RTF, BNF or kit?

The letters on the box tell you how much of the helicopter is actually in it. Get it wrong and you can end up with a helicopter you can't fly until you've bought a radio, a battery or a box of electronics.

The packages

RTF: ready to fly

Everything you need in one box, including a transmitter already bound to the helicopter. This is the best choice for a first helicopter, because you know everything works together. The downside is that the transmitter supplied is often basic.

Watch out for "RTF Basic". Some manufacturers sell RTF packages without the battery and charger, so you can choose your own. Read the box contents list.

BNF: bind-n-fly

The helicopter is complete, including the receiver, but there's no transmitter. You bind it to your own radio. BNF is cheaper and makes sense if you already own a transmitter that speaks the same protocol, such as Spektrum DSMX for Horizon's Blade range. See RC transmitters explained for protocols.

PNP and ARF

PNP (common on planes) has the motor, speed controller and servos fitted, but no receiver. ARF means mostly built, with some assembly and often electronics to add. Both suit people who already have radios and want to choose their own parts.

Kits and combos

A kit is a box of parts you assemble. Larger helicopters such as the Align T-REX range are often sold as kits or "combos" that include motor, servos and sometimes a flybarless unit. Building one teaches you everything about how the helicopter works, which makes repairs easier, but it's not for a first helicopter.

What else you might need

Whatever the package, check whether you need:

• Batteries: most people want two or three.
• A balance charger: see best LiPo chargers.
• A transmitter (BNF, PNP, ARF, kits).
• A receiver (PNP, ARF, kits).
• A flybarless unit (kits).
• Tools: see essential RC helicopter tools.

Which to choose

• First helicopter, no radio: RTF.
• First helicopter, already own a compatible radio: BNF.
• Second or third helicopter: BNF, or a kit if you enjoy building.

The total cost of each route is in how much does an RC helicopter cost, and the rest of the decision is in the RC helicopter buyer's guide. Back to the RC helicopters hub.