Do you understand channels in RC?

As a newcomer to the radio control flying hobby, learning about the primary rc airplane controls of your new plane is essential for becoming a good pilot, and getting the most out of your model.
Every operation that is controllable on an rc airplane is referred to as a 'channel'.

Overview of Channel Definition

Channel Type Functions Included Recommended For Description
2-Channel Throttle, Rudder Kids or beginners Basic control, suitable for new pilots. Dual motors allow for forward movement and left/right turns but may become dull for older users.
3-Channel Throttle, Rudder, Elevator Beginners (14+ years) Introduces vertical control, allowing ascent and descent. Ideal for learning basic flying skills with more control than 2-channel models.
4-Channel Throttle, Rudder, Elevator, Aileron Experienced pilots Adds roll control with ailerons, enabling more advanced maneuvers. Recommended for those with some flying experience.
5-Channel Throttle, Rudder, Elevator, Aileron, Flap Advanced pilots Designed for larger planes, allows for additional features like flaps for better takeoff/landing, and can include functions like camera switches or landing gear.
6-Channel & Plus Varies by model Professional pilots More channels allow for complex maneuvers and additional equipment control, tailored to specific flight needs.

 

 

2-Channel

The most basic plane type which is consist of throttle and rudder. It is simple to understand as entry-hobby level.

3-Channel

To get a true feeling and understanding of radio control flying, a RC plane with 3 chanels is more recommanded. With throttle, rudder and elevator, it obviously brings more controls to the plane to fly the way you want. 

4-Channel

Control Surface Movement Direction Function Description
Throttle Forward/Reverse Controls motor speed Adjusts how fast the propeller spins, affecting thrust and speed of the airplane.
Elevators Up/Down Controls pitch (nose up/nose down) Adjusts the plane's attitude by changing downforce on the tailplane; crucial for climbing and descending.
Ailerons Up/Down (opposite sides) Controls roll Used in pairs to enable rolling maneuvers; essential for aerobatics and maintaining level flight during turns.
Rudder Left/Right Controls yaw (directional movement) Adjusts the airplane's heading; moving left rudder turns the plane left and vice versa.

 

Different control channels RC airplanes

2 Channels RC Planes for Kids

Dual motors serve as the throttle and rudder, allowing you to manage forward (with automated climb up), left and right turns (with varied motor speeds). It is the most basic control type for new pilots to pick up. However, it will quickly become dull for adult and teenager pilots looking for additional difficulties and enjoyment. As a result, 2-channel aircrafts are primarily intended for children to learn the hobby under the supervision and assistance of experienced adults.
2_channels

3 Channels RC Planes for Beginners

Include the elevator and rudder on the tail. The motor will only control the throttle, the elevator will control the ascent and dive, and the rudder will control the left and right turns. It will assist new pilots in learning how to control an RC aircraft in a hobby-grade rather than toy-grade manner. It is recommanded to start with RC aircraft for pilots above the age of 14.

3CH Spitfire Remote Control Airplane for Beginners

3_channels

4 Channels RC Planes for Experienced and Advanced Pilots

Now that the aileron is available with the other three channels. The aileron control allows the RC aircraft to perform more stunts, which is an important feature for most experienced pilots to use while flying. For pilots who have flown some time with less channel aircrafts, a small sized (40-60cm wingspan), 4 channel trainer is always advised.

VOLANTEXRC P51D Mustang 4Ch Beginner RC Airplanes

4_channels 

5 Channels RC Planes for Experienced and Advanced Pilots

Another feature flap is activated for improved landing and take-off. It is usually only possible on larger aircraft. However, the 5th channel can also be used for various functions such as camera switching, landing gear retract switch, and so on. So, when it talks about 5 channels, it generally means the pilot knows a lot about RC aircraft and is obtaining additional optional features for greater entertainment.

Phoenix 2400 5-Channel Glider with 2.4 Meter Wingspan

5_channels

 

If you are a beginner pilot and would like to know more about how to choose an RC plane, please read the following article: 

Top 10 Tips guide for Choosing Your First RC Plane for Beginners

2 comments

Nick Mead

Nick Mead

We need to purchase bulk orders of sonic or voltarex foam gyro planes for our radio control plane shooting stand
Tanks a lot ltd

Paul holstead

Paul holstead

Love the warbirds beautiful little aircraft I would love to see a ww2 Hurricane and probably some with different colours

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