Paper Remote Control Aeroplane: Kits and How to Make One
The easiest way to make a remote control paper aeroplane is a clip-on power module such as the PowerUp 4.0: it adds two small motors, a battery and Bluetooth to a folded paper plane, and you steer it with a smartphone app. It weighs 19 g, flies about 10 minutes and has a range of about 70 m. Cheaper DIY kits with a small remote also exist, and you can build your own with micro RC parts. Here’s how each option works and how to make it fly well.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20264 min read
Your options
| Option | Control | Specs | Effort |
|---|---|---|---|
| PowerUp 4.0 | Smartphone app over Bluetooth, gyro and autopilot | 19 g, 220 mm module, up to 10 min, about 70 m range, up to 20 mph | Fold a plane, clip on |
| Budget DIY paper plane kits (e.g. “8302” type) | Small 2.4 GHz remote | Twin motors, tiny battery; specs vary | Assemble and fold |
| Own build with micro RC parts | Hobby micro receiver and transmitter | Depends on parts | High: soldering, tuning |
PowerUp 4.0 figures from PowerUp, checked October 2026. It also works with light balsa or foam models under 20 g.
How does a remote control paper plane steer?
Most paper plane kits have no servos. They use two motors, one on each side: speeding up one motor turns the plane the other way (differential thrust), and both motors together set climb and speed. A gyro in the module keeps the wings level. The PowerUp 4.0 also has an Acro mode for loops, barrel rolls and hammerheads.
Which paper plane design works best?
- Wide, flat wings with a large area: they carry the module’s weight at slow speed.
- Stiff paper: standard 80–100 g/m² printer paper or the kit’s templates; tape the leading edges.
- Symmetric folds: an asymmetric plane turns constantly.
- Slight upward bend at the trailing edge (up-elevator) to stop dives.
- Avoid narrow dart designs; they’re too fast and fragile for a motor module.
Flying tips
- Fly in calm air: early morning, a sports hall, or a large room for small kits.
- Launch gently and level at full throttle.
- If it dives, bend the trailing edge up slightly; if it stalls and drops, bend it down.
- If it always turns one way, adjust trim in the app or straighten the wings.
- Replace the paper plane when it gets soft or bent; it costs one sheet.
Building your own RC paper plane
| Part | Choice |
|---|---|
| Motors | Two 4–7 mm coreless motors with small props |
| Receiver/controller | Micro brushed receiver with two motor outputs, or a tiny Bluetooth board |
| Battery | 1S LiPo, 50–150 mAh |
| Frame | Carbon rod or thin balsa spine glued to the plane |
| Weight target | Under 20 g total for a paper plane |
Wire one motor per channel with differential mixing on the transmitter. Keep the battery forward so the plane balances about a third back from the leading edge.
Safety
- Keep props away from faces; fly away from people and pets.
- Charge small LiPos with the supplied charger and don’t leave them charging unattended.
- Paper planes are classed as toys, but local drone and model rules still apply outdoors.
FAQ
Can you turn a paper airplane into a remote control plane?
Yes, with a clip-on module like the PowerUp 4.0 or a DIY motor kit with a small remote.
How long does a remote control paper plane fly?
The PowerUp 4.0 flies up to about 10 minutes per charge, which takes 25–30 minutes.
Do I need a phone for the PowerUp 4.0?
Yes, it’s controlled with the PowerUp app over Bluetooth.
Can kids fly RC paper planes?
PowerUp recommends its kit for ages 8 and up; younger children should fly with an adult.
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
