Flying RC airplanes is a great hobby that is gaining tremendous popularity in recent times. There are two types of airplanes – gas powered and electric airplanes. Gas powered airplanes also known as nitro airplanes. There are many differences between these two types of airplanes. The differences are highlighted below:

Gas powered RC airplanes are powered by motors. These motors are oily, make a lot of noise, and can create many problems for people in the vicinity where you are flying your gas powered aircraft. On the other hand, batteries power Electric airplanes and they are quiet.

Gas powered airplanes fly at great speeds. Also these planes have complex control options. Hence, these planes are best suited to be flown in open fields where you can maneuver your plane better and perform aerobic stunts.  Electric RC airplanes on the other hand, fly at much low speeds as compared to gas powered airplanes. These planes have only two control options and maneuvering these planes is very easy.  You can fly these planes both outdoors and indoors.

RC airplanes that are powered by gas are expensive. This is mainly because these planes run on fuel; this increases its operational cost. But other than that it offers great speed.  Electric RC airplanes are much cheaper because they run on batteries and there is no additional running cost.

You can buy Gas powered aircrafts only in certain specialized hobby shops, whereas, electric airplanes are available from all hobby stores and toy shops.

A gas RC airplane requires great maintenance. This is because the motor of these airplanes are vulnerable to damage. On the contrary, an electric powered RC airplane requires minimal maintenance.

The flight timing of a gas powered airplane depends mainly on the size of its fuel tank. Electric powered RC airplanes generally have less flight time as compared to their gas powered counterparts. However, a high powered battery airplane can match the flight timing of a gas airplane if equipped with a large fuel tank.