Yes, they are 3 channel receivers. However, once one goes to 2.4, does the surface/air limitation even apply? I don't think I'd want to try flying a plane with a pistol grip radio, but Futaba does make a couple 3 channel stick radios. I've been considering switching to 2.4 and had considered a 6 or 7 channel Futaba so I could use it for boat and planes. Unfortunately, the low battery failsafe in the 6 and 7 channel FASST radios is setup for 4 cell batteries and I use 5 cell in most of my boats and several of my planes. But anyway, I stray too far from the original topic...