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Radio Controlled Airplanes - Ready to Fly
Tip: We recommend buying electric radio control planes for first time pilots. They are much easier to fly, and require less space to operate. This is especially true if you are buying for a young child. Gas or Nitro airplanes are not designed for young pilots.
Our ready to fly models include everything you need to fly. Prices start at about $40 and up.
$40-$60 Range - In this price range you can buy a ready to fly plane that will have throttle with left and right steering. We have some durable planes that will help a new pilot learn the basics of flying a radio control model. These low cost kits are high quality and durable, but there are limitations. The radios used in these low priced kits have limited range (maybe 100 or 200 feet) and if the plane is crashed there are no parts available. This is because it is less expensive to buy an entire new airplane than to stock and sell parts for it. These are great gift ideas for young pilots just starting out.
Update: The new Firebird Phantom has 3 channel control and is only $59.95 (see below) The Phantom is highly recommended for first time pilots.
Recommended Products $40-$60 price range:
Micro Flyer Rookie Hobby Zone Firebird Phantom
Recommended Products $99 and up:
The HobbyZone Firebird Commander 2 Radio Controlled Airplane is our top pick for a trainer. It has brand new technology called Anti Crash Technology or ACT. For only $99 you get a complete airplane that is ready to fly and has a computer control program that will take control of the airplane if the pilot gets into trouble. The anti crash technology can be turned off after it is no longer needed, and can even be disabled in flight.
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The HobbyZone Firebird Freedom Radio Controlled Airplane is also a great trainer plane. It is not recommended for very young pilots though due to the speed and size of the plane. This plane is bigger and more powerful than the Firebird Commander 2 and has three channel controls meaning throttle, left - right, and nose up and down. It also features the same anti crash technology that can be turned on and off in flight.
You will find a wide variety of radio control airplanes that are ready to fly on our website. However, if you are buying for a new pilot it is best to stick with a plane designed for out of the box success. If you look at the design for the Firebird Commander 2 and the Firebird Freedom you will notice that the prop is mounted to the rear and the plane is designed to not fall apart during rough landings. We stock all parts for these planes, and they are easy to repair making them a top choice for a first time pilot.
Tip: Most hobbyzone planes accept optional accessories called X-Port modules. With an X-port module you can pick between an air drop module, combat module, or a night flight module. This allows the plane to grow with your skills and provides more enjoyment after basic flight skills are mastered.
If you are considering a nitro powered radio control airplane we have several great ready to fly packages that are designed for the first time flyer. It is very important to consider that a gas airplane is not designed for young pilots. Nitro planes require adjustment of the engine each time it is started, and the propellers are dangerous and spin at very high speeds with enough force to cause serious injury. Gas airplanes are difficult to repair in the event of a major crash, and also parts for them are more expensive than parts for electric planes.
A few more things to consider when buying a nitro plane:
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Fuel is not included and must be purchased separate.
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Fuel also is not shippable by air and can take 3-10 days to arrive via ground
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Nitro planes fly at high speeds and require larger areas to fly
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Nitro airplane engines require adjustment after each start
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A start kit is also required to start the engine properly -
Nitro planes require a smooth surface runway to take off and land
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Prior flight experience is recommended
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A computer training flight simulator is included with most of our ready to fly nitro planes
The main advantage of a nitro plane is the performance. The airplane engine can deliver full power for the duration of the flight, as opposed to electric plane engines that gradually get weaker as the flight progresses.
We have some very nice nitro planes that are ready to fly, just add the start kit and fuel.
Our suggested gas trainers. Each include a flight simulator that works on your computer with the included radio:
Hangar 9 PTS Mustang - Is a brand new trainer that progresses with your skills. It has "speed brakes" that you can remove when you master basic flying skills
Hangar 9 Alpha 40 Trainer - A great easy to fly trainer plane that is capable of mild aerobatics
Hangar 9 Arrow 40 Trainer - A nice trainer that grows with your skills and is aerobatic
Hangar 9 Alpha 60 Trainer - A larger version of the popular Alpha 40 trainer.
We hope that this guide has helped you pick out the right radio controlled airplane for your needs. If you still have questions or would like further help in picking out the right airplane please feel free to contact us.
Browse more radio control airplanes - Shop our complete selection of radio control airplanes.
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