After having read a primer about airplane batteries, you may be wondering what are some of the more popular R/C airplane models for flight hobbyists? Where should you go to buy r/c model airplanes? How much will you pay for a model airplane?
There are so many different styles of model airplanes that it can be difficult to tell what is what. Should you go out and spend $2000 on an r/c plane? Are inexpensive planes fun and worth your time?
So many questions and not enough time for all the answers, so to put it bluntly, you probably want to go to one source, HobbyZone. I’m not paid to endorse them, but they are a solid model airplane company that offers a wide range of aeroplane models for both beginners and professionals at decent prices.
How much does a ready to fly r/c cost? Usually around $100, if you are a beginner airplane hobbyist. You probably want to purchase a model airplane that is already ready to fly out of the box after charging, as it is very difficult for beginners to put together an entire aeroplane.
Should you purchase an electric or gas powered airplane?
Usually, for a beginner it is a good idea to purchase an electric r/c airplane, because they are much more user friendly and there are less parts in the plane, meaning it won’t cost you an arm and a leg in order to maintain your hobby airplane. Of course, you may have to replace your airplane batteries from time to time, but that is usually a minor expense.
So what are some good beginner airplane models? Here are three popular ones that you may want to consider purchasing.
Keep in mind that the suggested hobby zone model airplanes are sometimes out of stock, but pretty much anything in the $50.00 to the $200 dollar range is good for a beginner. To see a range of planes visit this Hobbyzone page.
Firebird Phantom RTF Electric
This r/c airplane manufactured by hobby zone features anti crash technology which makes it much easier for a user to prevent crashing. You can be up and running on your first time experimenting with model airplanes, and let us talk about the anti crash features of this model airplane further.
Essentially, sensors monitor exactly where the plane is, it begins to dive or has an incorrect orientation, the system will correct it and allow you extra time in order to gain control of your rc airplane.
The hobby airplane motor included is a 180 power in order to provide plenty of thrust and fast climbs, and a seven cell airplane battery pack will last up to 8 minutes of flying. The airplane battery includes four double A’s, and has an FM System that allows for 1300 feet of range.
The controls on the firebird phantom RTF are very easy to use, and a soft nose allows for an easier crash landing. Also an instructional DVD is included on how to use your new model r/c airplane.
The cost of the firebird phantom airplane is only $70.00, but it is frequently out of stock so you will have to be on the lookout for when it becomes available again.
The Firebird phantom is definitely a small model airplane with a wingspan of 30 inches and a length of 24 inches, but it is an outstanding value for the money if you want to start flying model airplanes cheap.
Firebird freedom RTF R/C airplane
If you are looking for a slightly more expensive model airplane, then you may want to take a look at the Firebird freedom RTF R/C airplane which costs about $160.00, although it is sometimes on sale.
This model airplane is incredibly easy to fly and features a 3 channel system for easy to control and features steel wire pushrods in order to allow easier control of the plane.
Everything a beginner model r/c plane hobbyist needs is in this box and you can get it in the air as soon as you attach the wing pieces and landing gear. The plane features a 900 milliapm airplane battery, which will last around 10 minutes of fly time. It really is that easy to get up and go with the firebird freedom model airplane.
The 480 motor features an attractive level of power for an inexpensive plane and this model airplane unit also comes with a charger.
Super Cub LP RTF
Moving on up the price scale we will now look at the Super Cub LP RTF airplane, which has a price tag of about $180.00. This electric model airplane is great for those beginner aviationists who want a higher powered plane.
Like most HobbyZone model airplane models, this plane is ready to fly out of the box and has a lithium potassium airplane battery pack that is lightweight and high capacity in order to fly for over 15 minutes between chargers. Put together a couple pieces and charge the battery and you are ready to start flying, even if you have never flown an remote controlled model airplane before.
The Super Cub model r/c airplane is easy to repair if it becomes damaged, although it shouldn’t because this model airplane features Z-foam construction making it lightweight and durable.
This ready to fly model airplane has a wingspan of almost 50 inches and a length of 32.5 inches. The Super Club R/C has a 9×6 propeller and is lightweight at only 25 ounces.
There really is no experience necessary with this $180.00 model airplane and it comes trimmed out in white, black, and blue.
So when you are looking for a beginner model r/c airplane, you can obviously see that you don’t need to go overboard. You can be ready to fly out of the box at less than a $100.00 dollars. It is always a good idea to buy extra airplane batteries and chargers in order to be able to switch out batteries so that you can have a longer flight time. As well, it isn’t a bad idea to purchase extra parts when flying a beginner r/c airplane in case some of them break.