Best RC Bush Planes: STOL, Tundra Tyres and Floats Explained
An RC bush plane is built to take off and land in short distances on rough ground: a high wing with slats and flaps for slow flight, sturdy spring landing gear, big soft tundra tyres, and often floats for water. Popular choices include E-flite’s Timber X 1.2m (STOL with strong aerobatic ability and an optional float kit), the Turbo Timber Evolution 1.5m (lights, floats option, 10–15 minute flights) and the DRACO 2.0m, a licensed scale replica of Mike Patey’s bush plane. Bush planes are fun, forgiving and great for flying from grass fields.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Popular bush planes
| Plane | Span | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| E-flite Timber X | 1.2 m | STOL plus 3D capability; optional floats |
| E-flite Turbo Timber Evolution | 1.5 m | Lights, float option, 10–15 min flights |
| E-flite DRACO | 2.0 m | Licensed scale of Mike Patey’s DRACO; big STOL performance |
From E-flite listings and reviews, checked October 2026. We list these from specs and published reviews, not our own test flights.
What makes a good bush plane
- Slats and flaps: extra lift at low speed for short take-offs and landings.
- Tundra tyres: large soft tyres that roll over rough grass and bumps.
- Spring landing gear: absorbs hard landings.
- High wing: stable and forgiving.
- Floats option: fly from water.
- Stabilisation: AS3X/SAFE-type systems help in gusty conditions.
Why fly a bush plane
Bush planes let you fly from places where a sport plane would struggle: a small grass field, a farm track, a beach (where allowed) or a lake. They fly slowly enough to land precisely on a chosen spot, which turns landing practice into a game, and many can still do loops, rolls and even 3D moves. They suit pilots past the trainer stage who want a versatile plane, and some forgiving bush-style trainers are suitable earlier; a trainer with good short-field manners is described in HobbyZone AeroScout S 2.
STOL flying tips
- Use full flaps and take off into the wind with a short, firm throttle push.
- Climb at a moderate angle; don’t hang it on the prop near the ground.
- On approach, slow down with flaps and keep a little power.
- Aim for a spot and flare gently just before touchdown.
- Practise landing on a marked “spot” to improve accuracy.
Flying from water
With floats fitted, take off by accelerating smoothly and holding a little up elevator to get the plane “on the step”, then let it lift off. Land into the wind with a gentle descent. Water rudders on the floats help steering at low speed. Always have a retrieval plan, such as a small boat or a friend with a line.
How to choose
- Size: 1.2 m planes are easy to transport; 1.5–2 m planes handle wind better.
- Battery size you can support (3S–6S).
- Float kit availability if you want water flying.
- Your skill level: some bush planes are more forgiving than others.
- Spare parts availability.
More slow-flying planes are in best slow-flying RC planes.
Power and batteries
Bush planes usually run on 3S to 6S LiPo depending on size. Larger packs add flight time but also weight, which raises landing speed and lengthens take-offs, so stay within the maker’s recommended range and check the CG with every new battery size.
FAQ
What is an RC bush plane?
A STOL plane with big tyres and slow-flight features for rough fields.
Are bush planes good for beginners?
Some are, especially with stabilisation, but most suit pilots past the trainer stage.
Can bush planes fly from water?
Many have float kits.
What is STOL?
Short take-off and landing.
More on this topic: the complete RC Airplanes guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
