HobbyZone RC airplanes

For getting started in radio control flying, HobbyZone rc airplanes have long been a popular choice and their planes have been designed specifically for the newcomer.

Developed and distributed by Illinois based Horizon Hobby, North America's largest rc product marketer, the HobbyZone range of electric rc airplanes includes a variety of 2 and 3 channel models that span 3 'zones' of complexity, so you can buy and fly to suit your needs.

Most HobbyZone rc airplanes previously followed an Aerobird and Firebird naming pattern, with all models having a distinctive boom tail and pod fuselage, with either high or mid wing and 'V' tail. The electric motor faces rearwards, being mounted at the back of the pod. But recently HobbyZone have discontinued this range apart from the Firebird Commander 2, shown below:

The Firebird Commander 2 is now HobbyZone's most basic rc airplane with two channel control to motor and rudder, and the sole remaining pod-and-boom style plane of the range.

See the HobbyZone range of planes in more detail.

The famous HobbyZone Super Cub

There's little doubt that HobbyZone produce one of the most popular beginner electric rc airplanes available, and that's the HobbyZone Super Cub LP shown below:

A semi-scale reproduction of the full size Piper Super Cub trainer, this model has outsold all other beginner planes and represents excellent value for anyone looking to get in to the hobby of flying radio control airplanes with a realistic and relatively easy to fly three channel plane.
The Super Cub LP replaces the original NiMH-powered Super Cub, the 'LP' denoting the new version is Li-Po (lithium polymer) powered to give more power and longer flight times.

For those with their own DSM2-technology Spektrum or JR transmitter the Super Cub is also available in Bind-N-Fly (BNF) version which is a great option. Currently it's HobbyZone's only BNF airplane.

The HobbyZone RC airplanes & aircraft

Shown below is the current range of HZ planes...

Firebird Commander 2 The most basic of the range, the Commander is just 2 channel and very straightforward to fly. Features ACT and X-Port.
Super Cub LP Following on from the hugely successful Super Cub, the Super Cub LP is a li-po powered version. Another major difference is that the LP can be equipped with floats, making it a perfect rc float plane trainer.
Mini Cub Scaled-down version of the original Super Cub, this Mini Cub is a good option if you're limited to flying in a smaller area, or you just prefer a smaller airplane to learn on and have some fun with.
Champ HobbyZone's first entry into the ever-growing micro rc airplane scene, this semi-scale Aeronca Champ comes with 2.4GHz radio and is a great little flyer for micro lovers.

While shown below are the discontinued models...

Firebird Phantom (discontinued) 3 channel low-cost model with Anti-Crash Technology, a nice step up from a 1 or 2 channel electric airplane. A great value plane! Search eBay for the Phantom.
Firebird Freedom (discontinued) Noticeably larger 3 channel mid-wing plane with Anti-Crash Technology and X-Port enabled. Search eBay for the Freedom.
Aerobird 3 (discontinued) 3 channel revamp of the successful original Aerobird. All the basic characteristics of the Firebird range, and good if you want a change from white! X-Port compatible. Search eBay for the Aerobird.
Millennium NTU (discontinued) A more conventional looking rc helicopter, based on the PTU. The NTU (News Team Unit) also uses 2.4GHz radio and has some stable flight characteristics - a nice little number! Search eBay for the Millenium NTU.
Millennium PTU (discontinued) This little chap is a real novelty product, micro-helicopter based for flying around your living room. Comes with 2.4 GHz radio for interference-free flying. When are full-size PTUs going to become a reality, that's what I want to know... Search eBay for the Millenium PTU.

See the current HobbyZone range of aircraft.

HobbyZone Anti-Crash Technology™

Most of the HZ planes, such as the Firebird Commander 2 and Super Cub LP, come equipped with HobbyZone's trademark Anti-Crash Technology (ACT), which is a great feature to have when you're learning to fly although it's fair to say that not everyone is a fan of it!

Such RC airplane electronic stabilizing systems aren't uncommon, and the ACT works in the same way - small sensors are mounted in the fuselage and they 'read' the position of the horizon by judging light levels between ground and sky. If the airplane's attitude becomes adversely unbalanced, the sensors talk to the receiver and make the necessary adjustments to keep the plane at a better attitude.

While never 100% foolproof, such systems generally work well and HobbyZone's ACT is very effective, having the capability to pull the plane out of a nose dive and return it to level flight. Of course, the ACT sensors can be turned off at any time to permit more daring flying when you've built up some confidence, or if you just prefer to have complete control while learning to fly.
Many HobbyZone owners have admitted to not liking the ACT because it interferes with their flying a bit too much, so it's really a case of trial and error as to whether it's worth having turned on or off.

X-Port™ modules

The X-Port module Besides the Anti-Crash Technology, some of the HobbyZone rc airplanes also feature X-Port technology, a smart plug-in feature that lets you enjoy some aerial fun.

The electronic modules clip to the underside of the pod on X-Port enabled models, and currently there are 3 available; the Sonic Combat Module, the Night Flight Module and the Aerial Drop Module.
The Sonic Combat Module lets you engage in aerial combat with a friend - fire when in position and a sonic signal is emitted from your module that will disable your friend's airplane motor for a few seconds! The Night Flight Module illuminates the airplane making it easily visible against the night sky, and the Aerial Drop Module lets you drop small items from the plane while in flight, either attached to a parachute or not!

HobbyZone rc airplanes are indeed an excellent choice for anyone looking to get into the hobby of radio control flying. These planes make it very easy to do so, and the One Box Purchase motto says it all - even the transmitter batteries are included, as is an instructional DVD or CD ROM to help get you airborne quicker.
Assembly time of the planes is typically around 15 minutes, so you can be up and flying in no time at all. Spare parts for HobbyZone planes are widely available, an important factor to bear in mind!

See the HobbyZone rc airplanes in more detail.

ParkZone rc airplanes - a different range of planes from the same manufacturer.