RC Powered Hobbies

If you're a rookie at radio control, opt for a trainer plane. It's basic in shape and design, and is powered by either an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. For a more advanced RC aircraft, try a sport airplane or aerobatic plane. Sport planes, while having similar features to trainer planes, are capable of performing aerobatic maneuvers, therefore requiring an increased skill level. Aerobatic planes, which are specifically for advanced aerobatic and "3D" flight, have oversized control surfaces and motors, and require expert piloting control.

If you ever fantasized you were Maverick in Top Gun, then an RC jet might keep you entertained. One of the priciest investments among radio control hobbies, a jet is a viable choice for the hobbyist who's on the lookout for speed, has cash to spare, and possesses excellent flying skills. There are various types of jets, ranging from the affordable electric-powered ducted fan (EDF) or propeller-powered models, to the pricey gas turbine models such as the F14 Tomcat. Unlike RC airplanes, jets offer smoother aerodynamics and increased speed, making them better suited to fly in adverse or windy weather conditions.

Another category in radio control hobbies are boats, which come in scale, sail, or powerboat models. Scale boats are meant to evoke the appearance of their larger counterparts, such as ships, liners, or battleships. Sailboats - which use neither motors nor engines - require the boat to catch the wind, a skill that requires extra practice. Perhaps the most popular choice in RC boating is the power boat, which are powered by RC engines, and are available in sporting or racing models. Easy to operate and entertaining, powerboats can be used by beginners in small pools or ponds.

While not as sleek as a jet or aerodynamic as an RC plane, the helicopter is a good choice for both youngsters and adults alike. For beginners or kids, 2- and 3-channel helicopters are ideal, and can be flown both indoors and outdoors. For more serious hobbyists, the channel 4 copters require more precise flying and control as they simulate actual helicopter mechanisms. Likewise, channel 6 CP (collective pitch) helicopters are similar in features as channel 4 copters, except with the additional capability of flying upside down. 2, 3, and 4 channel helicopters - known as fixed pitch or FP helicopters - have blades at a fixed angle that cannot be altered, and achieve lift when power is increased in the main blade. On the other hand, the more advanced 6 channel CP helicopters allow for the altering the blade pitch, giving you the capability to perform stunts.

The most classic and proverbial of all radio control hobbies is the RC car. Available in electric, gas, and nitro models, cars come in different types such as off-road buggies, cars, monster trucks, truggies, stunt trucks, and minis. Off-road buggies and monster trucks can run on various types of terrain while on-road cars and minis are best suited to smooth surfaces. The hybrid truggie (monster truck and buggy) type can tackle most types of terrain while stadium types are geared towards performing tricks such as ramp jumping and off-road racing. It would be ideal for beginners at radio control hobbies to start with an electric, ready-to-run model over the more flashy, more realistic, and yes, more expensive gas or nitro-powered RC car models.