A
radio-controlled aircraft (often called
RC aircraft or
RC plane) is a small flying machine that is controlled remotely by an operator on the ground using a hand-held radio
transmitter. The transmitter communicates with a
receiver within the craft that sends signals to
servomechanisms (servos) which move the
control surfaces based on the position of
joysticks on the transmitter. The control surfaces, in turn, affect the orientation of the plane.