RC Planes Of The Year 2024 - Model AV8R Special

[@pappy883]

Model AV8R, Best reviewer for 2024, I vote

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Pappy, thanks man we really appreciate that!

[@thomaseperjesy9171]

Very nice! 16:25 to me in that shot, the viper looked like some huge turbine jet haha

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks!

[@b4566bb]

I've grown to enjoy your channel over time! Thanks for your very salient observations!🎉🎉🎉

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much!

[@heavy_duty]

Great wrap up, thank you. I guess I better assemble this 10cc cub now :)

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yeah, you've got a great one there!

[@exit1368]

🫡 Excellent work, glad to have found your channel a few months ago. Agree 100% on the J-3, assembled mine on Mon. Just wanted to add, the PNP tail wires are now Ready To Install - no crimping required! Only needed 2-3 turns for proper tension. Can’t thank you enough for posting a separate still slide with all the CG, radio setups etc. My Avios Super Tucano maiden was amazing!!! Happy Landings! 😎

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much for the kind words! We are glad what we do is helpful. I'm glad the wires are easier to do, I wasn't sure how the production planes would come...sweet! That Super Tucano is awesome!

[@thorvelasco1467]

Great work you've done here. The second half of 2024 has to be the best flying I have ever done since starting in2022. I've tightened up my build/assembly craft, upgraded radio and receivers, purchased planes to help me be a better pilot instead of purchasing planes for cool wow factors. I have the Eratix as my warm up plane, the twin 40mm SU57 and new in December, the Flyfans twin 64mm SU27. Putting time in the Eratix really helped improve my orientation, stick movements, hand/eye coordination. I fly with so much more confidence and enjoyment now. Since I'm not killing planes like the past, I'm starting to see all the differences in Prop planes, EDF's. I joined AMA and a local field where I can fly and learn in a stress free environment instead of flying commando in a Mall or warehouse parking lot. Let's go 2025!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! Sounds like you are well on your way! Using a 3D profile plane to increase skill is something we teach in our Becoming A Better RC Pilot instructional video. 2025 will be a great year for you...enjoy!

[@JustwingitRC]

Adam, so glad to see this video and can't encourage you enough to keep this trend going, WAY TO GO! Absolutely love the format, I think you and Heidi NAILED IT! What a clever way to wrap up the year. I fully agree with your choices and rationale. I'm actually looking forward to what next year brings. All the best to you, Heidi and Piper, here's to a safe and Happy New Year!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

John thanks so much!! It was fun to go over all we did in 2024 and recall certain planes. I hope we all have a great 2025! Happy new year brother!

[@JustwingitRC]

@ModelAV8RChannel 😊👍

[@stevebullard9039]

Loved your picks, explanations of why, ...and your fond J-3 Cub remarks. Blessings to you for a fantastic 2025, my friend!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks brother Steve! Hope you and yours have a blessed 2025 as well!

[@Bellairvideo]

A very honest review. Love the Micro Draco Adam. As for reviewers, need i say you are the #1 on my list! Happy new model year To you all!🇦🇺😎👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks so much Noel! Happy New Year brother!

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Great roundup video, Adam! I called about half of your choices, but for Plane Of The Year, your choice was right on the money. I'd pick that, too.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Gina! Yes ma'am...you know my tastes pretty good!

[@P62-JTP]

This is a helpful review of some of the best RC planes for 2024.!! Your competency as a pilot and your thoughts regarding what most RC pilots can afford and would like to fly always come through in your videos. I always learn something new every time I watch one of your videos. Keep up the great work, looking forward to what 2025 may bring. Thank you!!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks for the kind words, looking forward to 2025 as well!

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

What a great summing up Adam, really enjoyed watching, as you know I haven't flown any of the featured aeroplanes but I certainly enjoy watching them at the club or airshows, here's to 2025, Happy New Year to you and Heidi 🙂👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@CliffHarveyRCPlanes Thanks Cliff! Happy 2025 to you and Sal!

[@jcb6713]

...a great look at 2024 offerings !!! Happy New Year...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! Happy New Year!

[@looneytunes47]

Thanks for the over all new release wrap up review Adam

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks for watching.

[@jonoedwards4195]

Awesome Toys! Cannot wait for the UMX F-4E. Unreal Adam, All the Best!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@jonoedwards4195 Me too Jono!!

[@reckemroysrc3764]

JONO. Hope you are having a great holiday season. Oy mate

[@payitfwdrcl6171]

What a great year Adam. Love your pics for 2024. I had a hunch that the new cub would be your favorite. Also, Just wanted to take a minute to thank Heidi and you for y’all’s dedication to this hobby. I know it takes a lot of time and work and I think I speak for a lot of us - We appreciate it. Looking forward to what’s coming in the new year 2025. Take care my friend. ❤

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Brad for the kind words, Heidi and I appreciate it!

[@SteffenRC]

Great summary of some wonderful planes.. Well done Adam/Heidi. Congrats on hitting the 17k sub too...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Will! I know what your top pick for 2024 is...unless you fly a Laser in the next few days...

[@TwoBrosRC]

Thinking we should rename the channel to "Not Scale With Two Brothers" 😅

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

LOLOLOLOL! I think it should something cool since you're a husband/wife team now.

[@reckemroysrc3764]

LMAO. Yur scale when you want to be. Great channel either way. Happy Holidays 😊

[@pappy883]

Cubs are Cool 😎

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yes sir Pappy!

[@odwatchguy]

Thanks for sharing your opinion on the different categories. There were a lot of great releases of new planes this year and the only plane that surprised me not making the list was the FMS F-86 Sabre.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Actually that Sabre was late 2023. Great jet, and it would have easily won its category if it had been a 2024 release.

[@VTOL1973]

I would say the overall winner is the Super Tucano for the look, the unbelievable flight envelope as well as the scale details

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is a great one for sure, and a legit plane of the year for anyone that picks it, the J-3 is just too sentimental to me.

[@VTOL1973]

I hear you and agreed that the J3 is very nice as well I just can’t get enough of that Tucano and and the Pilatus for that matter

[@mikenadler7118]

I really enjoy and respect your presentations and opinions. Thank you.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks, we appreciate that!

[@jollyroger2226]

That was a great review of a lot of wonderful planes. My favorite is the Avios Super Tucano. Your video convinced me to jump on that right away - and I am so glad I did. 🏴‍☠

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Yep, that Super Tucano is awesome!

[@robertramirez9061]

Like always very informative and to the point. Thanks Adam for giving such helpful information. 👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Robert!

[@thomasedwards629]

Great video. 😎 You didn't fly it this year on the channel, but for 3D foamies, would love to see you fly the Flex Innovations Laser200.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! I'd like to fly one, and am considering getting one. It reminds me of an old Lanier Laser. I always liked the look of those.

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Adam great 2024 review and great picks for your planes of the year. I can’t fly the Super Timber and the Mighty Draco enough. You and Heidi are both amazing. Jeff in LA USA

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jeff, you know we love those two too!

[@BrianTurner-ub2tu]

You had me going with that FMS Integral!! Wonderful picks Model AV8R Adam!! In the UMX category, I would of added the Conscendo.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol, yep just poking fun. Good jet but not my fav. The UMX Conscendo was a late 2023 release.

[@CHILLON26]

Great Selections.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks!

[@MsPokey1234]

Just need a JM Fuel Can!

[@scottelmore7928]

Happy New Year Heidi, Piper…………and let’s not forget Adam! Love the Panther! Already looking forward to the ModelAV8R 2025 reviews!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Scott! Happy New Year brother!

[@jayaustin3096]

Fun review adam. I have no complaints. Theres just too many great planes out now to fly them all. I have 18 planes still in boxes in the garage. Lol. Ran out of room to build. But for some dumb reason, i still buy. Nice you included different offerings. I love em all.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I feel ya, I think we all do! Thanks Jay!

[@quilong]

Nice compilation, too bad kavan with norden didn't catch on this year. Happy new year!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It will be included in next years nominations as we will post our vid on it in early 2025. It became available so late we can''t get it out this year, but we won't let it get lost in the abyss...its too dang good!

[@AL-RCjunkie]

Happy New Years, Model AV8R Crew! I like my Micro Draco so much, i had to buy another. Its great for the beach, the lake, the woods, even the road in front of my inlaws with over head powerlines everywhere. So many awesome choices from '24. Can't wait to see what's released in '25! And after so many seasons searching, it looks like our team has finally found the QB of the future! Here's to the exciting things to come in '25. And maybe even seeing Nix break a few of Old #7's receords some day 😊 Oh and tell Bubba to quit messing with the teleprompter- Integral... sheesh! 👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Happy New Year Al! man Draco is so much fun...gets slow! I think 25' is going to be a great year! Dude, Bo will be something special I have a feeling!

[@SlowFlyer85]

Great job Adam but you forgot my Biplanes lol I am enjoying my Durafly Gloster Gladiator Mk1 Biplane Fighter EPO 1100mm, my Turbo Timber Evo 1.5m, E-flite 70mm Viper, The FMS Pa-18 1.3m, The Micro Draco ohhh heck Adam I like them all good video have a Happy New Year 😊😊😊😊

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Frank! You have great taste in planes! Happy New Year!

[@nirlachman007]

Awesome summary!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks!

[@JMan-m6q]

Adam, as usual great commentary and enjoyed your selections. I'm not surprised the KAVAN models weren't mentioned. Looking forward to your 2025 content.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Actually we thought about it but the Porter was the only new scale (ish) Bush plane we flew/filmed this year. It is very good, but not outstanding to the point of a single honorable mention. I flew the Norden a couple of days ago and it is Awesome. We still have to get out and film it so we won't release a Vid until 25'. It will for sure be on next years list. The Norden is a game changer with the P STOL flaps and slats. I'm excited to show what it can do as a STOL/Bush plane.

[@5280Recreation]

Great choices. So happy we have the options in 2024 where making money NOT in model air planes is probably easier. For me its the Turbo Timber SWS followed by the Super Timber. I own both, I'm a sucker for STOLs/Timbers and those two offerings are outstanding.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks, yep. Both those Timbers are awesome.

[@boss2234]

The X fly twin otter is grate

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Agree

[@mikessi]

Great show Adam. Hope next year's planes are even better!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man, me too!

[@davidsnyder238]

Great overviews and opinions on all these birds. I own a few and have flown several others. Hoping for a freat bunch of releases in 2025!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks David! Me too brother...

[@ateroczy5035]

Nice review po

[@DaveItYourselfChannel]

NIIIIIIIIIIIICE choices! 😁👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@Craig-d8w]

I think the RJ Gritter my pick .

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Great airplane

[@johnSunde-or4sb]

Love your channel and thanks for the review! I'm looking forward to your Avanti S with TV set up and fly video that was mentioned when you interviewed Miguel from spektrum. I just got the 18th anniversary Avanti S and I'm still setting it up for the Maiden but I want to see all the videos and info I can get on it. When can we expect that video? will you show how to set up the TV with a gyro on it? Thanks in advance.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hey thanks man! Yes, we are still going to do that. Ours is set up, tested, and ready. It is just a matter of when...this is a really busy time of year with new release reviews and the holidays. We're also sometimes weather challenged this time of year. We'll get to it as soon as we can. Realistically it will probably be February.

[@johnSunde-or4sb]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Thanks for the response and I totally understand. I'm out in calif and I forget about the weather across the country so no worries. All going well I'll have many flights under my belt by then and maybe I'll be thinking of switching to the TV set up. Keep up the good work you're doing!

[@boss2234]

The bigger the better in my mind , I have Umx only fly them if in a confined area like motel parking lots when I am on the road.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I enjoy everything with wings, but yes...bigger flies better.

[@patrickcunningham3496]

Cool in depth coverage without a bunch of baloney and trying to be a HBO series.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks...I think, lol.

[@ironmover5800]

In 24 I did buy a lot of planes , and like most of them . I did watch the 64 viper vid of yours and it looked good , I was still surprised how well it flew vs other 64’s . I should , but have not gotten either of the balsa planes , timber or cub yet ………. Maybe in 25 Great year of reviews for you , as new planes come out I watch your vids first , then others to get the info I need to make purchases…….. Thank you !

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@ironmover5800 Thanks man! We hope 2025 is awesome for you!

[@Retset]

I think the only new model I bought this year was a £57 Twister Ninja helicopter for indoor fly ins! However, I have got my hands on a used 2.0m balsa B25!!! No instructions, wires everywhere, some weird homemade wiring connector, total confusion. I am planning on many labels and quick connectors (as there so no way I can store or transport it in one piece) and putting it on ELRS, but only when access is allowed to the dining table as nowhere else has the room to work on it! And no, I never built that OMP Decathlon! It's turning into a running joke now. I should learn that more hobbies than time and bad time management make a poor combo! Your J3 looks sooooo much better than the VQ models 1.6m one I have ... I think VQ just reskinned their Super Cub and provided cylinder heads for the nose as it just looks wrong from firewall forward.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Man that B-25 sounds awesome! Lol, you and that Decathlon. We're planning on a vid with ours soonish, maybe it will inspire you.

[@Retset]

@@ModelAV8RChannel I think it will! Happy New Year Adam & Heidi!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Happy New year man!

[@bradlemke5726]

What 6s batteries do you prefer both economical and performance? Thanks for this video!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

HRB's have been good for me in scale/sport planes, but when it comes to higher performance applications like 3D and especially EDF's I've found spending some money for better packs worth it. Pulse, Spektrum, and Yoowoo have been very solid in those and I've recently found myself just getting the pricier packs. You get more cycles (charges/discharges) out of them anyway, and it's just more convenient not having to baby anything. I don't have to think about what or how I'm flying, I just charge anything the right size and I can go. Many rave about SMC, but I haven't tested those personally (hard to catch them in stock). I'm leery of recommending anything I haven't used... so many folks in this hobby do that. I've literally had multiple people tell me SMC was the best only to find out they either don't have any, or they have like two or three and have used them 3 times and that somehow qualifies such a bold statement. Before I'll recommend any batteries I'll take them to failure (under regular use, not in a lab in 30 seconds) so I know how many cycles I get out of them. Then I'll divide the number of cycles by the price I paid to get a per flight cost...then I know something. The only thing for sure I can tell you is Pulse gave me about 40% more cycles than HRB in sport/scale planes, and about 65% more cycles in EDF's. I haven't taken any Spektrums or Yoowoo's all the way to failure yet, but they sag in an EDF much less than HRB's, so, so far so good. We'll see. By the way, I'm not saying SMC's aren't awesome. I'm just saying I don't know if they are or not myself, and many people bragging about them have no business doing that about any battery...they couldn't tell you how many cycles they got out of any pack. Also, results with any pack will vary some from pilot to pilot...too many variables. How a person stores, charges, uses, how long they leave them charged, etc. will have a great affect on how those packs perform from pilot to pilot.

[@bradlemke5726]

If I have a Spektrum receiver and esc, do I need to stick with the Spektrum batteries? Are the Spektrum batteries the only smart battery that’s available? Do they discharge themselves? Thanks for your help! 😊

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

You don't have to use Spektrum packs with Spektrum ESC's. Most Spektrum ESC's will have either a IC3 or IC5 connector, and batteries with a EC3 or EC5 connectors will work on them. That said, the SMART packs do storage charge themselves, and they keep up with other parameters concerning battery performance. For instance they keep up with the number of cycles so you don't have to. They are more expensive, but very convenient...and they perform well for me so far in any type of plane including EDF's. That said, if you are on a budget or don't need or want the convenience, then less expensive packs will work in a plane with a Spektrum ESC.

[@bradlemke5726]

@@ModelAV8RChannel What size ESC should I get with the receiver? Does that need to match?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

The receiver doesn't care what size the ESC is. You match the ESC to a motor and prop combination.

[@michaelmctague4866]

Hey Adam, Love the channel…. Where did you get that great t-shirt?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Amazon.

[@amrrma4796]

New to the hobby can i bind a flysky i6x transmitter to the best scale general aviation planes in this category?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I *think so, but I'm not 100% sure. I believe they are open source, but again I'm not familiar enough with them to really advise you. I'm a Spektrum guy since 2011. With their new AS3X+ and SMART ESC tech, everything can be tuned with the TX. It really makes setting up any plane the way you want easy, and they easily bind to and give you all functions with the BNF models like those GA planes.

[@amrrma4796]

@@ModelAV8RChannel ok thanks , haven't purchased any transmitter yet, I ordered 2 rtf planes just to get going i'll look into it some more , i guess buy once cry once, thanks for the input.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@amrrma4796 I'll give you one more piece of advice, and that is don't believe everything you read on the internet. There are a lot of people that like to bash Spektrum. It might be because they're the biggest out there, I'm not sure what makes people do that. There are a lot of people in this hobby that don't know how to talk well about what they chose other than to bash what other people choose that is different. Here is the absolute truth... all of the major TX companies make radios that work just fine when they are used correctly. It's just a matter of what system makes the most sense for you. What has the features you like and is most compatible with what you want to fly. Whatever you choose, read the instructions carefully on receiver installation and do it like they tell you to, do proper range checks before you fly anything for the first time, and you'll be fine.

[@amrrma4796]

@@ModelAV8RChannel thank you , just trying to learn all the lingo and which way to spend my money, i probably already mad a mistake by going with rtf ? i ordered ranger1220 rtf and cessna 182 rtf , maybe not with the ranger but should of went pnp with cessna oh well, we'll see what transmitter it comes with and hopefully some kind of flight stabilization with that one. fms really didn't say

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@amrrma4796 Yeah man unfortunately the ready to fly transmitters are very limited. With most of them, you don't even have Expo. Expo turns the control line ( your stick movement from center to full deflection) into a curve by whatever measure you dial in. It essentially softens the sensitivity of your control inputs... particularly around center stick. Any highly programmable, more expensive transmitter has the capability to make any airplane fly much better.

[@rcdavidk]

EDF Learn to Land comment: From what I've seen at my field this year, a number of members have come to the conclusion that the F Series of jets have a steep learning curve to landing. What this actually means is that by the time you learn how to land some of these F planes you need to replace it. Learning to land usually means broken landing gear, broken wing tips etc. By the time you learn how to land, the plane is a bit of a mess.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I think it depends on the process. Yes, when pilots try to figure things out on their own it doesn't go as well usually. Proper instruction on different types of planes and the techniques required to fly them, and using certain sport jets to learn on first can save a good bit of frustration. Having as little success learning a new plane as you describe is usually caused by either making too big a jump from one airplane skill requirement to the next or improper guidance/lack of guidance. Full scale pilots don't tear up planes going from one type to another...they get instruction in the new type. RC pilots can do it that way as well. Choice is theirs.

[@Rcworldshop]

H9 J3 or Avios Super Tucano if you need to pick 1 as your Favorite ?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Not picking on you bro, but...did you watch the video? Lol. We literally tell you our pick for overall plane of the year at the end and give context to our choice, J-3.

[@Rcworldshop]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Yep I did but my mind was on the edge of the 2 lol

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@Rcworldshop Lol. I totally get it man they're both such good airplanes. I guess it would just be a matter of which genre you're looking for at the time. As warbirds go, that Super Tucano is by far the best of the year.

[@Rcworldshop]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Thanks bud awesome channel. I got the fms beaver EF bushmaster H9 carbon cub all are like stoll flying category so the Tucano would be something else in the hangar. Keep up the good work.

[@williamhoodtn]

I'm wondering about Best Sport plane for 2024 (prop driven)? I would think the Sportix 1.1m might just win in that category. Your thoughts?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I have a feeling that would be it. I didn't get enough time with it to say for sure, but we have another now, and I can't wait to fly it more!

[@FrancoiseJacquemin]

I'd really like to buy an Avios super Tucano but unfortunatly it seems not available here in Europe...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I think they are out of stock in all warehouses, but should be back in stock in March.

[@moochasas]

Merry Christmas mate...... awesome planes and nice picks... here is my best flying plane...... she's an oldie but a goodie....she's a Katana by Flying Models and she sports an EME 70cc twin with an electric start...... she belonged to our flying instructor who passed away in 2022 and she has been fully recovered and now she sports the angry face with teeth (not shown in the video)... she's a dream to fly....... here is a video of her after certification.. (all crafts over 7kgs must be certified here in Oz)....... stay safe and have a great new year.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/roWuqoaDmb2bfKM

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Nice looking Katana!