What are the best RC planes for absolute beginners?

8

Options
Considered

13

User
Recs.

Nov 20, 2018

Last
Updated

Here’s the Deal

8 Options Considered

Best RC planes for absolute beginners?	Price	Last Updated
-- Apprentice s15e	-	Nov 20, 2018
-- HobbyZone Delta Ray	-	Sep 18, 2017
-- Super Cub LP RTF	-	Jan 31, 2015
-- Super Cub S RTF	-	Jan 31, 2015
-- GWS Slow Stick	-	Nov 13, 2014

Apprentice s15e

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Top Pro

SAFE technology helps beginners learn to fly

When the transmitter is switched to beginner mode, sensor assisted flight envelope technology (SAFETM) keeps turns from being too sharp, keeps the plane from nosediving, and returns the plane to level flight when no input is being received. Essentially, SAFE technology compensates for lack of skill and helps beginners develop better flying habits. See More

Top Con

Expensive

The Apprentice s15e costs $299.99, which is just out of range for some beginners. See More

Top Pro

Panic switch for automatic recovery

If the plane is quickly headed for the ground, the plane can immediately be returned to normal flight using the panic switch. For beginners, this is a feature that can save the Apprentice s15e from many crashes. See More

Top Pro

All parts are included for easy assembly

The Apprentice s15e boasts that assembly time takes less than one hour, even for beginners. See More

Top Pro

Has the power and weight to do well in the wind

The Apprentice s15e is good for beginners because wind's effect on flight is minimized. See More

HobbyZone Delta Ray

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Top Pro

Comes with landing gear

Delta Ray can be landed conventionally and safely because of its included landing gear. See More

Top Con

Poor battery life

One hour of charging yields about 8 minutes of flying time. Multiple batteries are needed in order to fly for long periods of time. See More

Top Pro

Made of Z foam

Z foam is a dense, strong, impact resistant material that is made to be easy to repair. With Z foam, regular glue can safely be used. See More

Top Pro

SAFE technology

SAFE technology uses a gyroscope to determine whether or not the plane is being operated safely. For beginners, the plane can be limited from dangerous maneuvers automatically. For more advanced users, SAFE technology comes in handy when the plane is out of control. If panic mode is operated, the plane will regain control almost instantly. See More

Top Pro

Good for gliding

The huge wings allow users to drive the Delta Ray at very low speeds or glide around. See More

Top Pro

Three modes

There are three modes: beginner, intermediate, and experienced. The beginner mode limits the plane to only safe maneuvers. In experienced mode, the plane has no limits. See More

Super Cub S RTF

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Top Pro

SAFE technology

When the transmitter is switched to beginner mode, sensor assisted flight envelope technology (SAFETM) keeps turns from being too sharp, keeps the plane from nosediving, and returns the plane to level flight when no input is being received. Essentially, SAFE technology compensates for lack of skill and helps beginners develop better flying habits. See More

Top Con

Unimpressive speed

Super Cub S RTF is not one of the fastest RC planes around. See More

Top Pro

Great transmitter

This plane comes with the Spektrum™ DX4e 4-channel 2.4GHz DSMX transmitter. This transmitter can be used with other aircraft, so it is possible that it can save money in the future. See More

Top Pro

Made with Z foam

Super Cub S RTF is made with a dense, durable substance called Z foam. This material is very easy to repair because it can be used with common types of glue. See More

Top Pro

Three modes

Suber Cub S RTF comes with beginner, intermediate, and experienced modes. The beginner mode is most limited, and experienced mode allows the most freedom. See More

Top Pro

Panic switch

If the plane is quickly headed for the ground, the plane can immediately be returned to normal flight using the panic switch. For beginners, this is a feature that can save the Super Cub S RTF from many crashes. See More

GWS Slow Stick

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Top Pro

Has enough power to do well in mild wind

Even though the Slow Stick is slow, it is still powerful. With a little bit of extra thrust, the Slow Stick does fine with wind that is traveling less than 5 mph. See More

Top Con

Difficult assembly

Mostly as a result of the unintelligible instructions, many beginners find it very difficult to set up the GWS Slow Stick. Luckily, the Slow Stick is simple enough to assemble without much instruction, and can be done in about two or three hours. See More

Top Pro

Cheap & easy to repair

The GTW Slow Stick only costs $34.99 and the design is very simple, meaning that repairs should be fast and uncomplicated. See More

Top Con

Incomprehensive manual

The manual gives users no direction to one of the most difficult parts of setup - configuring the transmitter and receiver. Also, the manual appears to be written in substandard English. Online instructions that might be more useful can be found here. See More

Top Pro

Flies very slowly making it easier to control

This plane's slow speed makes it easier to fly for beginners because they are allowed more reaction time. The Slow Stick flies similarly to a kite, making it ideal for indoor flying. See More

Flyzone Sensei

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Is capable of loops, rolls, and gliding

The Sensei is balanced enough to be manageable for new users, while still being able to do tricks and glide. See More

Top Con

Difficult to remove cowl for repairs

The electronics under the cowl are frequently damaged during crashes. The cowl is glued on very well, making repairs difficult. See More

Top Pro

Three wheels for easy take off and landing

Top Pro

Easy to repair because it is built out of high quality foam

Foam is much easier to glue back together than fiberglass or plastic, so the Sensei's material is ideal for those who may be prone to crashing. See More

Top Pro

Easy setup and maintenance

Out of the box, Sensei is ready to fly in under 5 minutes. The battery is held in the top of the plane where it is easy to access. See More

ParkZone Radian PNP

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Top Pro

Uses wind to its advantage

As a glider, the ParkZone Radian is able to work with the wind like a soaring bird. Instead of being weakened by the wind like many RC aircrafts, the Radian uses it to generate lift. See More

Top Con

Made from fragile styrofoam

The Radian PNP is built comparatively fragile. It comes apart a lot easier than other planes in this category. Luckily, it usually can be put back together rather quickly. See More

Top Pro

Thorough manual with illustrations for easy setup

The manual is a crucial part of keeping the setup from being a headache. The ParkZone Radian's manual accommodates users by making instructions simple and easy to follow. See More

Top Pro

Easy to repair after crashes

With a bit of glue and duct tape the Radian PNP can be put back together quickly after crashes. See More

Top Pro

Very stable & easy to fly

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