Hobbyzone Champ RTF Airplane

This is a beginner's RC plane. It was designed specifically for that purpose. I bought it for my son, who is new to RC.

It came with a defective engine, so I contaced the manufacturer and they told me to send it back. I did. They fixed it - no hassles, just good solid customer service.

Once it was fixed, it flew like a dream. This is the most forgiving, easy trainer imaginable. First, check out the manufacturer's website and watch the few brief instructional videos. They are quite a help. The plane practically flies itself, controls are easy to handle with a low res setting for true beginners. The plane is so light that as long as you fly in a park over grass, you will probably sustain little if any crash damage.

Of course, being that light makes it suitable for only the lightest of wind. In a light breeze you can fly this into the wind and hold it virtually motionless. Also, it is three channel - throttle, rudder and elevator. No alerons, but...Read more

First things first - I have last flown an RC plane roughly 8 years ago. At that time, I would call myself a rookie at best and someone that flew a gas powered indestructible plane, so I do have limited experience (enough to get myself in trouble).

I bought this plane for 5 reasons:
1. I wanted a plane I didn't need to work on / build - don't have time, just want to fly something
2. My friend had 2 RTF planes and told me how great they are - he had the P-51 Mustang and the J-3 Cub.
3. I wanted something that would help bring me back into it
4. I did NOT want to spend a lot of money
5. Based on the recommendation of the guy at the local hobby shop - he recommended this Champ over the P-51 or J-3 Cub (and it was cheaper than both, so it was an easy sell for me).

Today was my first day flying it (and I did not practice using the a computer game), I just jumped at the joystick:
1. Battery charged for 15 minutes.
2...Read more

I've owned two different RC planes before buying the Champ (to include the Commander II). This thing is the most fun I've had with a "toy" in so long. It doesn't take long before you can truly become a pilot. Manuevering is quick and responsive. You can gain altitude quickly so be careful on a windy day...you may lose it! One of the best parts about owning the champ is that once you get moderately proficient at flying you can fly in some pretty tight spaces. Being that it is a micro plane, it will take some damage too.

So far I have modified the wheels with some bigger soft wheels to help landings in rough terrain or gravel...and it was easy. Just pop the wheel retainers off and switch them out.


No matter if you are an RC hobby enthusiast or new to it all...you will not be disappointed by this purchase.