Neal's Stuff - R/C Planes

R/C PLANES

The links below are places I use when doing stuff with radio control. Even though it can be a real blast, this hobby can get expensive fast. And that is even when you don't crash!

Arizona Flying Clubs

These are a couple of the clubs in the north Phoenix area that are real popular for flyers. These AMA sanctioned flying fields are usually very busy on the weekends and weekday mornings. During the summertime fields usually becomes available in the afternoon because of the heat.

Arizona Model Pilots Society
http://www.ampsrc.com/
Sun Valley Fliers
http://www.sunvalleyfliers.com/

The following site tries to list all of the Arizona clubs. It can come in handy if you have just moved and are trying to locate a nearby field.

Complete Arizona Clubs Listing
http://www.rc-airplane-world.com/arizona-rc-airplane-clubs.html

National Flying Club

Each AMA sanctioned flying field requires pilots to have AMA membership in order to fly. Most clubs allow folks new to the hobby to fly without a membership in the flying club if they are sponsored by an existing member. Eventually, the flyer will need to have an AMA membership before joining a flying club.

AMA - Academy of Model Aeronautics
http://www.modelaircraft.org/

This site allows easy sign ups for new members and renewals for existing members.

Places To Buy Stuff From

Here are a few of the places I have used before when buying R/C airplanes and supplies. You may get a better selection by using Google or Yahoo since there are so many new places springing up.

AMain Hobbies
http://www.amainhobbies.com/
They seem to have the same things as Tower Hobbies (if not more) but the website is WAY better. It's easier to find stuff, once found they have plenty of pictures, etc. The checkout process is very nice and they offer multiple ways to ship an order (OnTrac, FedEx, UPS and USPS). Their return policy is AWESOME and their customer support is outstanding.
Stevens AeroModel
http://www.stevensaero.com/
It is very hard to find kits to build for R/C planes anymore. Almost everything is ARF or out-of-the box ready. If you decide you want to build an airplane from a kit go here first!
BMJR Models
http://www.bmjrmodels.com/
Some small field flying kits are offered here.
Hobby Action
http://www.hobbyaction.com/
These guys are in Tempe and carry quite a bit of electric flying related equipment and supplies.
Tower Hobbies
http://www.towerhobbies.com/
OMG! DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE. These people got bought out from under a bankruptcy filing in 2018 by Horizon Hobby (please see the Horizon Hobby experience I have had). Also, the website is quite dated and it was kind of hard to locate things I wanted the last time I tried to order (so I used AMain Hobbies (http://www.amainhobbies.com/) instead).
Horizon Hobby
http://www.horizonhobby.com/
OMG! DO NOT USE THIS WEBSITE. They do not have a phone number to call, which means when you have a question about a product (OR ORDER!!) you cannot speak to anyone. I actually found a number for them (buried) but when I called it had a recorded message that referred me to the website and then hung up! A company that does that tells me that the customer means NOTHING to them besides money stream. Use AMain Hobbies (http://www.amainhobbies.com/) instead!
Hobby Bench (if you're local to Phoenix area)
https://hobbybenchstores.com/about
- 8058 N 19th Ave
  
  Phoenix, Az 85021
  
  602-995-1755
- 4240 W Bell Rd
  
  Phoenix, Az 85032
  
  602-547-1828
Frank's Hobby House (if you're local to Phoenix area)
12008 N 32nd St
Phoenix, Az 85032
602-992-3495

Useful Links

R/C Airplane World
http://www.rc-airplane-world.com
This site has a lot of links and information for beginners and seasoned modelers or fliers. There are links for electric, jets, helicopters, gliders and yes, even UFOs!

The following links are a collection of those around the web that have useful tips, suggestions, how-to's, etc.