HobbyKing Airplanes: Durafly, Avios, H-King and Buying Tips
HobbyKing is a large online RC store founded in 2005 and based in Hong Kong. Its airplanes are mostly sold under in-house brands: Durafly (foam warbirds, jets and sport planes), Avios (larger scale foam models such as the Twin Otter and C-130) and H-King (trainers and sport planes such as the KitFox), alongside Turnigy power systems and OrangeRX radios. HobbyKing planes are usually PNF/PNP (you add a receiver and battery) and are known for good value, with the trade-offs of variable stock, shipping times and parts availability.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Main airplane brands
| Brand | Typical models | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Durafly | Foam warbirds, jets, sport planes | Good-looking, mid-size, PNF |
| Avios | Larger scale models (e.g. Twin Otter, C-130) | Scale detail, bigger sizes |
| H-King | Trainers, sport planes (e.g. KitFox) | Simple, affordable |
| Kits and ARFs | Balsa and composite models | For builders |
Range checked October 2026; models come and go. The Avios Twin Otter is described in Twin Otter RC plane, and the C-130 in Avios C-130.
What PNF means
Plug-N-Fly (PNF) planes come with motor, ESC and servos installed. You add a receiver for your radio, a battery and a charger. That suits pilots who already own a radio and want to try many planes affordably. Beginners without a radio need to budget for one; a computer radio bought once can fly many planes.
Buying tips
- Check which warehouse the plane ships from; local warehouses are faster and avoid import costs.
- Read the product’s reviews and owner forum threads for known issues.
- Buy key spares (props, landing gear, a spare wing or fuselage) when you buy the plane.
- Check the recommended battery size and connector.
- Inspect glue joints and control horns on arrival; some planes benefit from extra glue.
Quality and value
HobbyKing’s own-brand planes are generally good value, and many popular designs are well liked. Quality can vary between batches, so a pre-flight check is wise: tighten screws, check the CG and control throws, and confirm the electronics work before the first flight. Owners often share fixes and improvements for popular models.
Parts and support
Spare parts are listed per model but can sell out, especially for older planes. Buying spares early saves waiting later. For support, product pages and owner communities are the main sources of help, so they’re worth reading before you buy.
Alternatives
Brands sold through local hobby shops may cost more but offer faster parts and in-person help. Choosing between them often comes down to whether you value price and variety or local support.
Setting up a new HobbyKing plane
When the plane arrives, unpack it carefully and check for transit damage. Read the manual, then assemble the wing and tail, fit your receiver and bind it, and check that every control moves the right way. Set the throws and expo as the manual suggests, and balance the plane at the recommended CG with your battery. Check that the propeller is tight and balanced, and do a range check before the first flight. Many owners add a little extra glue to stress points such as landing gear mounts and control horns, which can save the plane from early damage.
Radios and receivers
Because most HobbyKing planes are PNF, you’ll need a receiver that matches your transmitter’s protocol. If you’re starting from scratch, choose a radio system with affordable receivers so each new plane costs less to equip.
FAQ
What brands does HobbyKing sell for planes?
Mainly Durafly, Avios and H-King, plus kits.
Are HobbyKing planes good?
Many are good value; check reviews and inspect on arrival.
What is PNF?
Plug-N-Fly: add a receiver and battery.
Where does HobbyKing ship from?
Several warehouses; check the one listed for your item.
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
