Where's the Cheap RC Airplanes?

"Looking to take to the skies without breaking the bank?"

The quest for cheap RC airplanes... We've all been there... We've scraped together every last penny to pay for that perfect RC airplane. Only a short time later we crash it and are left broke and without a plane to fly. It's a terrible feeling.

After the crying has stopped, we immediately begin our search for a replacement bird. At this point we're not looking for the best RC airplane, we're looking for a decent quality RC airplane for a rock bottom price!

We're looking for a decent plane to get us in the air without causing a divorce!

I've been in this predicament a time or two... Below are some decent quality RC airplanes that will get you in the air in a pinch. As a matter of fact, some of these "cheap RC Airplanes" have turned out to be some of my all time favorites!

Cheap ARF's

Below are few manufacturers of cheap RC airplane ARF's. These manufacturers produce fairly good quality products. Excellent value for the price!

World Models

When I crashed my Sig Four Star, I was devastated. Not only was this my first kit build, it was the only plane I had at the time! I scoured the internet trying to find a cheap RC airplane to transfer my engine and radio to.

When I stumbled onto World Models SkyRaider Mach II I thought the price seemed too good to be true, but I ordered it anyway. The airframe was not quite at sturdy as my Four Star, but it did the trick! This plane literally flies better than the Four Star! I liked it so well I immediately ordered another one!

If you're looking for a cheap RC airplane, this is definetely a winner in my book. World Models offers a high wing trainer SkyRaider MachI.

Find World Models Airplanes cheap on eBay!

Seagull Models

is another relatively cheap RC airplane that hangs proudly in my hanger. Seagull didn't spare anything when it came to the quality of this bird. It's sturdy built, nicely covered and flies great! It's a mystery to me why it's so much cheaper than similar Space Walker II's of other manufacturers.

Not a fan of the Space Walker? No Problem!

Phoenix Models

Phoenix Models is a great little ARF, especially for the price! It's perfect for a second airplane, and is stable enough to be a first airplane provided you have the assistance of an experienced flying on the other end of the buddy box.

Keep in mind that this is a "25 size" which requires a small 25-.32 cu in glow engine.

Phoenix Models also offers the , which is perfect for beginers.

They also make all different kinds of models including sports, scale, 3D and even warbirds at very reasonable prices.

Cheap Electric RC Airplanes

You have to be careful when looking for a cheap electric RC airplane. There are tons of cheap, toy grade, electric RC airplanes in department stores such as Target and Walmart. For the most part, these cheap RC airplanes are low quality toys that are pretty much a waste of your money.

There are exceptions. But as a general rule, stay away from the toys at department stores.

Hobby Zone Airplanes

If you're looking for a cheap electric RC airplane I recommend This plane comes ready to fly out of the box. It even comes with a charger!

There aren't too many 3-channel electric airplanes on them market at such a low price. The third channel lets you use the elevator to control pitch. Many cheap RC airplanes only have 2 channels where you have to use the throttle to control the pitch. A 2-channel airplane isn't much fun to fly to be honest.

If you're looking for a good quality cheap electric airplane, you will be happy with the Firebird Phantom.

See other Hobby Zone planes

Park Zone Airplanes

is also a ready to fly 3-channel plane with a charger. This is a backyard Flyer that is small enough to be flow indoors. It's not a really cheap RC airplane, but it is fairly inexpensive. It flies so slow that you can fly it most anywhere, provided the wind is calm. You definetely get your money's worth with this RC plane.

See other Park Zone planes