Test Pilot Reviews of the Best Indoor RC Planes
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If you're a beginner to flying indoor rc planes, or even an experienced pilot looking to try some small-scale aerobatics in the comfort of your own home, then you've landed at the right place.
Flying rc planes, whether they are large or small, is a fun and exciting hobby, and nothing beats showing off those skills outdoors when the weather is fine. But, if you're new to the hobby or want to be able to practice whatever the weather, then indoor rc planes may be just what you're looking for. On this site I present reviews of some popular indoor rc planes, and give you my test pilot's opinion as to which are the best flyers and which are the best buyers! |
Ember 2 RTF
The Ember 2 RTF by ParkZone is perfect for indoor RC aviation
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With an ultra compact design and slow-flying capability, the Ember 2 RTF by ParkZone is perfect for indoor aviation.
Weighing less than one ounce, this micro flyer is easy to handle with precision control in any small space. The Ember 2 RFT also features “Spektrum DSM2″ radio technology, which eliminates interference so that multiple planes can be flown at the same time. |
Ember 2 RTF Review
The Ember 2 RTF is styled very much like regular, larger rc planes that you would see flying outside – not quite the same as the designs adopted by many of these other indoor rc models. However, If you were thinking of trying this one outside, don’t even bother unless there is zero wind. Even a light breeze will dampen your enjoyment of what is a great indoor flyer.
So, this really is an indoor plane in the strictest sense of the word – but in terms of performing like a real plane, it absolutely delivers. It’s easy to fly, with takeoffs, landings and hand catches simple to do with little practice.
Manoeuvrability and control is good, with loops and tricks as achievable as with a larger plane. The lightness of the Ember 2 lessens the impact of any crashes, making it fairly robust against all but direct hits.
The Ember 2 RTF uses the Spektrum DMS2 technology for the transmitter/receiver. This means that it can also be controlled by other transmitters of a similar type. Once charged, the batteries included will give you around 8 minutes of flight time. This indoor rc plane is also available as the Ember 2 BNF.
RTF vs BNF - What's the difference?
RTF stands for 'Ready-to-Fly' and means that you'll be able to fly your indoor rc plane straight from the box. Both the plane and transmitter are included.
BNF stands for 'Bind-n-Fly' and requires that your indoor rc plane be set up to respond to a specific transmitter. Multiple planes can be bound to a single transmitter, so BNF planes may be supplied on their own.
BNF stands for 'Bind-n-Fly' and requires that your indoor rc plane be set up to respond to a specific transmitter. Multiple planes can be bound to a single transmitter, so BNF planes may be supplied on their own.
Top Race Cessna C185 Indoor RC Plane
Infrared micro-flight performance demonstrated indoors and outside
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The Cessna C185 is a great little rc plane that’s nice and light, and can be flown both indoors and outside.
One of the Top Race range of foam planes, including the Cessna 782 bi-plane also shown on this site. A 20-minute charge will provide a flight time of up to 12 minutes. The Cessna C185 includes a built-in battery, which can be recharged through the remote control, so no need for a separate wall charger. |
Cessna C185 Review
The Top Race Cessna C185 is an indoor rc plane that really looks the part. Made from lightweight, flexible foam, it comes with everything you need to start flying straight out the box, apart from 6 AA batteries which you’ll need to purchase separately for the controller.
The Cessna C185 automatically binds to one of the three frequency settings that can be selected on the controller. It will take off from the ground, but will fly equally well with or without the landing gear fitted.
The Cessna C185 gives 10-12 minutes of flying time from a full charge. I’d say it probably isn’t quite as robust as the Cessna 782 bi-plane model, but features a number of supporting struts and spines to maintain rigidity of form. It also comes with a spare set of propellers.
I would recommend the Cessna C185 if you were completely new to indoor rc planes, and it's one of the cheaper models shown on this page.
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"This little plane takes off easily, flies well, responsive and is lots of fun."
(amazon.com reviewer) |
Avion Easy Fly BiPlane
The Avion Easy Fly BiPlane is an amazingly light rc plane
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With precision designed 7.5 inch high-lift wings, the Avion Easy Fly Future Tech BiPlane from Megatech is effortlessly capable of amazing stunts and manoeuvres.
Combined with this design, the precise proportional remote control and adjustable throttle give huge levels of stability at both high and low speeds. Featuring “Spectrum-Link Optical Control” technology, the Avion Easy Fly Future Tech BiPlane also incorporates extended run time lithium-polymer batteries that conveniently recharge from the transmitter. |
Avion Easy Fly BiPlane Review
The Avion Easy Fly BiPlane is a very stylish looking indoor rc plane that is capable of extremely slow flying and agility. When we talk about flying indoor rc planes in the home, this one really can do it – able to perform aerobatics in an average-sized room and manoeuvre from room to room with ease.
One thing that will instantly strike you when you lift it out of the box is that it’s amazingly light, in fact just 8.4 grams. The transmitter features a proportional throttle and rudder, which stay in the position you leave them, giving you reassuring controllability. Though this can take some getting used to, once mastered you can look forward to enjoying satisfying and fun flight.
Despite being seemingly fragile, the Avion Easy Fly BiPlane is very robust and will take quite a number of crashes before needing repair. As with most of the indoor rc planes reviewed here however, tape or glue should see it quickly back in action.
The Avion Easy Fly BiPlane uses Spectral-Link Optical Control, in other words a proprietary infrared transmission system, and from a 20 minute charge you will get a very impressive 10 minutes of flight time.
Night Vapor RTF
The Night Vapor RTF can fly indoors in the dark
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With built-in multi-colored LED lights, the Night Vapor RTF provides that little bit more sophistication to an indoor rc plane which can be flown in the dark.
Designed with modularity in mind, the replacement of broken parts is both quick and easy should the need arise, and the landing gear is also detachable. Like the Ember 2, the Night Vapor is another great indoor rc plane from the ParkZone company and also features their ‘Spektrum DSM2′ radio technology. |
Night Vapor RFT Review
The Night Vapor, like the Ember 2, is another great indoor rc offering from ParkZone. Of a different design however, the Night Vapor features an arrangement of LEDs added to the airframe to give the pilot visual orientation when flying in total or near darkness. How cool is that?
Well… actually it’s very cool! But, this indoor plane is not just about appearances. The great airframe and wing design allow for staggeringly slow flight. While this is a necessity for indoor flying, it tends to make any aerobatics that bit more challenging, and you should really get to grips with this plane in the daytime before attempting any flying at night.
The Night Vapor incorporates a modular construction, meaning that broken parts can be easily fixed. Replacing wings, fins and landing gear can literally be achieved in minutes. The landing gear is also detachable anyway, in case you want to fly the plane without it.
The transmitter technology is the same as that of the Ember 2, so you should be able to fly both of these indoor rc models from the same controller (though do check the specs here). Charging up the battery will take around 30 minutes and give you a 10 minute flight time. Also available as the Night Vapor BNF.
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"This plane is a joy to fly. It's the price point of novelty planes you buy at toy stores, but controls like an enthusiast level plane."
(amazon.com reviewer) |
Top Race Cessna 782 RC Plane
The Cessna 782 - the easiest to fly indoor rc plane?
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Weighing less than 10 grams and with a wingspan of only 7 inches, the Top Race Cessna 782 is the perfect beginner rc plane for flying in small indoor areas.
Durable, flexible and including full flight controls and auto-stable technology, the Cessna 782 is an indoor rc plane that gives a smooth flying experience. Like the Cessna C185, this model is one of the Top Race range of foam planes, featuring 2-channel infrared remote control and convenient charging. |
Cessna 782 Review
The Top Race Cessna 782 is a cool-looking foam indoor flyer. It’s also towards the budget end of these indoor rc planes, but this doesn’t mean that it can’t perform in either ability or fun.
Quite literally fitting in the palm of your hand, this is another rc plane that may also be flown outdoors on a calm day. It can take a bit of practice to get the most out of the flying ability of the Cessna 782, but once mastered its slow air speed and manoeuvrability make it perfect for flying inside the home or office environment.
The Cessna 782 is robust and the foam can handle a fair amount of bumps and crashes. When cracks or chips inevitably appear, they can usually be repaired quickly and easily with tape or glue, which has virtually no effect in reducing performance.
The Top Race Cessna 782 uses the same 2-channel infrared control and charging as the C185 model. Colors vary between orange and blue.
Medium Air Force One - 1 Hand RC Plane
The Medium Air Force One is for the youngest of indoor pilots
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With LED lights and jet sounds, the Medium Air Force One 1 Hand Radio Control Plane has to be the easiest indoor rc plane to control.
Designed for the youngest of pilots, the plane is robust enough to withstand knocks and bumps and incorporates a flexible antenna. Never leaving the ground, the Medium Air Force One features forward, auto turn and reverse operation – simply perfect for ages 3+. |
Medium Air Force One Review
The Medium Air Force One – 1 Hand Radio Control Plane is a cute-looking indoor airplane toy, featuring realistic jet engine sounds and LED lights.
Manoeuvring the Air Force One is literally child’s play with the basic controller. On smooth surfaces like tile, laminate or wood flooring the plane moves well, but avoid using it on carpet as the wheels are quite small. The plane features forward and reverse control and when it backs up it performs an amusing little spin.
This indoor plane is small enough to fit into a bag if your child wanted to take it to Grandma’s etc., and it’s fairly robust with a bit of weight to it. This is a really fun toy and will help to develop hand-eye coordination.
As with all toys for young children, please read the manufacturer’s instructions on use and remember that this indoor rc plane contains small parts. Also, remember to turn off the power switch on the Air Force One when you are finished, or it will remain connected to the controller and drain the battery.
Amazing article. I am so impressed.
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