Electric or Nitro - RC Airplanes & Helicopters

Electric or Nitro, what's right for you?

In the rc world, you have basically two engine choices – electric or gas. Gas engines can use various types of fuel, regular gasoline with a mixture of oil or the majority being nitro based fuels.

Just starting out? Why start with electric?

For more electric planes For more nitro planes

Hobbyzone Super Cub Hobbico NexSTAR 46 Select

For more electric Helicopters For more Nitro Helicopters

E-Flite Blade 400 3D RTF Heli-Max Kinetic 50 ARF

Of the two, nitro has been the most popular choice for the rc community for many years, although electric power is rapidly closing the gap.

Typical power choices for electric or nitro rc airplanes & helicopters:

Electric flight: less than 3 pounds or 50 ounces
Glow flight: between 3 pounds and 15 pounds
Gas flight: 10 pounds or more

Electric or nitro, which one better? Is one really better than the other? Those questions will often ignite passionate debate within the rc community.

Each has its place and benefits, below you can see a chart comparing electric or nitro rc airplanes to help with your choice.

	Electric	Nitro - Gas
Entry Cost	Lower - Simple, inexpensive 3 channel planes are readily available.	Higher - A basic rtf gas vehicle costs more, add in all of the support equipment and it can really add up.	Electric is much less expensive.
Learning to fly	While it is always better to find an instructor, many electric planes fly slow enough and easily enough to learn on your own.	Gas powered vehicles typically fly faster and have a much steeper learning curve. It is especially important to find an instructor.
Noise:	Normally very quiet and neighbor freindly. Usually acceptable to fly at the local park (check locally first). Also commonly known as a Park Flyer.	Gas engines are typically noisier than electric, but are almost always limited to a designated flying field or large private field - a club membership may be required.	Some of us enjoy the sound for a more realistic experience.
Ongoing costs	Minimal - for spare parts and usually simple repairs	Higher - Heavier weight and higher speeds means more damage and repairs when crashed, along with the addition of expensive fuel, more maintenance & club fees/insurance
Fuss:	Minimal - charge the battery, find a park or even the backyard and go fly. Many will keep a plane in the trunk for a quick flight at lunch or after work.	Moderatley high - A trip to the field not only includes the plane & radio but the fuel & pump, glow plug igniter and field support equipment
Flight times	6-18 minutes	12-20 minutes

Ultimately the decision should be based on your personal preferences, size, and where you will be able to fly.

Noise - nitro planes & helicopters tend to produce more noise and can often disturb the neighbors or other people around your flying site. Typically nitro and gas planes & helicopters are limited to secluded private property or an RC field.

Cost – Just starting out and flying smaller planes & helicopters, electric is the way to go. It is a more cost effective introduction into rc flying.

Why start with electric?