Best RC Airplane

With all of the awesome RC toys out there, the best RC airplane we could ever find is the Delta Ray RTF with SAFE technology, which uses SAFE technology. You can choose up to 4 modes of learning experience on piloting – it has a beginner, intermediate and experience mode for easy learning. The included panic mode helps keep a level flight during emergencies with a simple button. This awesome RC airplane is supported by a gyro stabilization AS3X system made for all levels of experience.

The Apprentice S 15e RTF (Ready-To-Fly) Beginner RC Airplane with Safe Technology is our step-up pick, which is made from super durable Z-foam construction. It flies on SAFE technology to help keep flight stable and give spatial awareness. Having a landing gear that has a wide stance, it is fairly easy to assemble. This RC airplane runs on lithium Li-Po battery 3S 3200 mAh 20C which is included and the DC charger is also included.

We also have the e-flite U3080 UMX PT-17 with AS3X BNF which you can assemble with a 4 channel transmitter, the Spektrum DSM2 / DSMX 2.4 GHz. It uses the advanced AS3X technology to keep flights solid and smooth and the 4 channel control is very proportional. Overall, the detail of the radial engine looks very realistic.

A Little Background

Remote control toys or RC toys have been around since radio transmitters have started taking over the market. These toys ranged from simple racing cars to high flying airplanes, and today, the quad drones and the RC airplanes. Regardless of what you control, RC technology is a hobby that may seem expensive at first, but once you get to experience what kind of enjoyment and fun factor they deliver, you will never think of them as expensive once again.
Like most RC toys, an RC airplane depends on a transmitter and a receiver in order to function. Flying any RC toy is never a walk in the park for the first try, most especially on the fact that you have to fly something in the sky and have to consider wind resistance and all that.
Nonetheless, many more people today are investing in RC airplanes and quads as both leisure and a serious hobby. RC airplanes are indeed very fun for children, teenagers and adults alike.

How We Picked

Choosing the best RC airplane was never easy for our review. However, we have considered the following factors, guidelines and criteria to help us out:
Does it have a good wingspan? The wingspan is from the length of the RC airplane from wing tip to wing tip. This will determine how much of a good flyer it will be outside in the skies as well as indoors in a wide, open space.
Are the controls easy to operate? An RC airplane with easy controls should be a hassle-free RC toy to have. The controls should be there not to hinder your learning process when it comes to controlling the RC airplane, and it should let you focus on trying to learn the basics on how to fly the RC airplane instead of running into complications in the controls.
Does it have good gyro stabilization for safe and stable flight? Gyro stabilization helps in keeping the RC airplane smooth in the air. Most RC airplanes have a 3-axis gyro stabilization that makes it very stable while flying it with your controls.
How far can it fly up in the air? What is the flight range of the RC airplane? Check the flight range of the RC airplane in the specs so that you know which one has the best out there. The higher the flight range, the longer it can stay up in the sky being controlled even at farther distances. This adds to its fun factor.
Can you choose between beginner modes and expert modes? An RC airplane must be able to cater all the needs of all kinds of learners, from beginner to expert modes. Some even have an intermediate mode for those who know the basics but not as good as the experts yet. Most beginner and intermediate modes don’t have roll and flip controls while expert modes have free flip and roll controls.
Is flying the RC airplane realistic and can be quite similar to a real airplane? This is especially the case if someone is shooting up to be a pilot someday. You can just practice with this RC airplane if the controls are very realistic.
What are the overall dimensions? Compare the dimensions with the other RC airplane models. Beginners should stick to smaller ones but not too small that it might get easily blown away by the wind. Remember that bigger dimensions and sizes have better wind resistance but might be harder to fly and balance and lift into the air.
How long is the flight time? How about the charge time? Flight time ranges from about 10 to 20 minutes on an average RC airplane, while charge time is mostly 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the battery and the model you own. You should have an RC airplane with a good flight time / charge time ratio that will be worth your money.
Is the RC airplane made from super sturdy material and construction built for heavy crashes? It is important to have an RC airplane that is built with a crash-proof body so that it will be okay for beginners who often can’t get their RC airplane upright in mid-air.
What do the reviews say about the RC airplane? Do they mostly say positive things about it? If so, then that is a good RC airplane to buy. Make sure the pros outweigh the cons in judging which to buy.
Does the price make the RC airplane worth buying? Most RC airplanes don’t really cost a lot. Smaller ones range from $10 to $100, mostly fit for the kids. On the other hand, RC airplanes that are for serious hobbyists are mostly priced $200 and above, and they are mostly fit for teens.

Our Pick

Delta Ray RTF with SAFE technology
With an engine that uses SAFE technology, you can never go wrong with the Delta Ray RTF with SAFE technology as the best RC airplane. Any person who flies it can choose up to 4 modes of learning experience on piloting. The settings have beginner, intermediate and experience mode so you can choose between different levels of flying. To keep a steady operation, panic mode helps keep a level flight during emergencies with a simple button.
Adding to its stability in mid-air, it is supported by a gyro stabilization AS3X system. In addition, it has a 4 channel control to keep flight control steady and learn more. People who are shooting to be real pilots someday will benefit from this, as it has roughly similar controls as real airplanes. It includes AA batteries for transmitter with the package. The roll and pitch are limited in beginner and intermediate mode.
The durability is very good because it is made with durable z-foam that gives it a sturdy construction. It is also quite easy to repair with just about any glue in case it gets damaged. The RC airplane’s flight time is about 7 to 10 minutes. Going to the body specs, it has a wing span of 34 in and has an overall length of 31 in. Meanwhile, the wing area measures 384 sq in.
A versatile beginner and expert RC airplane, the Delta Ray RTF with SAFE technology includes the Spektrum DX4e 2.4 GHz DSMX transmitter which can also be used on similar RC airplanes. It weighs 14.2 lbs and has overall dimensions of 32 in x 31 in x 5 in. When you receive the package, the only things you need to assemble are the wing tips, vertical stabilizer, decals and landing gears by using the supplied double face tape. It is suitable for 14 years and above.

Who Else Likes It?

The Delta Ray RTF with SAFE technology is a very popular RC airplane. Its panic button has a good use and it is very stable to fly around. With its hefty features, it can prevent crash damage using its long foam nose. Adding to that, it flexes instead of breaking so you can be sure of its durability, even for beginners who are still trying to learn to fly an RC airplane.

The easy assembly can be done in a short amount of time, making it less time consuming than most RC airplanes. It is a straight out ready to fly out of the box, says the review. The article also points out the easy stabilization of the RC airplane. The only known con is that the motor and battery is not as sturdy as high-priced RC airplanes but nonetheless, can lift up the ground. Nonetheless, the Delta Ray RTF with SAFE technology is a good pilot learning with its features.

This review from Top Ten Reviews has rated the Delta Ray RTF with SAFE technology a total average score rating of 9.48 out of 10. It was hailed 2nd place in RC airplanes. The review was praising it for its great range for its speed. The RC airplane is described as very nimble to take off into the air. Along with those features, the SAFE assisted flight makes it user-friendly.
Having a relatively long flight time at 6.4 minutes, its 895 feet range makes it a superb RC airplane. Being full of awesome flight features, the only con is the long charge time and that it is a bit prone to crashing. Nonetheless, the Delta Ray RTF with SAFE technology is one of the most high-end RC airplanes out there.

One review from RC Helicopter Blog says that the Delta Ray RTF with SAFE technology is truly made from an impact resistant built, making it friendly for use towards beginners. The easy panic mode helps beginners retain a stable flight. It is a one box kit with a simple set up as well as easy flight controls. The review has thus far given it a mostly positive tone.

Flaws but Not Dealbrakers

Only a few flaws exist on the Delta Ray RTF with SAFE technology. For instance, it might crash often if flying on very high speeds so be careful. The only complaint among RC airplane users of this product is that it has a long charge time, compared to similar brands, but not a problem if you want a super crash-proof system with great maneuverability.

Step-up Pick

Apprentice S 15e RTF (Ready-To-Fly) Beginner RC Airplane with Safe Technology
Our step-up pick is the Apprentice S 15e RTF (Ready-To-Fly) Beginner RC Airplane with Safe Technology which is made from super durable Z-foam construction. This RC airplane flies on SAFE technology to help keep flight stable and give spatial awareness. In addition, it is also equipped with a landing gear that has a wide stance.
This RC airplane is easy to assemble and runs on lithium Li-Po battery 3S 3200 mAh 20C which is included. Added to that, the DC charger is also included. It is a 15 size RC airplane which has 3 modes: beginner mode, intermediate mode and experienced mode. Choose from any of these modes that best suit your flying skill level. The pitch and roll angle limits are not present with experienced mode, giving you a limitless way to experiment in the sky. It also has a panic recovery mode for safe flying.
With a wingspan of 59 in, the Apprentice S 15e RTF (Ready-To-Fly) Beginner RC Airplane with Safe Technology has a flight weight of 49 oz. It comes with a switch mode ESC that is brushless BEC. In addition, the battery compartment is easy to access and is quite large and the steering is done by nose wheel so you can have better ground handling. The RC airplane comes with a 2-3S Li-Po charger and 11.1 V Li-Po battery 3S 3200 mAh and it uses the included Spektrum DX5e transmitter. While the speed control is brushless 30 amps, the E-flite Apprentice S Floats is also optional.
Having overall dimensions of 41 in x 19 in x 8 in, the Apprentice S 15e RTF (Ready-To-Fly) Beginner RC Airplane with Safe Technology weighs 9.1 lbs and is recommended for 14 years old and above.

Budget Pick

e-flite U3080 UMX PT-17 with AS3X BNF
The budget pick we have on our RC airplane review is the e-flite U3080 UMX PT-17 with AS3X BNF which you can assemble with a 4 channel transmitter, the Spektrum DSM2 / DSMX 2.4 GHz. This RC airplane uses the advanced AS3X technology to keep flights solid and smooth.
The airplane’s 4 channel control is very proportional compared to most RC airplanes out there and in addition, the detail of the radial engine looks very realistic. Luckily, this one comes installed with ultra micro linear servos and also includes a Li-Po battery 25 C 3.7 V 1S 150 mAh. It also includes a USB battery charger Li-Po 1S.
Being a super light weight RC airplane, the e-flite U3080 UMX PT-17 with AS3X BNF has an air frame that is fully assembled.

Best RTF or Ready to Fly RC Airplane

Top Race Cessna C185 Electric 2 Ch Infrared Remote Control RC Airplane, Ready to Fly (Colors Vary)
For those who want an RTF or ready to fly RC airplane then you would want to have the Top Race Cessna C185 Electric 2 Ch Infrared Remote Control RC Airplane, Ready to Fly (Colors Vary). Control it easily with full flight features. It is a 2 channel RC airplane that is equipped with lights for visibility. It can fly up to 12 minutes while the charge time is up to 20 minutes.
The RC airplane’s stable flights are powered by its Auto Stable Technology and the transmitter is included. Having about 9 inch wing span, the flight range is about 30 to 40 feet. What’s more is that it can easily withstand harsh impact because of its durable and unique build material.
As a whole, the Top Race Cessna C185 Electric 2 Ch Infrared Remote Control RC Airplane, Ready to Fly (Colors Vary) is a good RC airplane, which requires AA batteries x 6.

Best Quad Copter RC Airplane

Ginzick 4 Channel Rc Remote Control Air Force Stealth Drone Quad Copter RTF W/flashing Led Lights
If you want an RC airplane and drone quad copter all in one, the Ginzick 4 Channel Rc Remote Control Air Force Stealth Drone Quad Copter RTF W/flashing Led Lights is your best bet. It has a really unique design and as a 4 channel RC airplane, it is able to ascend and descend, rotate left and right, able to drift, hover, go forward and backward.
The good news is that the RC airplane is built for indoor and outdoor flying. Being high quality and durable, it measures 8 in length and 16 in width. A 12 minute flight has a charge time of about 40 minutes. The Ginzick 4 Channel Rc Remote Control Air Force Stealth Drone Quad Copter RTF W/flashing Led Lights includes the 2.4 GHz transmitter as well as the landing wheels, USB cable battery, user’s manual and wall charger and is colored in sleek black finish.
The Ginzick 4 Channel Rc Remote Control Air Force Stealth Drone Quad Copter RTF W/flashing Led Lights has a weight of 51 g and a shipping weight of 2.9 lbs. It is super lightweight and uses a battery of 3.7 V 500 mAh. The RC airplane also comes with flashing LED lights to enhance sight and promote better visibility at night. With up to 140 feet of flying distance range, it is greatly recommended for 14 years and above.

Wright Brothers Shaped RC Airplane

Rubber Band Powered Freeflight Wright Flyer 490mm Span
With its unique and authentic design, the Rubber Band Powered Freeflight Wright Flyer 490mm Span looks exactly like the Wright flyer, so it makes an interesting flight model for children who want to learn the history of airplanes.
It has a span of 490 mm and the materials used in construction are foam, metal, plastic and wood. Being a one kit box, it has a 500 mm length.

RC Airplane with Camouflage Design

Top Race® F22 Fighter Jet 4 Channel Rc Remote Control Quad Copter RTF (Green Camouflage)
An RC airplane that is great for indoor and outdoor use, the Top Race® F22 Fighter Jet 4 Channel Rc Remote Control Quad Copter RTF (Green Camouflage) is able to hover, drift, rotate, ascend, descend, move forward and move backward.
It charges 40 minutes for a flight of 12 minutes and it has an overall length of 14 in and width of 10 in. The stability is out of question because it uses 3-axis gyro technology. Being made from high elastic foam so it bends without breaking during crashes, it is a truly remarkable RC airplane to consider.

The Top Race F22 Fighter Jet 4 Channel Rc Remote Control Quad Copter RTF (Green Camouflage) includes 2.4 GHz transmitter, manual, charger, USB cable, landing wheels, battery and mini screwdriver. It weighs 1.3 lbs, has overall dimensions of 15 in x 12 in x 5 in and is more suitable for 14 years and above.

Angry Bird Design RC Airplane

Angry Birds Air Swimmers Turbo – RED Flying Remote Control Balloon Toy
For the kids who want some enjoyment in RC airplanes, you can buy the Angry Birds Air Swimmers Turbo – RED Flying Remote Control Balloon Toy. It is a popular toy among children which can zoom and fly into any direction. There is no need to take extra hassle in setup because you can easily assemble in just 5 minutes or less.

The battery is rechargeable and it has an efficient turbo design that lets you take it indoors or outdoors. It only requires AA batteries x 4. You may take it anywhere – outside in the garden, in public places and practically every place where your kids can enjoy. It is easily inflated for the balloon and in addition, the balloon charging is just on the same station as the remote control.
The fun and enjoyable Angry Birds Air Swimmers Turbo – RED Flying Remote Control Balloon Toy weighs only 1 lb (with a shipping weight of 14.4 oz) and has overall dimensions of 36 in x 16 in x 28 in.

Corsair Design RC Airplane

FMS 800mm F4U Corsair V2 RC Airplane Premium RTF Durable EPO Foam
For serious flyers, this RC airplane might interest you – the FMS 800mm F4U Corsair V2 RC Airplane Premium RTF Durable EPO Foam. The RTF version comes with a 7 channel transmitter (2.4 gHz) and receiver (RX601 6 channel receiver), which is more suitable for super experienced and highly serious RC enthusiasts. It also comes with servos and ESC.

Its high quality and detailed design makes it a much unparalleled RC airplane among others as it has a wingspan of 800 mm or 31.5 in. The overall length is 660 mm or 26 in and the battery included is a Li-Po 15C 800 mAh 7.4 V. It is very powerful and runs on a brushless motor 2408-KV1700. The ESC is brushless 20A and it requires a few assembly and up to 30 to 45 minutes of assembly time.
The FMS 800mm F4U Corsair V2 RC Airplane Premium RTF Durable EPO Foam just weighs 5 lbs and is advisable for 14 years old and above.

Best RC Airplane with Smartphone Control

PowerUp 3.0 Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane
If you want a unique paper airplane that uses RC technology then the PowerUp 3.0 Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane is definitely your cup of tea. It is an easily controllable RC toy through your smartphone, which makes it a cut above the rest.

With a good range of 55 meters or 180 feet, the design of the product makes it crash resistant. The easy smartphone control through Bluetooth Smart Technology makes this unique RC airplane all worth the money. It conveniently charges using micro USB cable and when you order, it comes with a spare propeller and rudder. In addition, it also has a battery level and charging status indicator. As for its flight time, one full charge can have up to 10 minutes of flight. As for its flight mechanism, it uses the FlightAssist TM technology.
Being suitable for 14 years and above, the PowerUp 3.0 Smartphone Controlled Paper Airplane is a unique piece of technology in the RC world with 7 in x 0.5 in x 1 in dimensions. It weighs 3.5 oz (shipping weight of 9.1 lbs), is truly a one of a kind RC airplane innovation.

The Competition

If you look at other RC airplanes out there, you might be disappointed because they don’t have enough information from customers and don’t have data on its flight range, battery life, etc. The price must be balanced with the features and for you to know if the RC airplane is a good deal, you must compare the price with its features such as flight time, battery charging time, range, and many others.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the advantages of flying any remote controlled object?
A: This article from Drones says that any RC toy is very quiet and makes the use of a clean motor as it either hovers into the air or drifts on land. The easy maneuver makes RC toys popular among kids, teenagers and even adults both as a hobby for leisure and a serious hobby.

Q: What are the advantages of flying an RC airplane?
A: According to this article from Self Growth , there are many techniques that you can learn from flying an RC airplane. For instance, it is truly thrilling such that you can take off in the air without having to pay a thousand bucks for an airplane ticket or apply for a passport or even take flight school. This is more so for those who dream of becoming a pilot someday.
Flying RC airplanes also make you happy and it also gives you coordination due to learning various skills in flying and keeping the airplane stable in the air. Social skills are also developed, especially if you are in a group of RC flyers. Experimentation is also practiced while you fly the RC airplane in mid-air.
The fact that trial and error comes by is a good sign that you are learning from experience. You can enjoy yourself while flying an RC airplane and bravery is a virtue that you are exercising. These hobbies are never a waste of time and what’s more – they give you exercise and help you gain patience.

Q: How do you perform maintenance on RC airplanes?
A: According to this article from FlyingRC.net , among the things you can do are repairing the cover as well as cleaning it up. You might also want to fix the hinges with glue and don’t forget the mounts and wings – keep them fastened. From time to time, check the servos and keep them secure. In addition, the landing gear needs to be checked. If the RC airplane has a fuel system, make sure it doesn’t drip. Last, but not the least, check for loose engine bolts and the vent system.

Wrapping It Up

As a whole, our best RC airplane is the Delta Ray RTF with SAFE technology because it is not just price-friendly but also feature-packed. It may have a few flaws here and there, but the safe flight and stability in the air makes it a worthy RC airplane to consider.