RC planes have been around for a few years now. For example, if you walked into a hobby store years ago, RC planes were the
top aircraft for flying.
Today, drones have made a
huge impact on the hobby. Drones have created their own huge market, bringing its many benefits to the world. For the purpose of this article,
drones are referred to the quadcopters specifically.
Choosing between a drone and an RC plane can be a challenge for some. Both aircraft have their differences, therefore these differences should be considered.
Here is drone vs RC plane!
Why Do You Want To Fly?
For those that fly RC planes, they want to see their plane fly
fast and low as they are on the ground. RC planes are mainly for leisure. Those that fly planes do it mainly for the enjoyment. Replicating your favorite plane and seeing it soar in the sky is what RC plane hobbyist enjoy doing.
Many drones are flown for fun. However,
most are a favorite due to their video and photo capabilities. A lot of people purchase drones so that they can take
amazing pictures and video astonishing scenery. Since drones have cameras, you do not necessarily need to look up and
control it, but fly the vehicle by using the live camera on the transmitter.
Flying Space
RC planes do require open space for flight. The faster or larger the RC plane, the
more space will be needed for proper operations. Typically, a large park or open land are favorites for flying. Even most backyards are
too small to fly an average RC plane safely!
A drone does not require a lot of space for flying.
You do not need a huge field when flying a drone. Drones can be flown almost anywhere! Their hovering capabilities make it easier for flying in close spaces.
Maneuvers
An RC plane can do
much more maneuvers when flying than a drone. You can fly vertical, do loops and much more! Cool stunts and practicing different challenges can be done with a plane. This makes flying a plane each day interesting.
Drones are much more stable than an RC plane. They can not do the tricks a plane can do. This is why it is generally easier for people to fly drones than an RC plane. In fact, a lot of drones have their own
automated flying assistance when needed!
What Is Your Wallet Saying?
The average prices for RC planes are cheaper than drones. You can get a great RC plane for around
$300! A great RC plane I highly recommend for beginners is the
HobbyZone RC Airplane Carbon Cub S 2.
- OPTIONAL FEATURES: The most capable, versatile, and easiest to fly scale trainer
- EASY TO FLY RC AIRPLANE: Equipped with exclusive SAFE technology
- FUN TO FLY: Capable of aerobatic maneuvers including loops, rolls, and upside down (inverted) flight
RC planes can also be built at home from scratch. People have used foam board to carve out the parts of their aircraft and purchase the other needed accessories to make their ideal RC plane.
The price for a great drone can be hundreds of dollars. It is not uncommon for someone to pay almost
$1000 for a drone! Their price can be due to the
hi-tech cameras they have and other sophisticated technologies. Cheap drones are out there, but if you want a drone with great camera quality, range and battery life, then you likely will need more money.
They Are Both Fun!!
Regardless which you think is better, a drone and an RC plane have their advantages and disadvantages. However,
both aircraft are fun to fly. It all depends on your needs and values.
Do you own a drone or RC plane? Let me know in the comments below!
4 thoughts on “Drone VS RC Plane – What Is Right For You!”
Hi Brian, I enjoyed your article on Drones Vs RC Planes it was a great read I have always had an interest on Drones but never had the time to get one myself, my grandson got one for Christmas last year and we had great fun with it in the park, it was a far cheaper one and after a few months it broke on him, but I would definitely be interested in getting him a better Drone this year, myself included.
I am pleased that you had some drone experience. Thank you for your comment!
Hey,
This is a really interesting article. I haven’t actually tried a drone or RC plane, but my friend is a big drone guy. I haven’t seen him for ages due to lockdown, but next month I am going to see him and we are going to have a go at the drone. So I am just learning as much as I can about them.
It was really interesting learn about the RC plane aswell, and when I see my friend I will show him your article and see what he knows about the RC plane. I will let you know how I get on with the drone, and maybe I fall in love with it like my friend has.
Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work.
All the best,
Tom
Appreciate you sharing the post! Who knows, you might fall in love and get your own.