F3P RC Planes: Indoor Aerobatics Rules, Models and Getting Started
F3P is the FAI competition class for indoor radio-controlled aerobatics. Models must have a span and fuselage length under 1.5 m and weigh no more than 300 g, but real competition planes are far lighter: precision models can weigh under 50 g, and freestyle-to-music (AFM) models are around 150–200 g. Because it’s flown in sports halls, F3P is independent of weather and can be flown in winter or at night. The class has two parts: F3P-AP (precision aerobatics) and F3P-AFM (aerobatic freestyle to music).
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Key rules
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Wingspan | Less than 1.5 m |
| Fuselage length | No more than 1.5 m |
| Weight | Max 300 g |
| Venue | Indoor halls |
| Disciplines | F3P-AP (precision), F3P-AFM (freestyle to music) |
Summary of the FAI Sporting Code; check the current edition and your national rules for details.
What F3P planes look like
Most F3P planes are flat “profile” designs made from very thin foam (often 2–3 mm EPP or Depron-type foam) with carbon rods for stiffness, big control surfaces and a light motor and prop. They hover on the prop, roll slowly and fly precise geometry at walking speed. Commercial models come from specialist makers, and many pilots build from plans. The weight targets are extreme: every gram matters, so builders use thin glue lines, tiny servos and small 1S–2S batteries.
Precision vs freestyle
- F3P-AP: a set sequence of manoeuvres judged for precision, like a scaled-down F3A; see F3A RC planes.
- F3P-AFM: a freestyle routine flown to music, judged on choreography, difficulty and flow; often uses 3D manoeuvres like hovering and torque rolls.
Electronics
- Micro brushless or coreless motor with a light prop.
- Small ESC, often 1S–2S.
- Linear or micro servos (2–5 g).
- A light receiver with a reliable 2.4 GHz link (indoor halls have many signals).
- A computer radio with mixes, expo and flight modes.
How to start
- Fly an indoor foam 3D plane in a hall to get used to low-speed control.
- Join a club that rents a sports hall for indoor nights.
- Build or buy a light F3P-style plane; start with a robust version.
- Practise the basic sequence (loops, rolls, hovering) on a simulator.
- Enter a local or national indoor competition in a novice class.
Building light is covered in how to make super light RC indoor planes.
Flying in a hall
Halls give calm air but limited space, so planes must fly slowly and turn tight. Ventilation and heating vents create draughts; learn where they are. Ceiling lights, basketball hoops and walls are the main hazards. Follow the club’s rules on how many planes fly together and where spectators stand.
Buying checklist
- Weight of the finished plane with your electronics.
- Spare parts or a plan to rebuild.
- Matching motor, prop and battery recommendations.
- Strong but light landing gear, or none for hand launches.
- A transport box: thin foam planes crush easily.
What a precision sequence looks like
An F3P-AP sequence is a set of manoeuvres flown in front of judges, one after the other without breaks: loops, rolls, square loops, stall turns, hovering figures and combinations, sized to fit the hall. Judges look for exact geometry, constant radius and speed, correct positioning in the centre of the hall and smooth transitions. Because the planes are so light and slow, every small correction is visible, which is why F3P pilots spend so much time on trim and on rehearsing the sequence. Sequences change periodically, and lower classes use simpler ones so newcomers can compete from the start.
FAQ
What is F3P?
The FAI indoor RC aerobatics class.
How heavy can an F3P plane be?
Up to 300 g, but competitive planes are often far lighter.
What is AFM?
Aerobatic freestyle to music.
Can beginners fly F3P?
After learning on a simple indoor plane, yes.
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
