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Sport airplanes require a bit more skill and experience than trainer airplanes. However, they are generally more stable and forgiving than pattern type planes designed for precision aerobatics. For this reason, you will find that the majority of RC airplanes being flown at your local club will fall in the sport RC airplane class. There are really no clear guidelines or set of rules that define sports airplanes. Sport RC planes is sort of a generic term to define the type of RC airplanes that are flown for "fun" as opposed to competition. Competition flying is fun as well, but requires more practice, discipline, and aircraft specifically designed to perform a wide variety of aerobatic maneuver perfectly.
Sport airplanes are commonly referred to as Sunday Flyers. This simply means that you don't have to dedicate your life to performing a perfect routine with perfect maneuvers. You simply enjoy your flying day at the field! There are literally hundreds of sport RC planes available. Below is a list of some of the more common sport airplanes to give you an idea of what's out there.
Hanger 9 Super Stick
Hanger 9's Super Stick is one of the most popular RC sport airplanes. The Super Stick's aerobatic capabilities combined with its stable flight characteristics makes it a great airplane for an intermediate pilot who wants to tear up the sky! The Super Stick comes 90% pre-built with all the parts to build it as either a tail dragger or tri-cycle landing gear plane.
Hanger Ultra stick
The Ultra Stick is very similar to the Super Stick. The Ultra stick has Quad Flaps which are basically 4 separate aileron surfaces each controlled by it's own servo. With the help of a basic 6-channel programmable radio, the quad flaps make this sport airplane capable of some amazing flight characteristics. With a flip of a switch you can increase the lift to enable amazingly slow flight, vertical landings, and many other crazy stunts! Whether you're an electric freak or a nitro buff, there is an Ultra Stick for you!
Hanger 9 Tango 40
The high-wing design of the Tango 40 sport airplane provides for very stable flight characteristics for an intermediate pilot. At the same time, this airplane can perform just about any 3-D maneuver in the book! This plane is great for intermediate pilots looking to learn some 3-D maneuvers! Power it with either a 2-stroke nitro engine, 4-stroke nitro engine or electric brushless motor! Hangar 9 Pulse XT 40 ARF
This semi-symmetrical low wing sport airplane can perform just about any classic aerobatic maneuver with ease, but it's no 3-D plane. Another great sport plane for the intermediate pilot to perfect aerobatic maneuvers. Whether you prefer electric or glow, there is a model for you!
Great Planes Super Sportster 40 MKII ARF
As you can probably guess by its name, the Super Sportster is one of the all time classic low wing sport planes. Tons of RC pilots have transitioned from their trainers to this bird for learning and perfecting aerobatic maneuvers. Great Planes has recently released the Mini Sportster Electric Powered ARF so that electric motor enthusiast as well as glow engine fanatics can enjoy this RC sport airplane.
Sig Four Star
The Sig Four Star is probably the most common choice for a second airplane. The low wing semi-symmetrical airfoil makes this a very stable yet maneuverable sport airplane. The kit version of the Four Star is a great first kit as it is a breeze to put together. The Four Star 40 was my first kit and my second nitro powered airplane. The Four Star can be powered by either an electric motor or nitro engine.
Sig Somthin' Extra
If you've mastered the Four Star (or similar sport airplane) and are looking to push the envelope a little farther, this airplane's for you! This plane literally flies like it's on rails! There are a few of these at my flying club and they sure are fun to watch! In addition to basic aerobatics, this plane is perfect for 3-D flight if you have the power.
Goldberg Tiger 2
The Goldberg Tiger 2 is very similar to the Sig Four Star except it has a symmetrical airfoil as opposed to the Four Star's semi-symmetrical airfoil. The makes it a bit more "spunky" than the Four Star. This is also an excellent choice for your second airplane.
Great Planes Pete N Poke Sport 40 Kit
Great Planes Pete N Poke is a very slow flying, relaxing, less demanding type sport airplane. Set yourself apart from the rest of the guys at the field with this unique looking bird. If you want one of these, you'll have to build it as it only comes in kit form. But I've heard it's a pretty easy kit to put together. Show off YOUR favorite Sports Plane!
Is there a sports plane in your hanger that you'd like to brag about? Tell us about it! Let us know how it flies, what radio system you use, and the kind of motor/engine that you have.
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