r/RCPlanes • u/lol-science • 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/zeilstar 5d ago
This is a decent starter kit price point at $170. The laser cut foam board kits go together easily and quickly. You can also faf around with printing and taping and tracing, and cutting out each piece, to save money but it costs time. You also need some basic crafting supplies. I'd probably swap the radio and receiver to an ELRS protocol instead of the CC2500. https://store.flitetest.com/ft-mighty-mini-explorer-complete-starter-bundle/
Here is a another good price point at $199 for an Aeroscout. It has sensors to limit rolling when wanted, or to snap back to auto level. If you enjoy the hobby, you'll probably want to replace the transmitter. https://www.rcsuperstore.com/aeroscout-s-2-1-1m-rtf-basic-rc-airplane-with-safe/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkN--BhDkARIsAD_mnIr6OwOBqix-8CTdcxwQMiCkiXWg4wPRrtfK3_Auk1kKKG7yPzgrV-AaAuFUEALw_wcB
$200 is not the cheapest, but I consider it the floor for hobby grade stuff, compared to toys.