Remote Control Airplanes and RC Helicopters Are For Kids, Too!

One of the many things we humans have in common is a fascination with flying. Do you remember, as a very young child, looking up at the sky and feeling a strange sense of longing? For most, it’s an itch that never goes away and is only somewhat scratched by travel on commercial flights. Flying remote control airplanes or RC helicopters is the best way to satisfy the yen to fly, short of piloting a full-size aircraft. While nothing tops that experience, flying remote control airplanes comes pretty darn close to the real thing. It’s almost a transcendent sensation, like it’s actually you in the cockpit and not a plastic figure.

The introduction of toy RC airplanes and helicopters has made remote control a reality for those as young as 6 or so. Typically, toy planes are very small, powered by electricity, and 1 or 2 channel. They come Ready to Fly (RTF) and are made of a damage-resistant material such as foam or plastic so if you do crash, it’s usually no big deal.

Radio control helicopters, especially the micro or minis (one and the same), are extremely popular with the younger set, and many models can be flown safely by children as young as 6 or so. Like toy planes, they’re electric and already assembled. They’re available in single rotor or coaxial models, come in a lot of cool designs, and are also very inexpensive. While mostly meant for indoors, toy helicopters can also be flown outside so long as wind conditions are calm.

Don’t make the mistake of buying a plane or copter that’s too big, too fast, too complicated just because your youngster likes the way it looks. That’s a sure-fire way to discourage a new pilot and is also downright dangerous. Hobby-grade RC airplanes are not toys but serious flying machines, with the capacity to cause serious injury. If you’re interested in a particular model but don’t know if it is age-appropriate, be sure to ask at the local hobby store or discuss via email with an on-line retailer.

Flying toy airplanes or helicopters is a fun way for you and a child to spend time together. They are safe, inexpensive and easy to operate, and will get you and your kid off the sofa and outdoors. You will enjoy it as much as your child, so start your youngster flying a kids remote control plane or helicopter today!

The Venom Apache comes ready to fly and features a 3 channel IR transmitter with adjustable trim and a great manual that's actually easy to understand! Modeled after the U.S. Army's AD-64D Apache Longbow, this electric RC helicopter has counter-rotating blades for extra stability as well as a built-in gyro for excellent maneuverability and control.