There is no difference between the way an electric flies and how a fuel plane flies. So a fourth channel is not required on a fuel plane any more than it is on an electric plane.

Having said that, the fuel planes tend to be larger, heavier and more powerful. They also tend to fly faster than electrics and have higher wing loadings. Having the 4th channel makes the plane more manauverable. It gives you throttle, rudder, elevator and ailerons. Electrics can have exactly the same channels.

Having said that, many electrics, like the Aerobird, are aimed at a lower price point and a market that typically learns to fly on its own, or with more informal training, often in school yards and sports fields. Having only three channels makes these planes simpler, lower cost, lighter and easier to fly, though not as manauverable as a four channel plane.


There are plenty of 4 channel electric planes.