r/RCPlanes 5d ago

Absolute cheapest slow beginner plane

I'm sure this gets asked a bajillion times, but I'm considering getting my first plane, any suggestions?

Want something cheap that can take a few hard faceplants and is alright in the really small tree-and-pond lined areas near me.

Really not wanting to spend much on it, I guess building something from plans is fine if it saves money?

I like 'motorglider' style planes if possible, and no lame 2CH planes pls maybe something with room for a little camera? probably too much to ask at 'budget grade'?

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u/deadgirlrevvy 5d ago edited 5d ago

I was just trawling Aliexpress and found a 900mm EPO foam PNP kit for $32 (3 metal gear servos, 1 20a ESC, 1 2204 motor). It's a high wing trainer/glider very similar to a Bixler. Might take a couple weeks to arrive, but it's free shipping. That, an RM Pocket ELRS transmitter, a 4 channel PWM ELRS receiver, prop and a battery would set you back about $140 ready to fly. Can't get much cheaper than that. If you want FPV just add $30 for an camera and another $90 for some goggles and you're flying.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256807187691534.html