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Indoor RC airplanes

Building and flying indoor rc airplanes has become an increasingly popular part of the hobby of radio control flying, particularly in the last few years, as rc components have become smaller and lighter.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to flying rc indoors, the determining factor is the size of space that you have available.

School gymnasiums, public sports halls and empty aircraft hangers all make excellent venues, and because of the increased popularity of indoor flying such use of these places might not be as uncommon as you think!

Indeed, there are plenty of clubs that hold indoor rc flying meetings on a weekly basis - you just need to ask around.


The airplanes

Indoor rc airplanes can be purchased RTF and ARF nowadays, whereas a few years ago modelers had to construct their own either from scratch or by modifying free-flight indoor kits.

The new Parkzone Ember, shown below, is an excellent choice for indoor flyers. RTF with a 2.4GHz radio system for interference-free flying, the Ember's 16 inch wingspan and slow flying characteristics make it very suitable for indoor action...

The new Parkzone Ember


Butterfly micro rc airplaneAnd even smaller micro-size electronic radio control components have allowed some amazing airplanes to be produced, such as Plantraco's Butterfly, shown right.
This example goes beyond the realms of normal indoor flying, as it can be comfortably flown around a good size living room!

Pricewise, the Butterfly comes in at the top end of the indoor rc airplane market, but there are many other cheaper RTF and ARF kits available that are perfectly suitable for normal indoor flying.


Other examples of planes suitable for indoor flying include the GWS 'Stick' range of electric ARF airplanes, like the two shown below...

Great indoor rc airplanes from GWS

Airplanes like these are lightweight and small, and can be easily flown around an indoor area such as a sports hall.

Of course, rc airplanes that are great for indoor flying can also be flown outdoors, but are much more affected by the wind - even a gentle breeze may be too much for the plane to handle.

Other options for indoor rc flying is to get a blimp or an electric helicopter.

Blimps are popular 'fun' aircraft and can be flown around your home. When you buy a blimp, all you need to seek out for yourself is the helium gas to fill the fuselage. Helium is readily available from party stores and similar places, because it's the harmless gas that is used to fill normal balloons.
Electric helicopters can easily be flown indoors, and the size of area isn't such an issue as it is for rc airplanes.


Flying rc airplanes indoors is not only great fun, but it's also a good solution to those winter-time blues, when the weather is against you every weekend and you can't fly outdoors.
If you have a large indoor space in your area, ask around and you might be able to try some indoor flying for yourself!

Indoor flying fun

Above, Jersey Coast Sport Fliers demonstrate some indoor rc flying


Related pages

Mini rc airplanes.

Micro rc airplanes.

Micro rc helicopters.