Hobby Zone HBZ4800 Mini Super Cub RTF

 (27 customer reviews)

I learned on the Mini Super Cub. It is a great little plane which is easy for a first-timer to handle. Hand-launches are easier than takeoff rolls. But the plane is so light, and the wing is a somewhat flexible, so wind needs a few mph or less, preferable calm to fly it. Otherwise, it really gets bounced around and is easily crashed or lost.

The included radio teaches you to throttle-back by being spring-loaded to the throttle off position (which is oddly halfway up). This is a great lesson since many beginners leave the throttle too high on their first flight causing too much speed, altitude or a crash. But it is a non-standard feature on a trainer, and it gets tiresome to have to push the plane along at all times.

As a 3-channel plane there are no ailerons, only rudder, elevator, and throttle. The rudder is controlled by the right stick, which is also non-standard and arguably, a bad way to learn.

The battery is weak, but glides are easy. If...Read more

A good overall 3 channel beginners plane. If you move to 4 channel (w/ alerons) you will need to relearn controls, but by then you will be better able to handle basic control issues. I still fly mine, and have many, many hours on it (on my second motor).

The good: durable foam construction is difficult to damage and easy to repair. Wing attaches with a rubber band system (make sure it is on straight - otherwise it is helpful during those initial beginner crashes). Battery charger is included and works both AC and auto lighter jack hookup. Battery doesn't last too long, but is cheap and you can buy extras. The battery hook up is in a convenient location and doesn't fall out if the door is closed correctly. Despite its size it can handle a moderate wind. Hand launches well. While not a micro, it is still small enough to fly in a medium sized park. The engine and/or propellor shaft are easily and inexpensively replaced (the engine will wear out; the propellor shaft can bend in...Read more

Although I've played some flight sim games on the PC, I had never flown a real or R/C plane before I got my Mini Super Cub.

Assembly was a snap and by the time the battery was charged (less than 1 hour) I was ready to go. My very first flight went great. It was awesome to see the plane up there in the sky flying around.

I have since crashed it a few times (flying in wind this little plane couldn't handle) and it spent a night in a tree, but a few drops of Gorilla Glue has always set everything right again.

This plane is not fast, and it does not like wind above 6MPH or so, but it's a great little plane and a really good first plane.