ParkZone

Lore & Background

ParkZone aircraft and other park flyers opted for lithium polymer batteries due to their superior energy density, lighter weight, and extended lifespan. These batteries, popular in portable electronic devices, contributed to enhanced performance and agility in radio-controlled aircraft, offering longer flight times. As of 2004, ParkZone offered through its website the following aircraft models: Typhoon 3D, P-51D Mustang, Super Decathlon, J-3 Cub, F-27B Stryker and Slo-V. The website also offered add-on accessories and parts for these aircraft, with the claim that these aircraft and parts offered high quality fun with no hassle.

The "Bind N' Fly" or "BNF" purchasing option facilitated aircraft ownership for Spektrum transmitter owners, allowing easy binding without the need for an additional transmitter or receiver crystal. On September 1, 2009, an unknown pilot flew a ParkZone Sukhoi Su-26m model onto the field during a baseball game at Dodger Stadium. This emphasized the importance of responsible hobbyist practices to prevent disruptions and accidents. The ParkZone model lineup once offered a variety of options, including the Sukhoi SU-29MM, Sport Cub, Artizan, Fw 190 A-8, T-28 Trojan, Radian, and Radian Pro. Additionally, they introduced the "Ultra-Microline," featuring small-sized radio-controlled aircraft designed for indoor or small outdoor flying.

Over time, ParkZone discontinued several models, such as the Typhoon 3D sport plane, Super Decathlon, Bf 109, Fw 190, Cessna 210, Citabria, Etomic Vapor slow flyer, and Slo-V slow flyer. Reasons for discontinuation varied, ranging from the completion of production cycles to low sales or parts availability issues, aligning with a strategic focus on more popular and profitable models. Horizon Hobby has discontinued the ParkZone brand, though some of their popular models, such as the Cub, have been rebranded under E-flite.

Reader's Guide

ParkZone's significance lies in its role as a brand that made intermediate-level electric model aircraft accessible to hobbyists, particularly through the use of lithium polymer batteries that improved flight performance and duration. The brand's "park flyer" concept encouraged flying in open spaces like parks, lowering the barrier to entry for radio-controlled aviation. The introduction of the Bind N' Fly (BNF) option simplified ownership for those already using Spektrum transmitters, eliminating the need for extra crystals or transmitters. ParkZone's legacy includes a wide range of scale and sport models, from warbirds like the P-51D Mustang and Spitfire to aerobatic planes like the Sukhoi Su-26m. The brand's discontinuation by Horizon Hobby led to some popular models being rebranded under E-flite, while the original ParkZone website now redirects to a Horizon Hobby page offering only parts and accessories. The 2009 incident at Dodger Stadium, where a ParkZone Sukhoi Su-26m was flown onto the field, serves as a cautionary tale about responsible hobbyist conduct. Overall, ParkZone helped shape the modern electric park flyer market before being phased out in favor of consolidated branding.

Did You Know?

• ParkZone was named after the term 'park flyer,' indicating compact models suitable for flying in parks.
• HobbyTown USA recognized ParkZone as 'Hobby Company of the Year' in 2005.
• Some popular ParkZone models, such as the Cub, were later rebranded under E-flite after the brand was discontinued.