The Ultimate Hobby: Why RC Planes Are Worth the Buzz

Are you an experienced RC hobbyist ready to take it to the skies? Or you may be starting this pastime with a wish to conquer the heights. Whatever the case, the world of remote-controlled aircraft is exciting and ever-evolving. So even if you’ve already flown an RC aeroplane, you might want to know what’s new and how to improve.

How to Get Started with RC Planes?

Arrows Hobby 600mm Hawk Eyes RC Plane RTF
source: hobbytechtoys.com.au

Whether a beginner or an experienced pilot, understanding the different types and configurations is the most important factor to consider to pick the right remote airplane for your skill level, so, here’s a general breakdown to help you dive deeper into the world of hobby RC airplanes.

Configurations

RC planes come in various configurations: RTF, BNF, PNP, and ARF. While these may sound confusing, they aren’t. You can also find customisable building model kits catering to different skill levels to soar to new heights of excitement.

RTF (Ready To Fly)

With everything you need to fly, including the aeroplane, transmitter, receiver, battery, and charger, RTF RC planes are ready to fly out of the box. If you’re asking yourself: “What is the easiest RC plane for a beginner?”, the answer is this configuration. The RTF planes are ideal for novices or pilots seeking a hassle-free flying experience because they require very little setup.

BNF (Bind and Fly)

Although pre-assembled and ready to fly, BNF RC planes need a transmitter. Rather, before you can fly a BNF remote airplane, you must “connect” it to a compatible transmitter. That enables pilots to enjoy the ease of a pre-assembled aircraft while using their own transmitter or buying one separately.

PNP (Plug and Play)

With the addition of a transmitter, receiver, and battery, PNP RC planes usually require very little construction and are nearly ready to fly. Pilots who want the convenience of a partially completed aircraft but already have a transmitter and receiver that work well together should consider PNP planes.

ARF (Almost Ready to Fly)

ARF RC planes need to be further assembled after arriving partially assembled before they can fly. Although ARF planes have most of the essential parts, like the wings, airframe, and control surfaces, they usually lack electronics and hardware, so pilots can outfit their aircraft with the gear they want.

RC Plane Builders Kits

RC plane builder kits offer all the parts and materials needed to create a bespoke aircraft–ideal for individuals who like the satisfaction of creating their own aircraft from the ground up. Hobbyists can construct and modify their planes to their precise requirements with the help of these kits, which frequently include pre-cut foam or balsa parts, hardware, drawings, and instructions.

Types

Arrows Hobby 1300mm Bigfoot RTF w/ Vector RC Aircraft M1
source: hobbytechtoys.com.au

There are RC models of almost every full-size aircraft. Most of us can fly an RC model that looks like an Air Force Thunderbird or Blue Angel, but we’ll never be able to fly one in real life! Naturally, real jet pilots must complete a rigorous training programme before they can operate such a potent machine. There is a parallel in the RC once more: for beginners, certain models are simply too difficult.

The following categories apply to the RC models you see in local hobbyist stores, whether online or in person. If you continue with the pastime you can fly any of them, and someone else will be amazed when you take off!

Trainers

Aimed at novice modellers, RC trainers have flat-bottom airfoils and high-wing mounting. You have more time to consider and respond since they fly slowly. You may easily release the transmitter sticks to bring your trainer back to level, straight flight if you suddenly lose control. Additionally, because of their sluggish stall speed, trainers’ wings can produce enough lift to keep them in the air even while they are only creeping.

Park Flyers

With many benefits, electric-powered Park Flyer aircraft provide all the excitement and pleasure of larger RC aeroplanes in a more compact form. Reasonably priced different types are available, most without requiring assembly and are ready to fly. You can fly them practically any place, whether in your garden, a park, or a football field!

Sport Models

The term “sport model” describes any aircraft capable of aerobatic manoeuvres. The majority have wings positioned at the fuselage’s bottom or centre. Symmetrical airfoil refers to the curved shape of the top and bottom wing surfaces, improving their manoeuvrability at the expense of some stability.

Sports trainers combine the features of sports planes with basic trainers. Mounted above the fuselage like a trainer, the wing may feature a semi-symmetrical airfoil. These represent a suitable “next step” following mastery of your foundational trainer.

Bipes (Biplanes)

Two-winged biplanes are a mainstay of aerobatic airshows and never fail to impress an audience. Experienced hobbyists prefer RC versions because they provide the same “barnstorming” performance.

Warbirds

Your local flying field can experience the thrill of a dogfight thanks to RC warbirds. Wartime saw some of the biggest developments in aviation as well as some of the most inventive plane names (like “Butcher Bird” and “Whispering Death”). Experienced modellers can combine their passion for history with their favourite pastime by building RC warbirds.

Giant Scale

As the name implies, giant scale models combine enormous scale with realistic detail. Imagine controlling a model with wings at least two metres long. Such aircraft are more expensive and require a lot of expertise, patience, and time, as you might anticipate. Only seasoned modellers should use these planes.

Sailplanes

Warm air masses known as “thermals” rise to carry RC sailplanes. Their steadiness and sluggish flying speed make them an excellent option for novice enthusiasts. Finding those invisible thermals and taking advantage of them is the difficult part.

Certain sailplanes have electric motors installed for simple, powered launches. Other methods of launch include throwing them from a hill or slope, using a device called a hi-start that resembles a slingshot, or towing them in a manner like to kite launch.