What is the difference between BNF, RTF and PNP?

This is a question that gets ask around the internet and rc-hobby shops quite often.  There is a short answer and a bit longer answer and for some reason, most articles want to go the long route.  We will skip the long route and you are welcome!  , You can stop reading after our quick BNF vs RTF vs PNP Short Answer and get back to some flying fun!

BNF vs RTF vs PNP Short Answer:

RTF means Ready to Fly.  So, you get everything in a box to go out and fly.

BNF means Bind and Fly  and you get everything in a box to go fly, EXCEPT the handheld transmitter.  You have to get that separately and connect it (bind it) to the aircraft’s electronics.

PNP means Plug and Play  and the aircraft comes almost ready, but is only missing the transmitter and receiver pair and most likely the battery and charger.  You will have to provide those.   Servo’s are installed.

So what are the differences?  In a nutshell, as you advance in the hobby, you will invest in a radio transmitter, similar to this one, which is more advanced and can connect to multiple models.  Once you do, you will not need the transmitter setup that comes in the Ready to Fly (RTF) category.   It is very common for a multi-model flyer to own a more advanced transmitter and use it across all his/her flying models.  This gives the flying enthusiast more flexibility in configurations without the waste of purchasing a RTF package.