Cheap RC airplanes
- some examples
There are lots of cheap rc airplanes around these days, and they provide an excellent opportunity to try the hobby of radio control flying without risking all your hard earned cash.
But what defines cheap?
Well, any Ready To Fly (RTF) model that can be bought for under $100 could be classed as cheap, but these days you can buy an electric RTF airplane for around half that amount - now that is cheap!
The danger of course is quality; as with everything in life, the phrase "You get what you pay for" is equally true for rc airplanes and other models - buying a $10 rc plane off eBay, shipped over from Hong Kong, could be asking for trouble!
So, it's always best to stay with a reputable manufacturer - the few extra dollars buys you a lot more peace of mind.
Rapid advances in rc technology in recent years have made cheap rc airplanes available from a large variety of suppliers, and it's very common now for such planes to even be sold in small toy shops. When I was a kid, buying a fully functioning RTF rc airplane with my saved up pocket money, from a local toy shop, just wasn't possible.
Buying and flying a cheap rc airplane is a great way of getting a taste of radio control flying, or perhaps getting a son or daughter involved at very little cost.
Popular cheap RC airplanes
Shown below are some currently popular electric RTF airplanes, which can definitely be put in to the 'cheap' category. Any of them would make a good, low-cost introduction to rc flying.
They're not shown in any particular order...
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Firebird Phantom 3 channel plane from HobbyZone's 'Firebird' range, with Anti Crash Technology. A great value rc airplane, and one of the best quality and easiest to fly rc airplanes around. |  |
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Firebird Commander Same design as the Phantom, and also featuring Anti Crash Technology. The principle difference is size, this Commander is about 1/3 larger, but still comes in well under the $100 mark! |  |
| Slo-V A slow flying 2 channel airplane, ideal for some low-key leisurely flying. Very forgiving and its slow flying speeds makes it a perfect beginner's model. |  |
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CC Flyer A nice and simple single motor high wing 'trainer' style plane, ideal for kids (and adults!) to get the hang of radio control flying. Rudder and motor power control and a convenient 20 inch wingspan makes it ideal for public park flying. |  |
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Fantail Flyer An unusual rc airplane that's very gentle in the air. It features a folding propeller for extended flight times and a tiny fan in the fin to aid turns. |  |
Do you have any of the cheap rc airplanes shown on this page? If so, show us here!
Related pages
Beginner rc airplanes - similar suggestions for trying the hobby.
Toy rc airplanes - suitable planes for the kids.
Electric rc airplanes - an overview of electric planes in general.
How to fly airplanes - RC flight school for beginners.
