Micro RC Planes: Indoor and Park Flyer Options

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"Micro" covers a wide range. Horizon lists the E-flite UMX Night Vapor at 0.9 oz (25 g) with its battery and 14.8 in of wingspan, while the HobbyZone AeroScout S 2 1.1m weighs 22.5 oz (639 g) without a battery and spans 43.1 in. Both get called micro planes, but they suit different places, different radios and, for the heavier one, different regulations. This page sorts the options by where they are meant to fly. It is a researched buyer's guide built on manufacturer specifications and documentation, not on our own flying, and it leaves out prices and ratings. Stock was checked in October 2026.

Several models that appear on older lists could not be verified from a maker page, or are no longer sold, and they are noted at the end rather than recommended.

How to choose a micro plane

Three questions decide most purchases.

• Where will it fly? Horizon's own descriptions are the best guide to space. The Eratix 3D FF is described as light enough to fly 3D maneuvers "in spaces no larger than a living or conference room". The Duet S 2 and Sport Cub S 2 are described as sized for a park, a sports field or "indoors over a basketball court". The Ultrix is pitched at "a single basketball court". Outdoors, the Night Vapor is described for "calm to low wind conditions".
• Which radio? Ready-to-fly (RTF) models include a transmitter. Bind-N-Fly (BNF) Basic models need a compatible Spektrum transmitter, and Horizon lists a minimum channel count for each. The RTF, BNF and PNP guide explains the terms.
• How heavy? The FAA says drones of 250 grams (0.55 lb) or more must be registered. Horizon states that the Sport Cub S 2 and Night Vapor need no FAA registration because they are under that limit. The AeroScout S 2 is over it.

Quick picks

Indoor flyers

HobbyZone Duet S 2

The HobbyZone Duet S 2 is the simplest plane here. Horizon lists a 20.6 in wingspan, 43 g with the battery, a brushed motor setup with twin motors and differential thrust for turning, and 3-channel control covering climb and descent, steering and throttle. SAFE is built in with Beginner and Experienced modes, a 1S 150 mAh battery and USB charger come in the box, and Horizon describes it as an updated version of one of its lowest-cost hobby-grade trainers. The listing says any 6+ channel Spektrum DSMX or SLT-compatible transmitter will also work with it.

E-flite UMX Night Vapor

The UMX Night Vapor is the slow-flyer option. Horizon positions it for intermediate to experienced pilots in large family rooms, garages, conference rooms and gymnasiums, or outdoors in calm to low wind, day or night. It has factory-installed LED lights with color options, a reinforced airframe, metal landing gear that unscrews for replacement, a stronger prop shaft and AS3X with optional-use SAFE Select. It accepts 1S batteries from 70 mAh to 200 mAh, and the RTF includes a 1S 150 mAh battery, charger and Spektrum transmitter. The BNF Basic needs a 6-channel radio and a battery and charger of its own. Both versions were in stock.

E-flite UMX Eratix 3D FF

For pilots who already fly, the UMX Eratix 3D FF is a 17.72 in flat foamy that weighs 2.9 oz (83.5 g) with the recommended 2S battery. It uses a brushless 1404-3200Kv motor and AS3X with SAFE Select, needs a 5+ channel radio and is rated skill level 3. Horizon describes it as light enough for extreme 3D maneuvers indoors in spaces "no larger than a living or conference room". The UMX Ultrix (342 mm, 1S 500 mAh) is a similar idea but was on backorder, as was the UMX Slow Ultra Stick (501 mm, 1S 100 to 210 mAh).

Beginner trainers

HobbyZone Sport Cub S 2

The HobbyZone Sport Cub S 2 spans 24.3 in and weighs 2.1 oz (61 g) with the 1S 150 mAh battery. SAFE gives Beginner, Intermediate and Experienced modes and a Panic Recovery function, and it has tricycle gear. Horizon rates it skill level 1 and describes it as sized for parks, sports fields and "indoors over a basketball court". The RTF and the BNF Basic with SAFE were both in stock. The BNF Basic table lists a 6-channel minimum radio. The Cub guide compares it with larger Cubs, and the trainer guide compares it with bigger first planes.

VolantexRC Sport Cub 500

The VolantexRC Sport Cub 500 is a smaller, EPP alternative from a different maker. The Volantex store lists a 19.7 in wingspan, a 13.8 in length, a 10 mm coreless motor, 4-channel control with ailerons, an Xpilot 6-axis gyro with three assist levels, a 650 ft radio range and a prop saver. The maker claims about 20 minutes of flight time, which is a vendor figure and not a measurement. It was available on the maker's store.

HobbyZone Apprentice STOL S 700

The Apprentice STOL S 700 is a brushless step-up. Horizon lists a 27.56 in wingspan, 5.5 oz (157 g) with the recommended 2S 300 mAh battery, an EPO airframe, SAFE and skill level 1. It says the plane was scaled down from the Apprentice 1.5m and 1.2m and optimized for STOL performance like the Timber series. The RTF includes a Spektrum battery, charger and an SLT6 transmitter with a USB-C port and a trial of the RealFlight Trainer Edition simulator. Both RTF and BNF Basic were on backorder when checked. The simulator guide explains how a trial like this helps before a first flight.

Micros that cover more than one space

E-flite UMX Turbo Timber Evolution

The UMX Turbo Timber Evolution spans 27.48 in and weighs 5.4 oz (153 g). It has a 1208 brushless outrunner that accepts 2S 280 mAh up to 3S 300 mAh packs, functional oversized flaps, optional leading-edge slats, oversized tires, and factory-installed landing, navigation and strobe lights. Horizon rates it skill level 2 and says it can be flown outdoors in many yards, parks and sports fields or indoors in gymnasiums. Optional floats are sold separately. Only a BNF Basic is offered, so a compatible Spektrum transmitter is needed, and Horizon notes that the DXS transmitter in many RTF models works with it. It was in stock.

The UMX Timber X (570 mm, 137 g without battery, 2S or 3S) is a smaller-span relative, also in stock and also described for yards, parks and gymnasiums. The UMX Pitts S-1S (434 mm), WACO (550 mm), Cirrus SR22T (732 mm) and Gee Bee R-2 (510 mm) were also in stock, all rated skill level 3 and all 2S or 3S 300 mAh machines. The UMX Conscendo (802 mm, 134 g with battery) is a glider-style option.

E-flite UMX Radian

The UMX Radian is a motor glider with a 730 mm wingspan. Horizon lists it at 1.59 oz (45 g) without a battery, EPS construction, 1S power, AS3X with SAFE Select, skill level 3 and a one-piece wing that goes on with a few screws. With 1S 150 to 200 mAh batteries it claims 10 to 20+ minute flights when power-on and power-off flying are mixed. It can fly in gymnasiums and other suitable spaces or in yards, parks and sports fields. The glider guide covers larger options.

A park trainer: HobbyZone AeroScout S 2 1.1m

The HobbyZone AeroScout S 2 1.1m is the heavyweight here and not an indoor plane. Horizon lists a 43.1 in wingspan, 34.3 in length, 22.5 oz (639 g) without a battery and 30.1 oz (853 g) with a 3S 2200 mAh pack. It uses a 2306-2250Kv brushless motor, a 30A Avian Smart Lite ESC and a recommended 3S 1300 to 2200 mAh pack. It has a pusher layout, an EPO airframe, tricycle gear with oversized tires and a steerable nose wheel, and SAFE with three modes. Horizon rates it skill level 1. Optional floats are sold separately.

Stock is the main caution. Only the RTF Basic with SAFE and RealFlight was in stock. The BNF Basic with SAFE was on backorder, and the other AeroScout versions are discontinued. The RTF Basic includes the radio and receiver, but the battery and charger are sold separately.

The 250 gram line

Weight changes the rules. The FAA's recreational flyer page says a drone weighing 250 grams (0.55 lb) or more must be registered, and that recreational flyers must take the free TRUST test and carry proof. Aircraft needing a registration number must also broadcast Remote ID unless flown within an FAA-recognized identification area, as of September 16, 2023. The FAA writes for "drones", and model aircraft fall under its limited recreational exception. Every plane on this page except the AeroScout is under 250 g, and Horizon states that the Sport Cub S 2 and Night Vapor need no registration for that reason. The AeroScout weighs 639 g even before a battery, so registration and Remote ID questions apply. The license and registration page covers what the FAA requires in more detail.

Batteries and spares

Batteries are specific to each model. The Night Vapor takes 1S 70 to 200 mAh packs, the Radian 1S 150 to 200 mAh, the Apprentice STOL a 2S 300 mAh pack with a PH connector, the Conscendo a 3S 300 mAh pack with a JST connector, and the AeroScout a 3S 1300 to 2200 mAh pack. Check the connector before buying a spare, because they differ. Horizon's safety sheet says never to store loose batteries together. The LiPo guide explains charging and storage. For the stabilization systems named above, the flight controller guide explains what SAFE and AS3X do.

What was left out

The GoolRC KF606 appeared on an earlier version of this page, but no maker or Horizon listing could be found for it, so it is not covered. Many older UMX models are discontinued at Horizon, including the UMX Cessna 182, J-3 Cub, Aero Commander, P-51D BL, F4F Wildcat and Whipit DLG. The UMX Vapor Lite HP and HobbyZone Mini AeroScout are also discontinued.

Which one fits

• Living room or small garage. The Night Vapor or Duet S 2, plus the Eratix for an experienced pilot.
• Gym or hall. Any of the above, along with the Sport Cub S 2, Timber X, Pitts S-1S or the Radian.
• Backyard and calm park. The Sport Cub S 2 or the Turbo Timber Evolution.
• Open field. The AeroScout S 2, after reading the registration section. A local club is a good place to take it, and the beginner guide explains the first steps.

Frequently asked questions