RC Helicopters and Planes

RC Aircraft

If you’ve experienced the thrills of racing RC cars on the ground, imagine the fun you can have in the air! Drones have become incredibly popular in recent years, but here we’re talking about RC helicopters and RC planes. Taking to the air with these models is a whole new ball game!

Varieties of RC Aircraft

There are many types of RC aircraft and it’s a hobby that can satisfy various interests. If model-making is your passion, some fantastic RC model-making kits will have you burning the midnight oil.

The Stearman PT-17 biplane is a large-scale balsa model worthy of the time and effort required to complete it. There’s also a B-17G Flying Fortress balsa model - an absolute classic aircraft! - with superb details making it a faithful replica.

If you don’t have the patience or skills for detailed model making and want to experience out-of-the-box model aircraft racing thrills, aerobatic RC models like the RR FunRacer Orange Edition would be a great choice. The FunRacer delivers speed, agility and precise control response and is great value for money.

RC Helicopters

If you’ve always fancied the challenge of flying a chopper, there are some great RC helicopters to give you a taste of the experience.

The Ninja 250 Helicopter is highly recommended as an entry-level model with one-touch auto take-off, an altitude hold system and a reassuring ‘panic mode!’

 If you’d like something more challenging, look at the 300 V2 RTF Fixed Pitch Flybarless Helicopter. The sleek lines of this RC model appeal to fans of the 80s TV series Airwolf and as well as looking fantastic it delivers impressive speed and manoeuvrability.

So, if you're keen to take to the air but are not sure whether to start with an RC plane or RC helicopter, here are some things to consider...

Ease of Flying

As a general rule, RC planes are generally easier to fly. That said, recent innovations in RC helicopters have made them suitable for less-experienced flyers with features like one-touch take-off, 6-axis gyro stabilisation and throttle-cutting panic switches. But if you want to get closer to the experience of flying a real aircraft the more advanced RC helicopters teach you the importance of precise hands-on control and visual awareness.

Flight Stability

RC planes are more stable in the air and less affected by wind conditions - in fact, they can be used to advantage.RC helicopters lack aerodynamics and fixed wings, making them inherently unstable in the air. As an operator, you must constantly adjust the controls to keep the helicopter flying straight. Hovering, in particular, is one of the most difficult RC helicopter manoeuvres to master. Again, some feature innovations to help with this as modern drones do.

Cost and Space

RC planes can be more expensive than a good quality RC helicopter. You get what you pay for of course and if you’re willing to invest you can enjoy a top of the ranger model like the F-15 64MM Twin EDF PNP (900MM). That’s sure to make you the envy of other modellers! Planes do require more space to fly but even if you live in a busy city there will be fields and areas nearby to enjoy the thrills of flying. RC helicopters offer a more true-to-life flight experience but come with a steeper learning curve.