Radio Controlled Planes—what to think about before you buy

Radio controlled planes are also listed as RC aircraft by some online retailers. People also refer to them as remote-controlled.

A typical package will include the aircraft or the parts to make it. Controllers may or may not be included, depending on the type of kit you buy. Other accessories may be necessary for operation, regardless of the kind of kit.

Unless the plane is a glider, a power-plant of some kind is needed. Power-plants are included in some kits, but not others. Fuel for jet, rocket and internal combustion engines must always be purchased separately.

Three types of internal combustion engines are available. They are small two and four stroke engines, similar to what you would find in a weed trimmer.

Some models come with a glow plug engine, which uses nitro-methanol as fuel and burns paraffin mixed with ether as an ignition agent. The glow plug engines are seen mostly in the smaller aircraft. The larger models use gasoline.

There are three basic models to choose from that vary according to the amount of assembly required. They are ready-to-fly, almost ready-to-fly and the balsa kits.

In addition to those options, there is the one for real do-it-yourselfers. Published plans can be purchased or downloaded via the internet.
Hobbyists who use the plans purchase the necessary materials and cut them in their own workshop. All of the work is done by hand. All parts must be purchased separately.

Ready-to-fly or RTF radio controlled planes require only very basic assembly. For example, the wings might need to be attached. In most cases, fuel is the only thing you will need to buy. Everything else is included. The craft can be airborne in a matter of minutes.

Almost ready to fly or ARF are similar to RTF kits in that everything is included and the necessary skills are minimal. The average aircraft can be built in about four hours. Traditional kits are labor-intensive, requiring a week or so of regular work to complete the construction.

The balsa kits used to make radio controlled planes include pre-cut parts made of lightweight balsa wood. The wood may be die-cut or laser cut. The laser cut varieties are nicer in terms of precision, but they typically cost more.

You should be aware of the regulations governing the use of these aircraft. Flying the larger models in populated areas is usually prohibited.

Safety instructions are included with most RTF and ARF models. Anyone that flies the plane should be familiar with them.

eBay has a large selection of radio controlled planes and helicopters. Currently there are over 18,000 listings to choose from.