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If you’re reading this, you probably remember the first time you saw a model plane climb into the sky and thought, “I want to do that.” Remote control (RC) planes are a unique blend of engineering, piloting and pure outdoor fun. They’re an easy way to get hands-on with aerodynamics, enjoy time outdoors, and challenge yourself without breaking the bank. Whether you want a tiny foamie to buzz around the park or a full-scale radio-controlled sport plane with a wingspan of several feet, there’s an option for every level of curiosity and commitment.
Before you buy, it helps to know the main types. Trainers are stable and forgiving—perfect for beginners. Sport planes are more manoeuvrable and demand skill. Warbirds replicate historic fighters and are often heavier and faster. Gliders and sailplanes focus on long, graceful flights using lift rather than raw power. Micro RC planes are tiny and great for indoor flying or small backyards. Think of these types as a ladder: start with trainers, then step up to sport or scale models as your confidence grows.
Trainer planes usually have high wings and a large tail surface to keep them stable. Typical wingspans range from about 40 inches to 60 inches, which gives enough wing area to fly slowly and land gently. If you’re new, a trainer gets you airborne fast and keeps the learning curve reasonable.
Sport models are built for manoeuvres and speed, often with wingspans around 30 to 50 inches. They respond quickly to controls and reward practice with thrilling aerobatics, but they’ll punish sloppy stick work—so don’t rush into one straight away.
Micro planes can be as small as 12 inches across and weigh only a few ounces. These are ideal if you don’t have a lot of outdoor space and want to practise touch-and-go landings indoors or in a sheltered yard.
Finding the right shop can make the difference between a smooth setup and a frustrating first flight. The UK market offers a mix of high-street toy sellers, general marketplaces and specialist hobby shops. Below are trusted names where many pilots start or keep returning for upgrades and spares.
Argos is a handy option for entry-level models and plug-and-play kits. You’ll find foam trainers and branded sport planes suitable for beginners. Prices tend to be competitive, and Argos stores are convenient if you want to get started quickly with a model that’s ready out of the box.
Smyths has a wide range of family-oriented RC planes, including branded licensed models and durable foam designs built to survive a few rough landings. It’s a good place to shop if you want something affordable and durable for younger flyers.
The Entertainer stocks colourful and easy-to-fly models aimed at kids and casual hobbyists. These are usually simple to set up and operate, which makes them useful as starter gifts or when you want a lightweight plane for occasional flying.
Hobbycraft is more craft-focused but often carries DIY kits and simpler RC foam planes. If you like the idea of building and customising your model, Hobbycraft is a friendly place to begin experimenting with kit assembly and basic electronics.
If you want the broadest selection, Amazon UK and eBay UK are hard to beat. You’ll find everything from micro indoor foamies to advanced ARF (almost ready to fly) and RTF (ready to fly) models. Pay attention to seller ratings and reviews and look for UK-based sellers if you want faster spare-part access.
Ripmax is a long-standing name in the UK RC scene, supplying quality kits, parts and branded models for hobbyists. If you’re moving beyond toys and want higher-grade foamies, electric park flyers, or glow-engine sport planes, Ripmax offers a good mix of mainstream and specialist brands.
RCGeeks is a UK specialist that focuses on drones and RC models. Their staff tend to be hobbyists themselves, so you’ll often get practical advice on setup, spare parts, and upgrades. They stock batteries, chargers, servos and replacement airframes—everything you need to keep flying.
HeliDirect is known for helicopter components but also stocks fixed-wing models and replacement parts. HobbyKing, though international, operates warehouses that can serve UK hobbyists and offers a wide range of components, motors and electronics at competitive prices—ideal for tinkerers who like to custom-build models.
Picking your first plane is less about brand and more about features. Focus on stability, ease of repair, availability of spare parts, and how much time you want to spend maintaining the model. A friendly trainer with a big wing is more fun for learning than a fast, twitchy sport plane that’s hard to land.
Wingspan determines how the model flies. Micro planes with a 12–18 inch wingspan are playful but sensitive to wind. Trainers around 40–60 inches give gentle handling and easier landings. Larger models, maybe 72 inches or more, need more space but glide like a classical bird.
Electric models are the most common and are quiet and clean. Typical flight times range from 6 to 20 minutes depending on battery size and how aggressively you fly. Brushless motors are efficient and reliable; if you see a model with a brushed motor, expect lower power and shorter flight times.
Foam airframes are forgiving and easy to fix with glue and tape. Balsa or composite models may fly better but need careful repairs. Ask yourself if you want to patch dings in the park or take a delicate model to a club flying field.
If you’re starting, look for RTF trainers with beginner modes and stable flight characteristics. A good beginner plane typically has a wingspan of around 40 inches and a durable foam body that withstands learning crashes.
Brands like ParkZone, HobbyZone and E-flite offer dependable trainer models widely sold across Argos, Amazon and specialist shops. These often include beginner-friendly features such as self-leveling modes, throttle cut for safe landings, and easy-to-replace propellers.
Once you master the basics, you might want a sport plane with crisp control, higher top speed in the 40–80 mph range, or a scale warbird with authentic looks. That’s when specialist shops like Ripmax and RCGeeks really shine, offering higher-performance motors, metal gear servos and fibreglass or balsa airframes.
Upgrading to a brushless motor, a better ESC, higher-grade servos or a quality transmitter with more channels can transform your flying experience. For example, a standard 4-channel trainer benefits hugely from a better transmitter that offers finer stick resolution and failsafe options.
Finding a safe flying spot is crucial. Parks are fine for micro models early in the morning, but for anything larger you’ll want a designated model flying field or open countryside with permission. Always check local rules and be considerate of others.
In the UK, recreational model flyers should avoid flying above 400 feet to keep clear of manned aircraft. Think of 400 feet as the practical ceiling for safe hobby flying—high enough to enjoy but low enough to stay out of trouble.
Wind matters. A lightweight trainer with a 40 inch wingspan can handle a gentle breeze, but gusty conditions make landing tricky. If wind picks up above about 20 mph, it’s smarter to wait for calmer weather or fly a larger, heavier model that cuts through the wind more confidently.
Regular checks on control surfaces, linkages and battery health are simple steps that prevent mid-flight failures. Keep spare props, a backup battery, and a small repair kit with foam-safe glue and tape in your car or kit bag. Specialists like Ripmax and RCGeeks stock genuine spares so you can get back in the air quickly.
Before every flight, check that the battery is charged and secured, control surfaces move freely and the propeller is not cracked. After a hard landing, inspect the fuselage and motor mount for loose screws. A few minutes of checks saves hours of repair later.
Hobbying doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Look for starter bundles, second-hand bargains, or older model lines that still fly well. Buying from local clubs can also get you great deals and the priceless bonus of experienced pilots who can help you learn.
Used planes can be fantastic value, but check for structural damage, warps in the wings, corrosion in connectors, and battery age. Ask for a short flight test if possible, or have a club member inspect the model before purchase.
One of the best ways to improve quickly is to join a local RC club. Clubs offer flying sites, training, and a community of people who love sharing tips. Online forums and social media groups are also rich resources for troubleshooting and buying spare parts.
Clubs often provide access to large, safe flying fields and experienced mentors who can take you through your first take-off and landing. That hands-on coaching will get you flying faster and with far less stress than learning solo in an unfamiliar park.
Think about how much time you’ll spend flying, where you’ll fly, and how much tinkering you enjoy. Start with a forgiving trainer from a reputable retailer, keep spares on hand, and don’t be shy about asking for advice from the community. With the right choice, you’ll get hours of satisfying flying and the chance to build a hobby that grows with you.
Conclusion: Remote control planes offer a brilliant mix of learning, outdoor fun, and technical challenge. Whether you pick up a cheap foam trainer from a high-street shop or invest in a professional kit from a specialist retailer, the key is to start simple, practise safely, and enjoy every flight. With the right shop, the right model and a little patience, you’ll be mastering those landings in no time.
| Remote Control Planes | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Red5 Stunt Plane | £ 30,- |
