Interested in purchasing a decent but cheap RC plane

[ASilver259]

Hello everyone,
firstly I am new to the forum so hello!! Second I am currently training for my PPL and I am interested in buying an RC plane to fly in between lessons. I am very new to this hobby and have no idea where to look or where to start. What are some good fixed wing aircraft for around £100 that not too big (wing span less than 45cm with removable wings for storage), come with all the parts needed, such as batteries, transmitters and receivers and so on (presuming it is a DIY kit), doesn't require any soldering as I have a very crap soldering iron and is easy to fly for a beginner. I don't know if I am asking too much as I have basically no experience in this field. Thanks in advance!

EDIT: my budget has raised to £130/$170 and I would like alierons, rudder and elevator as that is what I am use to in full size aircraft. Are there any ready to fly fixed wings in my budget like that? Maybe the HobbyZone Champ S+ RTF? Does that have ailerons?

 

[JimCR120]

Hello ASilver.
One plane that came to mind that you might consider is the HobbyZone Champ. I can't comment from experience but it does have a good reputation. It only costs $90 for a ready-to-fly (transmitter and battery included) plane. It's small and light which means it won't do well in moderate to strong winds but it is very resilient to crashes.

https://www.hobbyzone.com/rc-airplanes/ultra-micro/hobbyzone/HBZ4900.html

Another choice, one that I do have, is the UMX Radian. This little guy surprised me at hom much fun can be with a sailplane. Like the Champ, it's light which has its pros and cons. One thing I would add is the soothing calm that you get from flying this.

https://www.horizonhobby.com/umx-trade;-radian-reg;-bnf-with-as3x®-technology-eflu2980

Welcome to the forum.
—Jim

 

[rfd]

the best scenario for you would be to find a local club, or knowledgeable person, and seek direct one-on-one personal assistance for a radio and plane they're most familiar with, for your best learning experience. aside from that, a flight sim is a great way to learn stick use, and virtual aircraft crashes are cheap.

 

[ASilver259]

Hello ASilver.
One plane that came to mind that you might consider is the HobbyZone Champ. I can't comment from experience but it does have a good reputation. It only costs $90 for a ready-to-fly (transmitter and battery included) plane. It's small and light which means it won't do well in moderate to strong winds but it is very resilient to crashes.
View attachment 99394
https://www.hobbyzone.com/rc-airplanes/ultra-micro/hobbyzone/HBZ4900.html

Another choice, one that I do have, is the UMX Radian. This little guy surprised me at hom much fun can be with a sailplane. Like the Champ, it's light which has its pros and cons. One thing I would add is the soothing calm that you get from flying this.
View attachment 99395
https://www.horizonhobby.com/umx-trade;-radian-reg;-bnf-with-as3x®-technology-eflu2980

Welcome to the forum.
—Jim

The champ looks great and I just looked a some reviews! I like the landing gear and the fact it comes with everything. I found a UK seller which has it for £60 so I will most likely get that one!

 

[quorneng]

Just an observation but if you are training for your PPL you might find RET (Rudder. Elevator.Throttle) only flying a bit different. It is no problem as long as you keep flying full size and models separate.

As an ex full size glider pilot I certainly prefer ailerons rather than rudder for simple 3 channels planes.

 

[foamtest]

Welcome! I have flown a champ a few times before(actually the first plane I ever flew) and it is great, if you're looking for a cheaper option look for the hobbyzone duet, the thing is practically indestrictable and you'll never break any props on it like you would the champ. And its only $59 usd! Or if you want you can buy both because they use the same battery lol.

 

[ASilver259]

Just an observation but if you are training for your PPL you might find RET (Rudder. Elevator.Throttle) only flying a bit different. It is no problem as long as you keep flying full size and models separate.

As an ex full size glider pilot I certainly prefer ailerons rather than rudder for simple 3 channels planes.

I was thinking about that. My dad offered to pay a bit towards an aircraft so I can raise the budget a bit to £130/$170. You got any suggestions for a ready to fly fixed wing with rudder, aileron and elevator in my budget?

 

[Ray K]

I was thinking about that. My dad offered to pay a bit towards an aircraft so I can raise the budget a bit to £130/$170. You got any suggestions for a ready to fly fixed wing with rudder, aileron and elevator in my budget?

I have the little T-28 from Horizon Hobby. As a pilot myself, I understand about the ailerons. The T-28 has them and they work well. I think that one is 129 US dollars. Best of luck.

Ray

 

[foamtest]

There are a few good options from horizon hobby, but I don't have any of them myself but I have really only heard good things about them.

Sport Cub S RTF with SAFE $130
https://www.horizonhobby.com/produc...t-cub-s-rtf-with-safe-reg;-technology-hbz4400

T-28 Trojan $100
https://www.horizonhobby.com/produc...dy-to-fly/t-28-trojan-s-rtf-with-safe-hbz5600

HobbyZone Champ S+ RTF $170
https://www.horizonhobby.com/airplanes/ready-to-fly/champ-s-rtf-hbz5400

I believe that FT did videos on the sport cub and the champ if you want to learn more about those. All of the planes listed are 4 channel planes as well.

 

[Ray K]

T-28 Trojan $100https://www.horizonhobby.com/produc...dy-to-fly/t-28-trojan-s-rtf-with-safe-hbz5600

That's exactly what I have, but the rascals came down 30 bucks! That's a good, fun buy. I shoulda waited for Christmas.

Ray

 

[foamtest]

I hope it stays down low for a while because I might just have to get one for myself if I don't have enough Christmas money for a UMX Timber.

 

[Lancenlink]

might I offer the Conscendo S, its a Bnf glider for about $120. it has a 1.5 meter wingspan but don't be alarmed, the wing is a 2 piece and the elevator is also removable. for such a big plane I've been able to stow it in the back of my kitfox with ease. Its tough as nails, 4 channel, and can have flight times of over an hour if you find a good thermal. its powered by a 1200 2s and somehow is able to climb up to altitude several times. one time I dived it from about a 1000 feet up and the wing didn't even shake.