Hi, I'm Tim, and today I'm excited to bring you along as we explore the Sealand Air Plus, a 4-channel RC model airplane that's almost ready to fly right out of the box. This model boasts versatility, being capable of operating on land, water, and air, which makes it quite unique in the world of RC planes.
About the Reviewer: Tim McKay
Before we get into the details, let me introduce myself. My name is Tim McKay, and I’ve been flying radio control model aircraft since 1972. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep passion for building, designing, and flying a wide range of RC model airplanes. Some of my designs have been published in RC Modeler and Quiet and Electric Flight magazines, with over 25 additional designs offered for free on my YouTube channel.
In addition to my experience with RC models, I bring a wealth of knowledge from my time flying in the US Air Force, working as a Certificated Flight Instructor for general aviation aircraft, and most recently, as a B-777F airline pilot. I also cover a wide range of aviation topics on my channel, where I share insights from my decades of flying experience.
Let’s dive right into the details, from assembly to its performance in the field.
Unboxing and Assembly
The Sealand Air Plus arrived well-packaged, with everything neatly organized. Right out of the box, all major components are pre-assembled, which makes getting it ready to fly a breeze. The only assembly required is attaching the two outer wing panels, which is straightforward thanks to a sturdy wing spar. I opted for 5-minute epoxy to glue on the wings—it's quick and keeps everything in place securely, though the kit does provide foam glue if you prefer that option.
Included with the Sealand Air Plus are a transmitter, an electronic speed control (ESC), a charger, and a three-cell battery. There’s also a detailed instruction manual with both Chinese and English translations. The manual includes clear images to guide the simple assembly process, and I found it particularly helpful in understanding the various controls.
Design and Features
The Sealand Air Plus has some features worth highlighting, starting with the rubber nose—an excellent safety feature that helps prevent injuries or damage during hard landings. The large access hatch allows easy access to the battery compartment, which is fitted with a Deans connector for the 3-cell battery.
One of the standout features is the GPS locator, which is designed to allow a return-to-home function. Although I chose not to activate this feature during my test flight due to unclear instructions, it’s a great option to have for more experienced users.
The Sealand Air Plus also comes equipped with a powerful brushless motor, delivering plenty of thrust to get this model airborne even without landing gear. Its tough plastic skid beneath the fuselage allows for smooth takeoffs and landings, whether on grass, pavement, or water. Additionally, the aircraft features a large rudder for easy ground maneuvering.
Flight Test Performance
After a quick pre-flight check, I headed to the field to put the Sealand Air Plus through its paces. The conditions were ideal, with a slight breeze down the runway. I installed the battery, checked the control surfaces, and verified that the motor was working before attempting my maiden flight.
Taking off without landing gear was no issue, and the Sealand Air Plus instantly showed its power and stability. With a wingspan of about one and a half pounds, the aircraft felt incredibly stable right from the start. The controls were responsive, and it was easy to maneuver, with plenty of power for quick climbs and smooth turns. I found that the rudder is particularly important in turns, especially given the large rudder surface, which made ground maneuvering effortless and added stability during tight aerial turns.
The Sealand Air Plus handled both left and right turns with ease and had excellent pitch stability, allowing me to perform low passes comfortably. The model's strong power-to-weight ratio means there’s no lack of power, and I had a great time experimenting with ground scooting maneuvers as well.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I’m thoroughly impressed with the Sealand Air Plus. It’s a versatile and fun model that’s suitable for a variety of environments, whether you’re on the runway, in the water, or on grass. The combination of a powerful brushless motor, large rudder, and the robust delta wing design makes this model easy and enjoyable to fly. Just be mindful of the propeller—it packs quite a bit of power, so always keep your hands clear.
The GPS feature could add an extra layer of functionality for more experienced users, though I personally didn’t need it for this review. If you're looking for a versatile and easy-to-fly model that can go from water to land and into the sky, the Sealand Air Plus is definitely worth considering.
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