The Flying Lawnmower and Other Fun Flying RC Things

RC planes are a common feature of airshows and air meets around the world, but when the airshow is dedicated to RC airplanes, you have to step up the entertainment. One of the best ways to impress a crowd is with the best RC planes that don't look like planes at all. Attendees at RC airshows have reported seeing everything from 1:1 scale flying people to remote-control lawnmowers. Some of these fantastic RC imaginations are kits, while others are entirely handmade, with only a few servos and possibly some aerodynamics getting in the way. Let's take a look at some of the best flying RC creations to date.

It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's… a Flying WHAT?

The RC Flying Doghouse

Snoopy® must be mentioned first when talking about amusing flying RC experiments. One of the first unique non-aircraft kits was Al Signorino's RC Snoopy's Flying Doghouse, which was first released in 1969. The concept was refined during the following few years by RC enthusiasts, and in 1971, Model Airplane News republished it with instructions on how to build one yourself. As a result, RC pilots and RC flying clubs were able to make this concept a reality worldwide, and some of them are still in operation today, still powered by gas engines!

Because Snoopy's RC Flying Doghouse has become so famous, other people have enhanced the concept by making it larger and giving Snoopy a 3D makeover that even lets him turn his head. However, if you prefer the original design, Model Airplane News published the Special Edition plans, which were re-released to commemorate the 50th anniversary. The plans are available to enthusiasts at the Air Age Store.

The Flying RC Lawn Mower

Another vintage remote-control flying kit—a lawnmower — was demonstrated at the Joe Nall Memorial Fly-In 2023. Known as The Sky Cutter, the Flying Lawnmower was first spotted online in 2002.

FlyingThingZ sold this kit, and the video of this unusual remote-controlled aircraft in flight went viral.

This RC lawnmower kit weighs roughly 10 pounds and doesn't come with an engine, so modellers will need at least a .90 engine, if not larger, to get the kit off the ground. Although the kit does not contain a transmitter, fuel tank, wheels, or prop, an experienced enthusiast can follow the directions to finish this entertaining RC construction.

The kit included foam and balsa wood that had been laser-cut to create a consistent, somewhat aerodynamic shape.

Plans for a comparable aircraft, The Cloud Clipper, can be found online if you're ready to assemble all the necessary pieces yourself. However, the original Sky Cutter Flying Lawnmower kit may be complex to find these days. Although you have to recreate every component yourself, several members of RC forums still have their original designs for this RC lawnmower from the kit. Nevertheless, audiences adore this entertaining flying RC model, which makes it worth the time.

RC Witches and Flying Carpets

Other objects can also come to life with a bit of balsa wood and your creativity. Another classic that is commonly seen at airshows, particularly in October, is the RC Flying Witch. Another entertaining RC airplane that is sure to make everyone grin is the RC Flying Carpet.

RC Dragons

Rick Hamel refers to his Mythical Beast, an RC flying dragon with over 600 airbrushed scales and the ability to breathe fire. The level of detail on this dragon is astounding.

Rick Hamel expressed his wish to submit it in a scale RC competition in a forum. It's challenging to determine the size of a regular dragon, though, as other forum members have noted (assuming you can find one that will remain motionless long enough to measure it!). A video featuring an interview with Rick and an overview of the technology within this legendary beast can be found below.

RC Birds

Although flying RC birds are a popular kid's toy, two businesses have advanced the technology of RC birds to an entirely new level. The first is the RoBird®, which provides a career option as an RC pilot. The RoBird was made to resemble a real bird of prey in as many ways as possible in order to discourage other birds in particular locations. Altering migratory birds' flight paths to send them in a safer direction and making them a humane option for numerous industries was another objective.

The second bird-like challenger in the realm of enjoyable remote-controlled aircraft is AeroVironment's Nano Hummingbird. The team added a camera for a thrilling FPV experience and tested over 300 wing designs to make this little bird fly using a remote control. Images of this Nano Air Vehicle (NAV) taking off from the palms of famous people are making the rounds. Even though the general public cannot purchase this RC bird, it stimulates the thoughts of those who aspire to fly.

Unmanned Flying Men?

Compared to RC airplane models, the RC-flying community depends more on drone components.

The RC flight sensations they offer, however, are unparalleled. Thanks to Ralph Kayser's 1:1 scale RC flying man, also known as Manni Quinn, our dreams of jet-pack-powered flight are realized. This RC model uses a duo copter, which is used in several drones and RC helicopters.

Otto Dieffenbach's RC superheroes are other flying figures that can be seen at airshows and a few promotional events. Otto creates radio-controlled airplanes that mimic well-known cultural statistics; in the pursuit of the Red Baron, he even recreated Snoopy flying on his doghouse.

The superhero lineup consists of RC Ms. Emerson, RC Ironman, and RC Superman. RC Harry Potter (from the famous RC Flying Witch, which he also owns), an RC Flying TARDIS, an RC Flying Santa on his sleigh, an RC Flying R2-D2, and other items are also available. A video featuring his best songs from 2011 to 2014 can be found here.

Fun Flying Things in RC Simulators

In case you were unaware, RealFlight® 8 offers an airboat called Slater the Gator, which features an alligator as the pilot. The RealFlight Forum has further information about Slater and his 3D flight maneuvers. Keep an eye out for other RealFlight team RC airplane variations. Quarterly expansion packs for RealFlight Evolution, the most recent version of the game, are available.

Get Creative with Fun Flying RC Things

These are only some of the original designs and inventions for entertaining remote-controlled aircraft, helicopters, and drones that have been transformed into enjoyable flying objects. If you want to get started, see what you can do with the spare parts you have from previous RC airplanes and projects, or check into 3D printing files that can be used to turn an RC airplane into something entertaining. Make sure there are enough channels on your RC transmitter to accommodate the action. The possibilities are literally endless.