The Thrill of Flight

Ancient drawings, legends and primitive air machines point to a universal human desire to enjoy the thrill of flight.  Early records show how the lure of adventure in the air led to experimental model building, research, invention, and the creation of the airplane and the science of aeronautics.  Today, the sense of awe and wonder in flight is still alive, and nowhere can it be found in greater strength than model aviation.

Almost every shape and form of a flying structure appeals to model aviators. Some enjoy models built for speed, acrobatic agility, or as a display of inventive genius.  Many enjoy competition and seek dominance in the air.  But there are legions of model aviators who simply enjoy flying their models with friends and family on a beautiful day filled with blue skies and sunshine.  The sense of camaraderie inherent in aero modeling expands our personal growth, our capacity to learn, and our enjoyment of life.

Radio Control (RC) flyers use a hand-held radio transmitter to control their aircraft.  Control functions include throttle, elevator, rudder, flaps, landing gear, lights, smoke units, aerial drops, and other functions.

Within this section you will find information about our:   Airplanes - ARF Airplanes - Kits Airplanes - RTF Electric Motors, chargers and accessories Gas Engines and accessories

From Novice to Pro

Whether you are just starting out with your first purchase of a Radio Control (R/C) aircraft or you are a seasoned "Pilot", you'll find all the assistance you need at PARMA HOBBY.  We carry a good selection of sport and scale kits, RTF and ARF aircraft as well as all the necessary items you'll need to get your model flying.

Getting Started with R/C Aircraft

If your just getting started this fascinating hobby of R/C aircraft, here are some basic definitions of general aircraft types that illustrate the various segments of the hobby.  These definitions apply to both electric and gas powered type aircraft.

• TRAINER: Best choice for new pilots. Easy to fly with gentle slow-flight characteristics. Wing is situated on top of aircraft (high-wing) with either a flat-bottom wing (or airfoil). This type of wing develops the most lift at lower speeds, so it's a good choice when first starting out in model aviation. It makes the airplane easier to control and provides self-righting if you make a mistake. A semi-symmetrical trainer is curved in different proportions on both top and bottom. This wing lacks the authoritative self-recovery characteristics of a flat-bottomed wing, but it will also allow you to perform a few basic aerobatics like loops, rolls and inverted flight. The semi-symmetrical trainer might be slightly tougher to master, but will do much more.
  
• SPORT: These planes offer higher performance in the form of maneuverability and speed. The wings are located mid-level or low-level of fuselage or are bi-wing (2) design. These planes are generally preferred as the next step for beginners.
  
• SCALE: These planes replicate full-scale aircraft in looks and performance.
  
• AEROBATIC: 3D aerobatics include hovers, torque rolls and waterfall tumbles. These are the most difficult to fly and take a great deal to learn.
  
• RTF: Ready to fly aircraft require minimal assembly and come with the radio system and engine preinstalled.
  
• ARF: Almost ready to fly planes require some basic assembly that may include some gluing of parts and using basic tools.  Radio and engine or motor selection are usually left up to the discretion of the builder (requirements are noted with each kit..
  
• KIT: Kits by nature require the most amount of assembly and the basic structural components are usually either balsa wood or foam.  Most kits also contain hardware components required to complete.  Usually items such as tires, fuel tank and various other components are left to the discretion of the builder to select separately.  Radio and engine or motor selection is up to the discretion of the builder (requirements are noted with each kit).