Park flyer

Park flyers are a category of small radio-controlled aircraft that mostly run on electric power. The tiniest among them, known as micro planes, can be flown indoors in spaces like a gymnasium or even a living room.

Bigger park flyers are typically operated at designated flying sites. Models that fly slowly are more affected by wind and turbulence. These aircraft weigh no more than two pounds, which keeps their speed below half the current wind speed.

Even after a serious crash, the parts of a park flyer are often still repairable. Because they are small and quiet, they can be flown in residential neighborhoods. Clubs exist to help beginners and provide information on good places to take off.

Types of park flyers

There are different types of park flyers. Ready-to-fly (RTF) models need no building or installation, though some basic assembly may be required before flying. Almost ready to fly (ARF) models require the user to build and install various parts.

Advances in electronics and materials have led to high-performance park flyers known as “3D-flyers.” These are fully aerobatic aircraft capable of extreme high-g maneuvers and hovering nose-up.

SQuiRT

One notable model is the SQuiRT. During the 2008 Wings Across America event, a project aimed to fly this park flyer across all 48 contiguous U.S. states. The plane started in Virginia and traveled via in-person handoffs.

After each pilot finished flying at their home airfield, they drove to the next location to pass it on. Five years later, in 2013, the plane returned to its starting airfield in Virginia. Shortly after, it was donated to the AMA museum in a small ceremony.

Safety

Safety is a concern with some park flyers, especially small delta-wing types, which can reach dangerous speeds and injure bystanders. A standard precaution is to keep a safe distance from the public. The Academy of Model Aeronautics recommends a minimum distance of 50 feet from any spectators other than the pilot.