Traditional controllers are pretty basic, but some of the newer systems use frequency hopping (direct-sequence spread spectrum) technology. It's technically not

Traditional controllers are pretty basic, but some of the newer systems use frequency hopping (direct-sequence spread spectrum) technology. It's technically not encrypted, but it would be difficult to interfere with since the whole idea behind DSSS is to resist interference, natural or otherwise. On top of that, at best you'd just be able to make the plane crash, which could be bad if it lands in a populated area. A much better idea is what DJI is doing on their newer systems, where on-board GPS is used to enforce no fly zones around airports: http://www.dji.com/fly-safe/category-mc http://www.dji.com/fly-safe/category-mc