In this guide, we’ll look at the best RC planes for beginners.
We’ve compared ease of use, design, range, and cost
to give you our top recommendations.
What Are The Best RC Planes?
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More Detailed RC Plane Reviews
Top Race Remote Control Airplane
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Top Race Remote Control Airplane Review
The Top Race Remote Control Airplane is super easy to fly, with a built-in 6 axis gyro system that makes it perfect for beginners. It arrives fully assembled and ready to go straight out the box, while the controls are easy to master.
This airplane offers the perfect training for new pilots and intermediates thanks to the self-stabilization of the gyro system. The radio control distance is over 320ft, and it flies for up to 12 minutes on a single charge.
If you’re a beginner looking for a plane that’s incredibly stable and easy to fly – look no further than the Top Race Remote Control Airplane!
VOLANTEXRC Remote Control Glider Plane
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VOLANTEXRC Remote Control Glider Plane Review
This plane is made using extremely durable and flexible EPP material. EPP material is not easily damaged, and it is very lightweight, so don’t worry if you bump your plane now and then.
No assembly is required out of the box; simply attach the battery, and off you go! You will be flying within minutes of receiving this RC plane.
It weighs a minuscule 0.13 pounds, so you can imagine how easy it is to control. The controller comes with three flight modes; beginner, intermediate, and expert, so you can enjoy flying this plane during every stage of your flying abilities.
HAWK'S WORK 2 CH RC Airplane, F-22 RC Plane
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HAWK'S WORK 2 CH RC Airplane, F-22 RC Plane Review
There are two ways of taking off; you can taxi off the ground, or throw the plane to help it fly off. This is a great way to help beginners learn how to control the plane with both take-off methods.
The remote control is operated by a 2.4GHz radio control system that allows the plane to fly in four directions; up, down, left, and right. If you wish to fly two or more planes together without confusion, you can do with this model.
You will get extra parts when you order this plane. If anything breaks or malfunctions, you should have the appropriate parts to change it with, or contact the customer support team, who are always happy to help.
GoolRC FX801 Airplane Cessna 182 2.4GHz 2CH RC Plane
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GoolRC FX801 Airplane Cessna 182 2.4GHz 2CH RC Plane Review
This plane has been designed to resemble the real Cessna 182 plane. Its build and design ensure brilliant in-flight stability.
All of the plane parts can be assembled without having to use glue. If you like the challenge and assembling your plane before you play with it, this is a fun option.
The GoolRC FX801 airplane has been designed with beginners in mind. It is made out of flexible EPP material, and the front propeller is motorless and acts as a bumper during collisions.
P51D RC Airplane
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P51D RC Airplane Review
The P51D RC plane is ready to fly out of the box. Simply install the battery, and off you go! You can thank the 6-Axis gyro for brilliant stability and flight experience, and the takeoff and landing is made extra smooth thanks to the sturdy wheels.
It is fitted with a return key and an aerobatics key, making flying the plane super comfortable for beginners and inexperienced pilots. With just under 15 minutes of flying time per charge, this plane is a great beginner airplane that will keep you busy for longer.
GoolRC Wltoys XK A150 Airbus B747
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GoolRC Wltoys XK A150 Airbus B747 Review
The GoolRC Wltoys XK A150 airbus is both a model plane and a radio control toy. It has been designed based on the giant airbus B747. You can keep this plane for display, or fly it in open spaces.
It is made out of EPP anti-crash flexible material, which keeps the aircraft lightweight and easy to keep airborne. If you want an RC plane that looks realistic and can also do a few cool stunts in the air, this is a cool plane to go for. Overall, this plane has brilliant features, looks realistic, is lightweight, and also has two difficulty modes so that beginners can enjoy the plane throughout every stage of their flying abilities.
Landbow Remote Control Airplane
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Landbow Remote Control Airplane Review
The last RC plane we have to share with you is the Landbow remote control airplane. This too is a realistic-looking plane that has been designed to look like an A380 aircraft.
The plane comes with rechargeable Li-po batteries, and the controller requires four AA batteries. You can expect to enjoy a simple 3D flight experience that any beginner will get the hand of within an hour or so of playing around with the features.
This plane has an EPP shell that is robust and flexible, and hard to break. You can be sure that this plane won’t break easily as it feels sturdy and well made.
Makefire RC Plane
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Makefire RC Plane Review
If you are looking for a safe RC plane for both children and adults to fly inside and outside, then this is the plane for you. It is made using very lightweight, flexible EPP material that is very difficult to break and will not damage windows or mirrors upon collision.
Each of the batteries provides you with between 15 to 20 minutes of flying time. This plane has two batteries, so you can enjoy almost 40 minutes of flying per charge.
Finally, the two-channel 2.4GHz remote control is very esay to use and perfect for children and beginners. There are only two buttons that are spaces far away from each other so that making flying mistakes is less likely.
HobbyZone Sport Cub S 2 RC Airplane BNF Basic
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HobbyZone Sport Cub S 2 RC Airplane BNF Basic Review
The HobbyZone Sport Cub S 2 RC airplane is made out of foam and perfect for beginners and super fun for experts too. You can learn to fly RC planes at your own pace using this plane. Once you are confident in your abilities, you can let the plane fly as fast as you like and practice your moves.
This plane is equipped with the Panic Recovery Mode that will return the plane to a steady altitude to keep you feeling confident and safe with your flying abilities. You and the people around you will feel safe watching this plane fly and playing with the features.
E-flite RC Airplane Conscendo Evolution
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E-flite RC Airplane Conscendo Evolution Review
This large 7.85 pound RC airplane has a very powerful engine. It also has a long flight time of up to 20 minutes, and it has been designed for high-speed sport and aerobatic flying.
The plane offers real-time data too, and the 30A telemetry-capable ESC provides real-time battery voltage, current, motor RPM, and other data. This is a great way for new pilots to get to grips with their advanced beginners RC plane.
Due to this plane’s sheer power and speed, people who have RC car or truck experience should be fine using this plane, even if they haven’t flown an RC plane before. If you haven’t driven an RC car or similar toys, this won’t be the best RC plane for you as a beginner.
E-flite RC Airplane SU-30 Twin 70mm EDF BNF Basic
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E-flite RC Airplane SU-30 Twin 70mm EDF BNF Basic Review
The E-flight RC airplane is different from the rest of the planes in this review. It is very big, weighing almost 18 pounds, and measures 56.5 x 17.25 x 11 inches. If you are looking for a show-stopping RC plane that is ideal for group fun, then this is it.
If you choose this RC plane, you get to play about with the cool extra scale features such as the LED lights, sequenced geat doors, and air brakes. Although the plane looks large and intimidating for newcomers, it is actually lots of fun and easy to control!
Finally, this model is fitted with Bind-N-Fly (BNF) that allows users to use it with the transmitter of their choice. The Spektrum 6-Channel Receiver is included with this model.
PLRB Toys RC Plane
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PLRB Toys RC Plane Review
The PLRB Toys RC plane has been specially designed for beginners and children over the age of 14. Stabilizing this plane is very easy due to the 3 axis Gyroscope build and technology.
This plane also lets you practice multiple take-off methods. You can throw the plane or taxi off the ground and practice your ability to control both take-off methods.
Its long flight time and wide wingspan help it stay in the sky for longer. Don’t worry about bumping or scratching this plane as it too is made using EPP foam.
E-Flite Leader 480 Airplane
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E-Flite Leader 480 Airplane Review
The E-Flite Leader 480 airplane is an RC plane that packs a punch in the air, both in looks and performance. It has an attractive trim scheme and is made from a lightweight plywood construction.
This model is suitable for intermediate to advanced pilots, but best suits those who want to perfect their precision aerobatics. The light wing loading allows it to move seamlessly in the air, and the colorful design means you always know which way is up mid-flight!
Finally, this model is easy to set up, taking just a few hours to get it up in the air. It’s powered by an electric motor and comes with a 3s Li-Po battery and charger.
If you’re a more advanced pilot looking to really perfect those aerobatic skills, look no further than the E-Flite Leader 480 airplane!
HobbyZone AeroScout S 1.1m RC Airplane RTF
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HobbyZone AeroScout S 1.1m RC Airplane RTF Review
The HobbyZone AeroScout S 1.1 MM radio control airplane is an extremely easy plane to fly. This plane is one of the most popular RC planes amongst beginners due to it being super lightweight at only 3.7 pounds and incredibly easy to control.
Once you get the hang of controlling this plane, you can practice tricks like loops, hoops, inverted flight, and more. This is made possible due to the extra powerful motor and the safety technology that helps prevent crashes.
Finally, the Smart Charging feature charges the battery automatically at the appropriate rate so that the battery is charged as safely as possible. Charging the battery safely prevents explosions and deteriorating battery life.
E-flite UMX Ultrix BNF Basic with AS3X and Safe Select
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E-flite UMX Ultrix BNF Basic with AS3X and Safe Select Review
This is an ultra micro radio control plane weighing in at only 0.56 pounds. This super lightweight plane has twin brushless motor power and a Delta wing design, providing a unique flying experience to the user.
Experienced pilots can make the most of the differential thrust and yawn control. Choose from smooth sport flying, basic aerobatics, and aggressive 3D flight modes depending on the moves you want to make.
RC Plane Buyer’s Guide
When you are on the hunt for the best radio-controlled plane, it is important to follow a buying guide. Whether you fancy perfecting your impressive aerobatics, or you simply want a zoom around the living room on a rainy day, you’re going to need to find your perfect RC plane.
But there’s a big difference between the fast and furious race contenders, to the planes suitable for a quick spin around your backyard. Knowing what best suits you is essential if you want to get maximum fun (and minimal danger!) from the hobby.
Consider the following features as you look around for the remote control airplane for you:
Control
Regardless of whether you are very experienced at flying remote control planes or not, if the plane is hard to control, it will ruin your flying experience. Sometimes the most simple models are the easiest to control, especially if you are a beginner.
Ease of Use
Are the instructions clear? Does the plane glide smoothly? Are there too many buttons on the remote? These are all things that affect the plane’s ease of use.
Who is it For?
This is the biggest thing to consider before purchasing a radio-controlled plane. If the plane is for yourself, consider how advanced (or not) you are and how much experience you have with radio control planes. After all, radio control planes are not cheap, and if yours gets damaged, you will certainly be disappointed.
If the plane is for a friend or family member, and is rather a random surprise gift, opt for something basic and simple. If you know that the person receiving the gift is more experienced with these types of planes, then you can go for something more extravagant if you wish.
Advice for Buying for a Child
RC plane crashes can be damaging and dangerous, but they are easily avoided provided the user has experience and control. Beginner RC pilots should choose electric models that are designed to be flown in small, enclosed areas, before they opt for something with more power. Fuel-powered RC planes can easily get out of control in the wrong hands.
If you want to get your child an RC plane and feel like they are ready to fly one, you can! Just make sure you both read the manual thoroughly and that you purchase a plane with a weaker engine so that it is easier to control.
As you’ll have seen from this list, there’s a number of RC planes available that have different flight modes. These are perfect for beginners as they allow you to master the basics before taking on a new challenge, moving to the advanced modes when you are more confident.
Other features to look out for include Safety Technology which can stop the plane from getting out of control, and AS3X technology to increase stability in the air. Durability is also essential as there’s bound to be collisions when you start out.
What to Expect at Different Price Points
The least expensive RC planes are great for beginners and kids. They are usually made from plastic and aren’t particularly durable, but ideal for indoor use. They will have a smaller range and much less power but when it comes to mastering the basics, they certainly do the job.
The middle ground is an RC plane that can be used outside in small areas but without the power of the bigger models. They’ll have brushed motors and won’t be able to cope with wind – but are the perfect step up from the budget models. These planes often have a variety of flight modes so are great for gradually increasing the challenge.
Finally, at the top end of the scale are the fast and furious RC jets. These are seriously powerful, gas-fueled planes. They are designed to be flown in large areas and you may be limited on where you can fly them. These are seriously fast and often very durable. They’re not suitable for beginners and can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
Design
The design of an RC plane is important, especially if you don’t have much experience. Beginners should have a plane with a stable design and a high wing configuration. A bright color, so you can spot it in the sky, is essential, and opt for a plane that has a different color for the front, back, top and bottom in order to prevent disorientation.
Features
Different RC features will add to the price tag but can make your RC plane more user-friendly or add a new level of fun to the hobby.
Number of Channels
Single-channel or 2-channel RC aircraft are generally just small toys and, while great for young kids, aren’t for pilots who wish to take the hobby seriously.
The more channels you go for, the more your RC will cost – but it’ll also drastically increase the thrill. 3-channel planes can perform basic acrobatic moves, while 4-channel planes are more complicated but far and away, the most fun.
Power
Electric-powered RCs are good for beginners and have the added benefit of being able to be flown in public areas. They are quiet and can be found very cheaply.
Engine-powered RC planes are subject to restrictions and the engine costs a lot to maintain. They make a lot of noise, but they will give you a smooth and powerful flight.
Camera
Many RC planes come with cameras which will significantly add to the price tag but can be a seriously exciting add-on. RC planes with cameras can capture amazing quality footage which can then be uploaded to your phone or computer.
Bear in mind that these cameras will reduce the battery life, and they will also be heavier. You will also be subject to restrictions in certain areas.
Parts
If you are a beginner, you will likely need to replace some parts. It’s best to be prepared and getting an RC plane that has spare parts is the best option. Otherwise, they can be easily found online or on RC forums – but ask if you’re unsure what you need.
Safe Technology
Another great add-on is Safe Technology. This will help keep your RC stable in the air and allow it to avoid small obstacles. It’ll make it easier to fly but will also increase the price.
Range
RC planes with the longest ranges are best for more serious pilots. Advanced RC planes will have a range up to a few hundred meters, while indoor models will have a much shorter range.
Depending on your experience and where you’re planning on flying your RC plane will determine how important the range is.
Landing Gear
Landing gear will protect your RC plane if you have a heavier impact or you land on rough terrain. It will however make your RC a little heavier which may reduce your flight time. Overall, the landing gear will make your RC plane more versatile and increase its durability.
Take a look at these RC plane video reviews now.
FAQ
Q: How can I find the best radio control plane for me?
A: There are so many radio control airplanes on the market that finding the best one for you can be tough. Look for planes that meet the features standards laid out in the guide above.
Q: Are RC planes hard to control?
A: Radio control planes may take a while to get used to, but once you have practiced with them for a while they should be easy to control.
Q: What RC planes are suitable for beginner pilots?
A: Smaller RC plane models are best for beginners as they are easier to control. Do not fly them too fast or high up as you may find it difficult to keep them on track.
Q: Do you have to have flying experience to fly RC planes?
A: No, but you should get permission from landowners to fly them if you want to do so over private land.
Q: How high can I fly my RC plane?
A: You can fly your RC plane anywhere below 400 meters. The same rules apply for drones.
Q: How old do you need to be to fly an RC plane?
A: Most RC planes have a recommended minimum age recommendation clearly stated on the box. Children above the age of eight are usually responsible enough to fly RC planes.
Sources:
- https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/aircraft-and-ownership/buying-an-aircraft/tips-on-buying-used-aircraft
- https://www.horizonhobby.com/on/demandware.static/Sites-horizon-us-Site/Sites-horizon-master/default/Manuals/SEA4000_manual.pdf