12 Must-Have RC Plane Parts and Accessories

My guide reviews 12 must-have RC plane parts and accessories. Tweaking models and expanding an RC kit is half the fun. Radio controlled RC planes are more popular today than ever. Even the raw novice can take to the skies with the new range of easy-to-use trainer planes. That’s all thanks to improvements in build quality, hardware, and software.

Improvements in RC software include autonomous flight modes, failsafe features, and aircraft simulators. RC pilots are always looking to the next level as skills develop. Parts and accessories exist to upgrade planes, replace broken parts, and make the hobby safer and more fun.

Warning: Some of the products below pertain to batteries and battery storage. You should follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for battery charging and storage. Using 3rd party chargers is generally not recommended. Never charge batteries unattended and keep them in a fireproof container well away from flammable materials.

Compatibility Checks

Buyer beware! Buying incompatible parts is a typical newbie error. Always check the part or accessory for compatibility with your specific model. For example, a LiPo battery for Flyzone planes doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a fit for all Flyzone models. That’s why you must always check the details, including scale size. I list the compatibility for the items in this guide at the top of each mini-review.

About My ‘RC Plane Parts and Accessories’ Guide

The RC parts and accessory reviews are short, easy-to-read, and highlight the product’s main benefits. This shortlist is the result of extensive research to see what’s selling well this year and why. I also used the opinions of industry experts and user feedback to help finalize the list.

The table below shows the products in the order they appear on the page.

1. HOBBYCASE RC Plane & Transmitter Carry Case

EDITOR’S RATING: 4.8/5

Compatibility: Spectrum series DX transmitters, battery chargers HobbyKing Tenergy SkyRC, Atomik, GOOLRC, Venom, Hitec, Turnigy, Holy Stone, iMax, propellers, batteries, and hobby parts.

HOBBYCASE Product Highlights

HOBBYCASE’s RC Plane and accessories case provides hard shell protection. The outer dense composite plastic material can resist drops, bangs, and blunt force. The interior has a Solid ELE tri-layer foam for the bottom layer. There’s a dense layer of 3” pick & pluck foam for the middle section. And the lid uses a layer of convoluted egg-crate type foam.

The three-foam layer arrangement and tough exterior provide exceptional all-around protection. The pick & pluck core makes it super easy to customize the inside. You can shape the interior to accommodate any RC plane kit. Models and accessories fit snugly and remain safe while storing or transporting the precious gear. And the case’s molded carrying handle is comfortable to hold.

2. Robart Super Stand II for all size RC Airplanes

EDITOR’S RATING: 4.4/5

Compatibility: Any size RC aircraft, including giant-sized warbirds. Also accommodates model boats.

Robart Super Stand II Product Highlights

RC plane builders and tinkerers need a reliable stand as well as a worktop. The simple Robart Super Stand II is a superb support and building platform. It’s durable, lightweight, and waterproof. It will last a lifetime with proper care. Nitro fans should know that it’s unaffected by fluids, including glow fuel. The stand’s soft rubberized pads prevent cosmetic damage to your models as you work on them.

Consider this stand if you want a reliable platform for maintenance, building, and transit.

3. Miuzei 10 Pcs Servo Motor Kit for RC Planes

EDITOR’S RATING: 4.5/5

Compatibility: Remote control helis, RC planes, cars, boats, robots, and Arduino experiments, etc.

Servo Motor Kit Product Highlights

These little servos are perfect for light-duty products like micro RC planes. They are lightweight and quite fragile, though. Don’t buy them for use with larger aircraft, especially ground launch models. They’re excellent value for the right product and useful extras to have in a kit. It’s surprising how powerful and smooth they are considering the size and affordable price.

Make sure the electrical, mechanical, and control specs meet your needs before deciding.

4. SIM&NAT 8-in-1 Octopus Multi LiPo Splitter Cable

EDITOR’S RATING: 4.7/5

Compatibility: RC aircraft, multirotor, RC cars, trucks, boats, many brands.

8-in-1 Octopus Multi Cable Product Highlights

This multi-connector is a must-have accessory for RC hobbyists. It’s for RC plane fans who have a fleet of craft with multiple batteries and different connectors. The multi arrangement has the most used connectors in a single product. There are protective caps to cover unused leads, so there’s no accidental shorting. It provides RC’er with a clean and convenient way to stay organized.

The multi-cable includes the following 8 connector types:

1. T Plug
2. TRX
3. EC3
4. XT60
5. FUTABA
6. TAMIYA
7. JST
8. DIY Bare Wire

Point to note: This product works for most—but not all—battery brands/types. Contact the seller if you’re unsure of its compatibility with your equipment.

5. E-flite 60-Amp Pro Brushless ESC (V2)

EDITOR’S RATING: 4.9/5

Compatibility: EFL10075, EFL10080, EFL10250, EFL10450, EFL10475, EFL10550, EFL10575, EFL12450, EFL12475, EFL1450, EFL1475, EFL2975, PKZ7075, PKZ7080, PKZ7150

60-Amp ESC (V2) Product Highlights

E-Flite is well-known for high-quality parts, and this sensor-less brushless ESC is no exception. The product is super-efficient and lightweight. Pilots welcome the integrated on/off switch too. It doesn’t need a separate receiver battery to power receivers and servos either. That means less weight and a more straightforward configuration for RC airplanes.

Here’s a rundown of the key specs:

• Amperage: 40-60
• Brakes: Yes (programmable)
• Cells w/ BEC: 3-6S Li-Po / 9-18 Ni-MH/Ni-Cd
• Input connector types: EC3
• Input voltage: 10.8V–22.2V
• Momentary peak cCurrent: 15 seconds @ 75A with correct cooling
• Output Connector: 3.5mm Bullet
• Wire Gauge: 13 AWG

This ESC is pricy compared to some, but positive feedback suggests it’s worth the bit extra.

6. GoolRC Flysky 6CH FS-i6 Transmitter for RC Plane

EDITOR’S RATING: 4.7/5

Compatibility: Multiple RC planes, gliders, multirotor drones, helis, cars, and RC boats.

GoolRC Flysky 6CH FS-i6 Product Highlights

This is the GoolRC Flysky, FS-i6 AFHDS 2A 2.4GHz 6-channel radio system. It may not be a high-end transmitter, but it offers a lot considering its price. It’s also a significant step up from many of the stock radios that come with RC planes. This model is an excellent buy for newbies finding their feet in the world of RC. The smooth gimbals feel natural to the thumbs and take no time to master.

Other highlights include the bright, backlit LCD screen, intuitive interface, and easy binding. The radio only uses 4 AA batteries instead of the typical 6 with many models. It has a long battery life as well. There’s shared criticism for its plasticky, toy-like feel and smallish size. These are not things that affect performance, though. Some are certain to welcome the smaller dimensions too.

7. Crazepony V2 Micro 700TVL FPV Camera for RC Plane

EDITOR’S RATING: 4.4/5

Compatibility: RC Planes, drones, cars, and boats.

Spotter V2 Product Highlights

Most RC planes don’t come equipped with a camera, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add one. The Spotter V2 is a micro First Person View (FPV) 2-in-one camera and 700TVL video transmitter. It has a small body with multi-mode functions and weighs only 0.31 oz. (9g). You can capture everything in sight with the 170° super-wide angle lens. The Spotter V2 works with all displays and FPV goggles.

Below is a rundown of the Micro Spotter V2’s main specs:

• Camera: 700 TVL w/ built-in OSD and mic
• 170° Field of view (FOV)
• Channel: 8/40 channel
• 5.8G transmission
• Dimensions: 32 x 18.3 x 15mm, weight: 9g
• Input power: 2S–4S (7.4V 14.8V)
• Antenna: Cloverleaf
• Frequency adjustment button

The Spotter V2 is an excellent FPV camera for the price and produces decent quality footage. The only gripe is that it can be fiddly navigating menus and changing settings using its button.

8. Hobbypark 11-in-1 Professional RC Plane Tool Kit

EDITOR’S RATING: 4.3

Compatibility: RC Airplanes, quadcopters, helicopters, hobby RC cars, and boats

Pro 11-in-1 Toolkit Product Highlights

The right tools for the job make working on RC planes so much easier, faster, and more enjoyable. This product is a perfect addition to any RC toolbox. The high-quality metal instruments are durable and long-lasting. And a handy storage case keeps the tools together and well organized.

Here’s what’s included in Hobbypark’s RC toolkit:

Consider this kit if you need tools for basic assembly, repairs, and RC aircraft maintenance.

9. Zeee 11.1V 5200mAh LiPo for RC Aircraft

EDITOR’S RATING: 4.8/5

Compatibility: RC airplanes, helicopters, drones, boats, cars, and trucks, etc.

Zeee 3S LiPO Battery Product Highlights

This RC LiPo battery by Zeee is a lightweight, soft case design with a high-energy storage capacity. What all pilots want with any battery are fast charging times and quick, safe discharge. This one delivers on all the above. It also lasts longer than many rival products.

Here’s a breakdown of the battery specs:

• Capacity: 5200 mAh
• Voltage: 11.1V
• Continuous rate: 60C
• Configuration: 3SIP

Make sure you can solder as the connectors are not attached.

10. HOBBYMATE Fireproof Explosionproof Lipo Safe Bag

EDITOR’S RATING: 4.7/5

Compatibility: 15-20 pcs 2200mah 3S LiPo batteries.

HOBBYMATE Lipo Safe Bag Product Highlights

Nothing is more important than safe practices when it comes to LiPo batteries. This LiPo safe bag by HOBBYMATE is an excellent product for secure storage and charging. It’s fireproof and explosion-proof with the flap correctly sealed. The material for this bag is an ultra-strong, fire-retardant fiberglass. It’s a woven fabric that withstands extreme temperatures for extended periods.

LiPo safety bag specifications:

• Dimensions 7.87 x 5.9 x 5.9”
• Weight: 5.64 oz. (160g)
• Materials: Textile Fiberglass w/ fire retardant coating

HOBBYMATE uses a fire-retardant yarn for the stitching. The lid seals firmly into place using high-quality Velcro® or hook and loop tape. This bag and others like it are a must-have accessory. It’s vital for safe and responsible charging, storage, and transit of LiPo batteries.

11. Venom Pro 2 AC/DC LiPo/NiMH Battery Charger

EDITOR’S RATING: 4.5/5

Compatibility: All popular batteries.

Venom Pro 2 Charger Highlights

A safe, reliable battery charger is an essential tool in an RC plane enthusiasts tool kit. And the more models and battery types you have, the more vital a decent charger becomes. The Venom Pro here is a fan-cooled multi-purpose tool that can handle the following:

• Lithium lipo batteries: up to 6S
• NiMH/NiCad batteries: 1–15 cells
• Lead acid batteries: 1–10 cells (2V–20V)

High-end features

The device has recallable memory profiles, discharge profiles, and internal resistance testing. Venom’s Pro2 comes with the 8 most used charging leads, namely:

1. Deans
2. EC3
3. EC5
4. Tamiya
5. Receiver pack
6. JST
7. Alligator clips
8. Glow plug adapter

The Venom Pro 2 has a tidy, ergonomic design, and user-friendly appeal. However, novice users may find the instructions lacking. My advice is to search YouTube for better guidance.

12. RealFlight RF8 (Hobby Edition) RC Plane Simulator

EDITOR’S RATING: 4.6/5

Compatibility: Over 150 model RC aircraft, compatible transmitters, gamepad/joystick controllers.

RealFlight RF8 Product Highlights

Some of today’s ready-to-fly (RTF) RC airplanes practically fly themselves. Most enthusiasts, though, prefer to develop their piloting skills and take full control. A plane simulator or SIM like the RealFlight RF8 (Hobby Edition) can help. It helps to improve real-world flying skills for the flight field. Best of all is that you don’t risk crashing and damaging your model as you train.

Just Like the Real Thing

RealFlight 8 is no video game even though it’s entertaining. It’s an incredible SIM, designed to give pilots proper training experience with their model. The software has 40+ incredible flying sites and a choice of over 150 stock planes. Its site editors offer limitless customization options that you can then save for later use. Below are some of the choices available.

• Control surface preferences, engine sounds plus trim schemes
• Add/remove components; alter locations.
• Swap parts, change airfoils, re-scale physics
• Modify, add, delete, move, rotate, and set characteristics
• Adjust thermals, wind direction, and wind speeds
• Customize electronics and radio controls

Pilots can put themselves in the virtual cockpit for a truly immersive VR encounter. You can also choose from several physical controller options (not included).