway.
- It comes already assembled and ready to fly.
- The exterior frame is made of durable material that will last you a long time with proper care.
- The panic recovery mode is a fantastic addition that ensures a newbie regains control of the craft.
- The exceptional telemetry features make this craft user friendly as you can accomplish a smooth landing without the airplane running out of power while airborne.
- The lightweights of the S 2 make it hard to fly it during a windy day.
- The battery allows a six-minute flight duration. This is a short time.
Buying advice
The HobbyZone Sports Cub S 2 trainer airplane sells for $140. Although this price may seem a bit high, it is the best RC planes for kids that offer service to both the novices and pros. The telemetry and panic modes make this purchase worthy. A child who is starting to learn the art of flying an RC plane will find this machine fascinating as well as a learning adult. Just remember to fly the S 2 in calm weather.
3. Top Race War Plane P51D Mustang – Best WW2 Replica RC Plane
This Top Race warplane resembles the military planes used in World War 2, and they have an awe-inspiring flying portfolio loved by both kids and adults.
Product specifications
The P51D is a gearbox system and the best RC planes for kids with a three-level flying capability. It is usable by a beginner, and intermediate, and a pro. It weighs 1.54 pounds and has a very imposing 6-axis Gyro system, which stabilizes the plane well. It has a one-key stunt button.
An operator will enjoy fourteen flying time duration uninterrupted, and after that, they will have to charge the batteries for two hours straight. The control uses four AA batteries and for economic purposes use rechargeable batteries. The controller transmits using a 2.4GHzfrequency window, which supports up to 300ft above ground.
Click here to see the best price.
- The flying time is sublime for any flight hobbyist.
- The material making the exterior of the P51D is durable and long-lasting.
- The unit comes already assembled and ready to fly.
- The controls can be a bit too complex for kids, and one has to have the experience to fully utilize this airplane.
- This craft is not a toy and hence not appropriate to get your kid as a birthday present. It is more of a collectible.
- To fly this craft, you need a lot of space.
- If you want to have a successful takeoff, you are better of throwing the flight using your hand; the reason behind this is because this craft is nose heavy, and it crashes when you try to launch it from the ground.
Buying advice
This World War 2 replica aircraft is best fitted to adults who have mastered the art of handling RC planes. The price tag on this aircraft is $119.
4. Landbow Remote Control Airplane A380 – Best Large RC Plane
The Landbow is a white and blue airbus that graces the skies as one of the largest and the best RC planes in the market. It resembles a commercial flight, and because of that, any child who aspires to be a pilot one day will love having this as a gift.
Product specifications
The A380 is made of EPP foam, which makes the plane look amazing. To fly the aircraft, you have the liberty to go with one of the three available, which include beginner, intermediate, and pro. The controller operates within the 2.5 GHz frequency.
This aircraft is indeed large but not heavy. It only weighs 1.6 pounds, which is relatively impressive. The batteries on this craft are USB charged. This airbus also has the 6-axile Gyro tech, which gives the plane stability once it goes airborne. Click here to see the best price.
- It has two launch methods, the runway, and the hand thrust.
- It is an excellent airplane for practice for anyone at any level of learning.
- The plane comes already assembled, which makes the process faster.
- Its lightweight makes it an easy airplane to handle.
- Because of its large size and lightweight, flying this craft on a windy day is a terrible idea. It can get easily swept away, and the controls overpowered.
- This RC aircraft has no space to hold a camera.
- The plane lacks lights, which could help find it when it crashes.
- The EPP foam is delicate and could break on pressure or a hard crash.
Buying advice
The Landbow RC Airbus is best used during calm weather. For only $80, any hobbyist at any level of expertise in aircraft handling would love this. This includes kids and adults.
5. Top Race TR-C385 – Best RC Plane for Intermediate
An intermediate flier has the basic knowledge of handing the best RC planes while airborne, but they still lack in the stunt sector. Sure, they might get a few stunts complete, but they still have a long way to go into being a professional. The TR-C385 model is the best plane for such a person.
Product specifications
TR-C385 is a yellow and white plane that is visible even in the bright clear sky. It has a 6-axis stabilizer and has a propeller saver capability. It has a one-key turn button and a one-key aerobatics stunt button too. The engine is a gearbox run, and it is controlled with a 2.4GHz remote control. The exterior is an EPP durable material, and the unit weighs 2 pounds. Click here to see the best price.
- This aircraft is lightweight, making it easy to handle.
- The TR-C385 comes already assembled, and this saves you a lot of time.
- An intermediate will grasp using this plan pretty fast and even gain more experience o advance to being a pro.
- The TR-C385 could be carried away by strong wind mid-flight.
- If you do not adequately take care of the craft, it breaks the very instance; it hits a rigid surface.
Buying advice
The TR-C385 retails for only $120, and it is appropriate for both kids and adults. If you are looking into perfecting your stunt driving skill, this is the best Rc plane for intermediates.
RC Planes FAQ
How to Pick An RC Plane
Picking an RC plane will depend on the following things:
Your level of expertise
These levels include a beginner who is just starting with the hobby and knows nothing more than the theoretical part of flying an RC plane. The intermediate knows lots on the theoretical and a bit of flying an RC plane’s practical skill.
An intermediary knows the basics of flying an aircraft like taking off, controlling it, and landing it. And perhaps a few stunts.
Lastly, a pro who knows all there is to know about flying an RC plane and does it exceptionally well.
The size of the plane
How to pick the best RC plane for you will also depend on the size of the aircraft you want, which goes hand in hand with the available space you have at your disposal. If you have ample outdoor space, then you go with the largest RC plane you can find. And if you have limited space, go for the best micro RC plane you can find.
The cost of the device
The most crucial factor that will dictate which RC plane you will finally settle on is the price tag attached to it. Here it’s all about your budget and how much money you are willing to spend on an RC plane.
Are Bigger RC planes Easier to Fly?
The answer to this question is both a yes and a no.
It is a yes if you first know how to operate RC planes either as an intermediate or a pro. You know how to maneuver a flight; hence it does not pose as an issue. Secondly, if the RC planes features are designed to make it a smooth experience, it becomes a comfortable experience.
It becomes no if you have no experience flying the plane. And if the weather conditions are terrible. Windy weather can make it almost impossible to control a big RC plane.
Can I Fly My RC Plane Anywhere?
The answer will depend on the size of the plane and the weather conditions. Smaller aircraft can be flown in small spaces like halls and gymnasiums while larger ones in open grounds like parks and football pitches.
You cannot fly an RC plane in neighborhoods with high buildings since you lack space to see the aircraft.
Do I Need a License to Fly An RC Plane?
Licensing is mandatory in some states, while in some, they are not a must. The purpose of flying the plane might also dictate whether you get a permit or not. For example, if you are shooting a video, you might need access.
Conclusion
Incepting an idea in your child’s brain starts at a very young age. They grow admiring what they find fun and interesting. Getting your child an RC plane for their birthday is a great way to direct them towards loving piloting. But that’s not all; they may also develop a passion for aircraft design or engineering; the possibilities are endless.
Even if they choose a different career path, it is still a great activity to bond with them. It’s something they will love even after becoming adults. And now you have five great selections to choose from.
