A technique is provided that can avoid radio zone interference in a radio controlled model apparatus, which employs the frequency hopping system in the spread spectrum radio techniques. In the controller for maneuvering, for example, model airplanes, a process for detecting whether or not a radio zone is in an occupied state is initiated, with an initial radio zone represented by information (M) stored in a nonvolatile memory, acting as a starting point. Until an unoccupied radio zone is detected, the process of detecting occupation of radio zones continues, according to a predetermine sequence. Thus, an available radio zone can be detected. Moreover, information (M) representing an initial radio zone, stored in a nonvolatile memory, is updated immediately after power-on of the controller.