TOP 10 PLANS - MAY 2013

Folks, for the first time in a year, we have a new #1 plan downloaded on parkjets since we started keeping track just about a year ago. Honestly, we never thought it would happen. But it has. 

For those of you new to the site, you might not know that every month, we break down the most popular plans and let you check them out, so you can get a jump start on some popular plans. After all, the popular plans are popular for a reason. They have good documentation, excellent flying capabilities, and look good too. 

Well, let's check out the most popular downloads for May 2013 and see who is king of the mountain!

10. SU-37 by Steve Shumate: The SU-37 by Steve Shumate is a monster of a parkjet. Not in size or anything, but it's just one of the most impressive parkjets you can build. It features dual thrust vectoring, smooth lines and great flying abilities. Not an easy build, but for the patient, it will be the crown jewel of your fleet. Oh, and you can short-cut the whole building time by getting a kit straight from 6mmFlyRC.

9. F-22 by Tomas Hellberg: Did you see our interview with Mr. Hellberg? If you did, you would know that his F-22 is one of the best, simplist, easy to build parkjets out there. His design features tabbed construction and a simple thrust vectoring that can flip the airframe on a dime. A mid motored raptor that will put a grin on your face.

8. Mirage F1 by Marcel du Plessis: This is a new design to the free plans catalog, but we have to say, its one of the best looking. The Mirage has great lines and even captures the rounded intakes of the real thing. 

7. SU-31 by Tomas Hellberg: The SU-31 is a throw back aircraft with the motor on the front. We know, its weird. But this is a nice alternative to all those typical warbirds you see out there. Tomas Hellberg has taken his simple tabbed construction and put it to good use here. 

6. F-35 by RC Cal: The F-35 takes a lot of cues from the F-22 above and puts the lines of the U.S. Air Force's newest plane into foam. It has a mid motor mount, large wings, simple tabbed thrust vectoring, and a size that fits into any car. 

5. Hydro: This design has remained popular for over a year. The Hydro is a hybrid plane/boat that can wow the crowd at just about any small park. 

4. Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell: This design is super popular and keeps moving up the charts. Is it the EDF capability? It is the simple score and fold design that gives the Eurofighter a full fuse with little fuss? This design is a winner.

3. Mermaid by Marcel du Plessis: A water plane that keeps the prop up and the plane flying off the water or grass. A simple design by one of the best designers out there. The Mermaid with a little work can be one of the most unique planes at the park. 

2. F-22 by Steve Shumate: The F-22 has been the king of Parkjets for the better part of since forever. The scale design, thrust vectoring, and great performance has kept it at the top of the list. And you can get clear canopies or a whole laser cut kit from our sponsor if you don't feel like cutting out the 70+ pieces yourself.

1. The SU-37 by Jamie Rothwell: This new modified design by Jamie Rothwell has the score and fold method he has perfected along with better performance than his first design. At 80% of the first design, plus some improvements, coupled with the ability to turn it into an SU-35, this design rocketed to the top of the list. Let's see if it stays that way!

Remember you can pick up a lot of these designs from 6mmFlyRC.com. The kits they provide are laser cut and some of them include things like clear canopies and other hardware to give you a more polished kit. 

TOP 10 - JANUARY 2013

To kick off the new year, it's time to take a look at what people downloaded on Parkjets.com. We have been maintaining the Top 10 list now for the better part of 9 months and there have been many new plans to crack the list, some stay, while some fall off to an old classic.  

Before we really get started, we want to thank everyone for an incredible January 2013. Parkjets received over over 30,000 visitors who looked at 239,000 pages on Parkjets! That's the biggest traffic month yet! So thank you.  

Alright, let's get to the top 10 plans for the month of January 2013!

10. F-14 by Steve Shumate: The F-14 has been on parkjets.com from nearly the beginning, and all told is probably still the leader all-time in downloads.  But recently, the Tomcat has taken a backseat to other plans on Parkjets.  To kick off the new year, this tried and true plan that features swing wings (and available kit from 6mmFlyRC) killer looks, and great flight characteristics makes the Top 10 list.  Other plans might well be shaking in their PDF files.  

9. SU-37 by Jamie Rothwell: The SU-37 is a great design that features a score and fold method of construction. By cutting only halfway throught the foam, you can simply fold this aircraft into a semi-scale looking RC plane. It cuts down on construction time while staying away from the simple profile look that so many other designs lean on.  Give the SU-37 a good look if you want to go Russian.  

8. T-50 PAK-FA by Denis CyberD: The T-50 is a plan that puts together some of the blended looks of the newest Russian 5th generation fighter, the T-50 PAK-FA.  This design is a simple profile style but keeps the looks of the T-50 while cutting down on building material and build time.  With a large diamond shaped wing, the T-50 is a stable flyer and perfect for park flying.  

7. SU-31 by Tomas Hellberg: The SU-31 is not your traditional parkjet, because well, it's missing the "jet" part. But when Tomas Hellberg puts together a design, you know it will be good.  The SU-31 is a warbird style park flyer with the prop in the front!  The easy design and good (unique) looks should make this warbird fly onto your shortlist of build projects.

6. Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell: A large delta wing, canards, and large control surfaces make just about any Eurofighter an excellent choice for park flying.  But Jamie Rothwell took his score and fold method and applied it to this great frame, you know the result will be good.  We think the Eurofighter is just about the most perfect design for flying around a park or field, and this design is a good one.  

5. Hydro: The Hydro, the F-14 by Steve Shumate has been on Parkjets a long time and still continues to be very popular. The Hydro looks like a boat, moves like a boat and can take off of the water like a duck. Some modelers have even strapped on an EDF on this thing and it performs.  If you want something to take to your local pond, the Hydro might just fit the profile. 

4. F-14 by MDC: The second F-14 on the list! This model is no less complex than Steve Shumate's design, featuring swing wings, but does it with a profile design.  It's a great blend of scale and ease of construction. This model will impress at the flying field. 

3. Firefly by Dennis Schmalzel: Perhaps THE MOST UNIQUE looking design on the site, the Firefly is not a jet or warbird but a profile design that faithfully reproduces the "Serenity" craft from the popular show, "Firefly." We can't even describe it.  Just check it out for yourself.  

2. F-15 by Jamie Rothwell: Jamie Rothwell must be doing something right, the F-15 is his third design on the Top 10 list this month. The F-15 has large delta wings and a classic look that will please any modeler.  

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate: No one can knock off the F-22. The Raptor is the king of Parkjets for the last year and 2013 looks to be no different. Incredible scale? Check. Available kit? Check. Thrust vectoring? Check. Impecable plans? Check. What else can you say? Nothing.

That's it folks for Top 10 list for downloads on Parkjets.  Stay tuned, we will be adding more plans this month and looking to lock down some more interviews. And of course, we are working on some other projects at your request.

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TOP 10 PLANS - DECEMBER

Every month, we have been posting the Top 10 list of the most popular plans on Parkjets.  So now its time for December 2012!  So how do we determine the most popular downloads?  Simple, we analyze the intenet traffic and rank the plans based on popular plans for the month.  

So let's not waste any time, after all, its nearly 2013.  Here we go:

10. F-35 by RC Cal - The F-35 has been on and off the list, depending on the month and this month it creeps on the list at number 10.  As a park flyer, the F-35 is excellent.  You won't find a better flyer.  The thust vectoring tabs on the control surfaces give it incredible performace and the large wings give it great stability.  Pair it with a good motor and you have an excellent recipe for a great parkjet.

F-35 by RC Cal

9. SU-37 by Jamie Rothwell - The SU-37 is flat out one of the best looking RC airplanes out there.  And Jamie Rothwell's design incorporates some unique features.  First, his designs really try to marry the simple build techniques with the more time consuming box frame techniques pioneered by Steve Shumate.  WIth Jamie's score and fold method, the builder has a simple build, with the full fuse look of a more time consuming build.  Win win.  

8. Eurofigher by Jamie Rothwell - The Eurofigher incorporates the same score and fold method as the SU-37.  Its a great platform overall, with broad delta wings large control surfaces, the Eurofighter is a winner for any builder.

Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell

7. F/A-241 Shrike by Sean Correia - This is a very unique looking platform but with its curved leading edges and canards, the F/A-241 is an easy flyer and a park flyer that you won't see anywhere else.  

6. F-14 by MDC - The F-14 might be retired from service, but the F-14 designed by MDC is a main stay on the Top 10 list.  And its no wonder, it has swing wings, profile design, and scale all to offer the builder.  It contains a lot of pieces, but the end result is stunning.

F-14 by MDC

5. SU-31 by Tomas Hellberg - The SU-31 isn't even a real jet, but a throwback to piston driven aircraft.  And this design is as simple as it gets.  The great thing, depending on the set up, the SU-31 can be a 3D plane, park flyer or just a nice cruiser around the flying field.  And with it being designed by Tomas Hellberg, you know its done right.

4. T-50 PAK-FA by Denis CyberD - The T-50 represents the newest 5th generation fighter from the Russians. Like most Russian jets, the lines are beautiful, the paint schemes are unique and the performace is excellent.  The T-50 here is a simple profile design with some scale details built in.  

T-50 PAK-FA

3. F-15 by Jamie Rothwell - With three plans in the Top 10, Jamie Rothwell's designs are becoming very popular. Like the Eurofigher and SU-37, the score and fold method is utilzed and the result is excellent.  The Eagle has been a main stay in the U.S. Air Force for decades and this one should be added to your fleet.

2. Hydro - The Hydro is one of those designs that keeps moving up and down the Top 10 list every month.  The Hydro doubles as a plane and a park flyer all in one.  The video is practically viral at this point, and the downloads of the plans keep coming.  

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate - The F-22 has been #1 every month we have been keeping track, and for good reason.  The F-22 features some of the most scale lines of any foam RC airplane out there.  With the ability to add a clear canopy from 6mmFlyRC, decals by download, and plenty of paint possibilities, the F-22 is by far the most popular plan on Parkjets.  You want a scale foam airplane?  The F-22 is a good place to begin and end. 

F-22 by Steve ShumateThat's it folks, the Top 10 list for December 2012.  If you are a new builder out there, take a look at the Top 10 lists, they are a great place to start to decide what RC airplane plan you want to try first.  But take your time, Parkjets.com has over 115 different plans to explore.  

TOP 10 PLANS - NOVEMBER

Like every month, when the first of the month rolls around, we take a look at the most popular plans that visitors to parkjets have looked at and downloaded. It gives news visitors a good idea about what others are doing and a good place to start exploring. Without wasting too much time, let's see where the most popular free RC airplane plans reside on parkjets for the month of November.

10. F-35 by RC Cal: The F-35 by RC Cal has a lot to like if you are just getting into building your own RC airplanes but also has a lot to like if you are a seasoned builder and pilot.  First off, the design is simple and easy to cut out and assemble.  Second, 6mmFlyRC offers a pre-cut kit if you want to skip the whole tracing and cutting phase. Third, the F-35 offers a great mix of stability and jet like performance due to its large wing area.  If you want an easy build that will perform great, give the F-35 a shot.

 9. SU-37 by Steve Shumate: They call it "The Terminator" for a reason.  This model is a beast.  With twin engines, thrust vectoring, and really great scale features, you can't go wrong.  This is not a real complicated build, but it does contain a lot of pieces in the plans, so have your exacto knife ready (or pick up a kit from 6mmFlyRC). When its all said and done, the SU-37 is one of the most impressive parkjet designs out there, on this site or any others.  

8. F/A 241 by Sean Correia: The fictional F/A-241 is a the newest addition to Parkjets but proved to be a popular download in November.  Based loosely on the Macross epic, the F/A-241 is a unique and nimble flyer.  Want something different at the flying field?  Go with the Shirke, no one else will have it.  

7. SU-37 by Jamie Rothwell: The SU-37 by Jamie Rothwell is the second SU-37 on the list this month but there is a good reason why; the SU-37 is an excellent platform for parkjets!  This design is a little simplier than Steve Shumate's version, but performs well and goes together quickly. 

6. SU-31 by Tomas Hellberg: Maybe you are wanting a little profile plane with a prop on the front.  Okay, check out the SU-31 by Tomas Hellberg.  You can't go wrong.  A simple scale design and large control surfaces mean you will have no problem building and flying this park flyer. 

5. Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell: The Eurofighter, along with the F-35, F-22, and SU-37 is just one heck of a platform to start with in terms of designing a park flyer.  So you know with a design from Jamie Rothwell, the Eurofighter will not dissapoint.  

4. F-14 by MDC: This design is well proven as hundreds of folks have documented their builds.  And why not, the F-14 by MDC has great scale lines but does a nice job of balancing scale with ease of construction.  And with working swing wings, this design will keep you the talk of the flying field.  

3. Hydro: This design continues to be popular.  The Hydro combines the concept of a racing boat and a small parkjet into one.  Imagine taking out your RC toy and putting on the duck pond at your local park and puttering around.  Suddenly you slam on the trottle and your boat takes off and does a little circle around and lands again safely on the water.  That's what you get with the Hydro.

2. F-15 by Jamie Rothwell: The F-15 by Jamie Rothwell has been challenging the top spot since it arrived on Parkjets a few months ago and November was no different.  Like the other designs by Jamie Rothwell, the F-15 balances ease of construction with scale lines into an excellent weekend project.

 

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate: The F-22 by Steve Shumate remains the undisputed King of Parkjets.  This design one of the toughest builds you will have but the results are like no other.  If you want to skip cutting out all the plans, go with a kit, or brave the whole process solo.  Once you are finished, you will have a parkjet that will absolutely wow the crowd.  

That's it folks, another month, another Top 10 list and another bookmark for downloading some of the best parkjet designs on the internet.  

TOP 10 PLANS - OCTOBER

With October closing out with some massive storms and the winter build season upon us, it's time again to check out what RC Hobbyists from all across the globe are downloading and building.  This month's top 10 list of the most downloaded free RC airplane plans features a lot of familiar faces.  Let's get started.

10. The F4F Wildcat by Jamie Rothwell.  The Wildcat, since we posted it on Parkjets, has become one of the most popular downloads on the site.  And we would like to note that it's not really a parkjet at all, but rather a really great simple design of a great war bird from decades ago.  Still, the Wildcat is an excellent build and excellent design that you will find easy to fly and easy to assemble.

9. The F-14 by MDC.  The F-14 design has been popular on Parkjets from the beginning.  The Steve Shumate designed plane really broke the ground and when the F-14 was retired from service, it really boosted downloads.  The MDC F-14, with its simpler profile build design, along with keeping the ability to swing the wings keeps it a popular download on parkjets.  It will challenge you with cutting out all the depron pieces, and it will challenge you RC building skills, but it will be well worth it.  Give it a shot.

8. The Hydro.  The Hydro offers a lot of fun for folks looking to venture into boats but still want to incorporate flight into their weekend hobby activities.  The Hydro combines the look and feel of a racing boat with the ability to lift off the water and fly around.  It remains a popular download and is downloaded from all across the globe.

7. The SU-37 by Steve Shumate.  Did you see our interview with Mr. Shumate?  That's a shameless plug.  But if you pull out the SU-37 from your car or truck at the flying field, you won't feel any shame.  Just a steady gathering of gawkers, looking at the best example of simple design and complicated finishing touches like dual thrust vectoring.  Throw on a custom formed canopy from 6mmFlyRC and you will have one sweet looking build.  And it will fly great too.  The SU-37 is a very stable RC airplane.

6. F-35 by RC Cal. We have said this many times, but the F-35 is one of the best design platforms for a typical RC parkjet.  The large delta wings, the large control surfaces on the tail make it very easy to throw around.  So we have the F-35 by RC Cal at the #6 spot.  Simple design, very easy to put together, very easy to fly.  What more do you want in an parkjet?

5. SU-31 by Tomas Hellberg.  The SU-31 is an excellent, elligant, and easy to build design, and you would expect nothing less from the designer, Tomas Hellberg.  The SU-31 is a great park flyer or 3D flyer and with a few modifications, you can strap just about any motor you have laying around on the front of it.

4. SU-37 by Jamie Rothwell.  The SU-37 by Jamie Rothwell is a hybrid (in terms of ease of construction and scaleness) between the more complicated builds like the Steve Shumate SU-37 and the Tomas Hellberg SU-37.  The Rothwell design incorporates a unique score and fold method to give the full fuse look without all the hastle.  And the SU-37 is an excellent platform for park flying, so this design is a great option for those wanting a full fuse look, but don't want to spend a lot of time building.  

3. F-15 by Jamie Rothwell. The F-15 is pretty similar to the SU-37, except that it is of course an American fighter.  But the same easy construction techniques and same great scale looks apply to the F-15.  The F-15 is a great performing parkjet and is a stable flyer.

2. Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell.  The Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell is a great addition to any fleet.  The general platform of the Eurofighter makes it a great parkflyer, large wings, big vertical stabilizer and good wing loading make it a perfect way to get your power gear up in the air.  Give the Eurofighter a try.

 
1. F-22 by Steve Shumate.  The undisputed king of Parkjets, the F-22 by Steve Shumate.  The plans are some of the more complicated to build, but once you finish it off, you will have a tremendously scale RC park flyer.  The F-22 features thrust vectoring and excellent scale lines.  You won't believe you can achieve a look with just depron foam, time and effort.  But you can.  The F-22 stays on top another month!

Next month we will see how things shake out.  We added four new plans to the Free Plans catalog and plan on adding about four more free RC airplane plans in November.  That will bring our total close to 120 totally free plane plans!  Thank you to everyone for your continued support!

TOP 10 PLANS - SEPTEMBER

With summer quickly coming to a close and the winter build projects beginning to take shape, it's that time of the month to look back and see what plans have been the most popular in the month of September.  For the new builder out there, sometimes it can help to see what other builders are tackling to help narrow down the pool of over 100 free plans on parkjets.com  Let's get to it!

10.  Alpha Jet by Jamie Rothwell - The Alpha Jet has been a popular plan since the day we posted it.  It is a design like no other, totally unique and totally not a real life airplane.  But that is why it is so popular.  The Alpha Jet is simple to build and is an excellent performer at the flying field (last month rank: 7).

Alpha Jet

9. SU-37 by Steve Shumate - The SU-37 is probably the best example of a Steve Shumate designed parkjet. Beautiful lines, excellent scale and  with something extra thrown in like twin thrust vectoring makes the SU-37 a beast at the flying field.  Additionally, with support and extras from the folks at 6mmFlyRC, you can really dress it up right with a clear canopy or just opt for the laser cut kit (last month rank: 9).

8. F-14 by MDC - A perfect blend of scale, movable wings and all, and simple construction techniques make the F-14 a top plan every month.  If you want a build that will challenge you but cause a stir at the flying field, build it. Simple as that (last month rank: 8).

F-14 by MDC

7. Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell - A newcomer to the top 10 list, the Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell is an excellently designed EDF model of a very popular design platform.  The Eurofighter offers a broad wing span and plenty of wing loading, so you can put just about any combo of power gear inside.  The Jamie Rothwell design features some thrust vectoring tabs that provide plenty of aerobatics (last month rank: N/A).

6. Hydro - The Hydro is probably one of the most popular designs in Parkjets.com history.  The boat and flying capability is strangely alluring, leading to plenty of downloads.  Want a unique project, give the Hydro a good look (last month rank: 3).

5. SU-31 by Tomas Hellberg - The SU-31 is a new comer to Parkjets.com and isn't even a "jet" in the traditional sense.  But when Tomas Hellberg designs something, we instantly knew it would be popular. A simple profile tractor driven prop fighter.  Simple graphics like a cockpit art and you have yourself a fast weekend project that flies great and looks great (last month rank: N/A).

SU-31

4. F-35 by RC Cal - The F-35 remains popular.  Simple profile design, scale looks in the air, and excellent performance.  Give yourself a few hours on a Saturday and you can knock it out (last month rank: 4).

3. F4F Wildcat by Jamie Rothwell - The Wildcat is a pretty new design to Parkjets.com and is one of the few non jets we have in the catalog.  But Jamie Rothwell's design is simple and scale, using a score and fold method, he faithfully recreates many of the features of this WWII warbird (last month rank: 6). 

F4F Wildcat

2. F-15 by Jamie Rothwell - The F-15 debuted a few months ago and almost knocked off the long standing king of parkjets.  This month it was close again and for good reason.  The F-15 features a simple scale design that is a nice blend of scale (full fuse) and simple profile builds.  It all leads to a great looking model with excellent flight characteristics (last month rank: 2)

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate - The undisputed king of Parkjets.com comes through again.  The F-22 is by far one of the best looking models out of foam out there.  A little heat gun and some serious build skill is required, but if you want a 3 month project for the cold winter, the F-22 should be at the top of your list.  And with great accessories like clear canopies and decals from 6mmFlyRC, you have plenty of options to spice up your F-22 (last month rank: 1). 

F-22 by Steve Shumate

TOP 10 PLANS - AUGUST

Another month, another Top 10 list.  This month we have quite a few changes from July and a new comer almost dethroned the most popular Steve Shumate plan on the site.  With three plans in August that were not on the list in July, August shaped up nicely. Let's not waste time, or words and get to the most popular RC airplane plans on the site. 

10. F-22 by Tomas Hellberg: The F-22 is a great design and always very popular.  It ducks in and out of the top 10 list but if you haven't built it yet, you should.  The documentation and plans are top notch, with an assembly manual by 6mmFlyRC to go along with it.  Some builders have even strapped on an EDF fan in place of the mid-mounted prop.  Give it a shot. (July Rank: NR)

Tomas Hellberg F-22

9. SU-37 by Steve Shumate: The SU-37 is an awesome parkjet.  Twin thrust vectoring and scale dimensions are just part of the package.  We talked a little bit about it in out Steve Shumate interview, and the plans and build manual are excellent.  There is no shortage of video and pictures too.  Need a winter project?  The depron SU-37 should be at the top of your list. (July Rank: NR)

Steve Shumate SU-37

8. F-14 by MDC: Want a simple RC build with swing wings?  The F-14 designed by MDC is a great option. Featuring swing wings and a semi-profile design, the all depron build is something that every hobbyist should give a try. The plans are excellent and well traveled, so you know they are ready for you to have a smooth build. (July Rank: #4)

7. Alpha Jet by Jamie Rothwell: The Alpha Jet is very unique.  You want something at the field that doesn't look like or perform like any other RC model out there?  Give the Alpha Jet a shot.  Dual wings, no carbon and a few servos and you have yourself one great performing parkflyer. (July Rank: #7)

6. F4F Wildcat by Jamie Rothwell: The Wildcat is a little different kind of plane.  We actually debated putting it up. Because its not a jet.  But it was a jet for its day.  The Wildcat by Jamie Rothwell is an excellent, simple design that allows for simple construction with good scale looks.  The F4F lets you go back in time a little and have a classic warbird in your fleet. (July Rank: NR)

Jamie Rothwell F4F Wildcat

5. Ultimate: The Ultimate is another plane that isn't exactly a jet either, but it remains popular.  The Ultimate is a 3D bi-plane that has been with parkjets with a long time.  Check it out. (July Rank: #6)

4. F-35 by RC Cal: The F-35 remains popular and for good reason.  The platform is an excellent one for floating around a small area.  And it's new airplane for the U.S. Airforce.  The F-35 features some simple thrust vectoring tabs so you can flip on a dime and the profile design let's you put it together in a few hours. (July Rank: #5)

3. Hydro: The Hydro remains popular. And its not a jet either.  That's 3 of the Top 10 that aren't even jets.  The Hydro combines a boat and a plane and its all fun.  Give it a shot. (July Rank: #2)

2. F-15 by Jamie Rothwell: The F-15 by Jamie Rothwell is an excellent example of balancing scale design with simple builds.  The F-15 has a score and fold techique for the nose but can still be built with a single sheet of depron foam.  Want something a little different? Go with the F-15.  (July Rank: #3)

Jamie Rothwell F-15

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate: The F-22 remains the number one plan on parkjets.  The super scale design is a marvel of engineering, especially since the whole thing is made out of depron.  With construction guides, accessories from 6mmFlyRC, its very well supported by the community. (July Rank: #1)

Steve Shumate F-22

TOP 10 PLANS - JULY

One month down, two more plans added, a shake up in the Top 10 list and summer is quickly coming to a close. July was a fast month, it seems like only a few days ago we were talking about June and all the projects we have yet to complete sitting on our RC workbench.  So what are the most popular free RC parkjet plans that were downloaded in July?  Great question, and we have your answer.  All of these plans are fantastic, so if you are new to Parkjets and want to know where to start, this is a great place.  Take a look at the Top 10 and take your pick. Here we go!

10. Eurofighter by Tomhe - The Eurofighter by Tomas Hellberg is an excellent, fantastic RC design.  We have said it a million times, but the large delta wings of the Eurofighter give it plenty of lift and the abilty to slow down. The simple design allows the Eurofighter to be fast and very stable.  (June rank: #8)

9. F-14 by Jason Swisher - The F-14 is a fantastic profile design that lets builders build quickly and still have a very scale looking model.  This design doesn't have swing wings but who cares when you can be up and flying in just a couple of hours.  This RC model is beginning to be a main stay on the Top 10 list for good reason.  (June rank: #10)

8. Drongo by Marcel du Plessis - The Drongo is a familiar looking airframe with the ability to take off and land in water. Can't beat that.  The design is very simple and yet it is not a profile RC parkflyer.  (June rank: #5)

7. Alpha Jet by Jamie Rothwell - The Alpha Jet is one of the most unique designs on the entire website.  Featuring a double wing and no carbon supports, the Alpha Jet is one of the most aerobatic RC downloads out there.  Some have called it the ultimate RC parkflyer.  (June rank: #7)

6. Ultimate 3D - The Ultimate remains on the list for the 4th straight month.  A bi-plane with a pension for 3D flying, the Ultimate is simple yet effective.  The Ultimate combination for an RC airplane! (June rank: #6(

5. F-35 by RC Cal - With the real F-35's being delivered to Europe now and the integration of the airplane into the U.S. Airforce, the F-35 by RC Cal continues to be a popular download.  One of the best looking, simple builds out there and one of the best over all flyers on Parkjets, the F-35 is hard to beat.  (June rank #4)

4. F-14 by MDC - This RC plan has been popular since we posted it.  The F-14 by MDC keeps the scale movable wings in tact, but keeps the design about as simple as you can while making the wing move.  (June rank #2)

3. F-15 by Jamie Rothwell - Adding to the Alpha Jet, Jamie Rothwell cranked out a fantastic and unique design for the F-15 Eagle.  Its part profile, part full fuse and all fun.  It has a mid-mounted motor and full fuse nose.  (June rank: N/A)

2. Hydro - The Hydro isn't really a plane.  Or a boat.  Or a plane/boat.  Its everything and nothing at the same time.  It still amazes that this design is so popular, but its worth checking out.  Water capable, air capable, fun capable.  (June rank #3)

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate - Ho hum, again the F-22 by Steve Shumate reigns supreme.  A full fuse design, complete with thrust vectoring and plenty of support from folks like 6mmFlyRC (decals, clear canopies, etc), the F-22 is by far and away the most popular parkjet on the site.  Not a simple build, but well worth the effort.  (June rank #1).

There you have it folks, the Top 10 free downloads on Parkjets for the month of July.  We will be adding a couple more plans in August and are always on the lookout for more plans, so if you have some, shoot them our way.  

TOP 10 PLANS - JUNE 2012

June proved to be an interesting month for the top 10 plans on Parkjets.  We have got some feedback that these posts are helpful for folks wanting to know what others are doing and really, its a simple check for us, so sharing the information is no problem.  This month we have a new arrival, a new plan exits the top 10 list and some familiar plans remain at the top of the heap.  Let's check it out.

10. F-14 by Jason Swisher: A simple profile, fixed wing version of the F-14 is a great looking model.  Fast to build and stable in flight.  A real winner for beginners or seasoned pilots. (May's rank #9)

9. F-14 by Steve Shumate: The Steve Shumate F-14 is one of the most popular all time downloads on Parkjets. The ability to swing the wing keeps this plan in the top 10 for years.  And with custom canopies available and custom decals, your model can look excellent. (May's rank #10)

8. Eurofighter by Tomas Hellberg: The Eurofighter is quite possibly the ideal parkjet.  Large delta wings and simple design keep it coming back into the top 10 every month. (May's rank #7)

7. Alpha Jet: A new comer to the top 10 list is the Alpha Jet.  It's not the Alpha Jet you might be familar with though, a unique design with two wings, no carbon rods and a mid mount motor give the Alpha Jet some unique qualities.  (May's rank: unranked)

6. Ultimate 3D: The Ultimate is the only 3D model on Parkjets but remains in the top 10 for very good reason. It looks great, its a pretty easy build and it performs great.  Those three factors keep it downloaded thousands of times a month. (May's rank #6)

5. Drongo: The Drongo made its debut a few months ago and has remained a popular free plan on Parkjets.  And it's climbing in the rankings!  The drongo has the ability to fly off water or land and has a familar wing pattern.  Check it out. (May's rank #8)

4. F-35 by RC Cal: The F-35 is an excellent design that combines the lastest air design with the simplicity of profile style RC building.  And one feature we love...the F-35 is a great platform for parkjets, the large wings and high aerobatic capability make it a personal favorate. (May's rank #5)

3. Hydro: The Hydro is one of the older plans on Parkjets but people keep coming back for this water borne flying boat thingy.  (May's rank #3)

2. F-14 by MDC: Featuring a profile style build WITH the ability to swing the wings, the F-14 by MDC gives builders a great bridge between a simple profile build and a more complicated Steve Shumate build.  (May's rank #2)

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate:  Honestly, its been at the top and will stay there for a long time.  An excellent design, with the ability to get custom canopies and decals keep people coming back for more. 

TOP 10 PLANS ON PARKJETS - MAY

Last month we checked out the downloads and put together a list of the top 10 plans downloaded for April. Well, May is a new month and let's see if there are new plans that have cracked the list. The rundown looks in many ways the same as last month but with some moving up and some moving down on the Iist and some making a first time appearance.

10. The Steve Shumate F-14: This is still on the list and frankly has been on the list for years. The timeless design and the ability to add decals and customize the park flyer makes it a favorite. Oh and swing wings do make it one of the most unique parkjets out there.

Steve Shumate F-14

9. The F-14 by Jason Swisher: This simple design has been a favorite since we added it months ago. The simple design and excellent performace makes it a no-brainer for a great first time parkjet or just an easy weekend build to take to the park.

8. Drongo by Marcel du Plessis: A new plan has made an appearance this month. Of course, this is the first month it could make the list. Time will tell if it will remain a parkjets favorite, but right now, it looks good. The Drongo features a great design along with simple methods for construction. And unlike most parkjets, this one takes off and lands in the water (or on land), something that is pretty unique.

7. Eurofighter by Tomas Hellberg: This is one of the best designs for park flyers around. The large delta wings and very large flight envelope make it a great candidate for any beginner or pro for a parkjet that stands out.

6. The Ultimate 3D: This is the only tractor type parkjet we have on the site and maybe that is why it is a popular download. Either way, an excellent design and great flying ability make the Ultimate a top 10 plan month after month.

5. F-35 by RC Cal: Between the Eurofighter and the F-35, these two airframes are just about ideal for park flying. Large wings, stable flight, and an ability to maneuver well make them both winners. The F-35 of course has global appeal too. Maybe that's why it continues to be popular on parkjets.

EADS Barracuda4. EADS Barracuda: It's a new plan, but a popular one for the last 60 days or so. One of the reasons has to be that this is one of the only designs we have ever seen for this upcoming drone from Germany. This factor combined with the dead simple and scale design makes it a no brainer for a great EDF park flyer.

3. Hydro: We have to be honest, this design is and concept has been around for a long time now and so it is a little surprising that it remains so popular on parkjets. But something about a boat that can also fly is so interesting that it's downloaded all the time.

2. F-14 by MDC: Dead simple design, fixed wing, great lines. You can't go wrong if you want an F-14 in your hanger to download the free F-14 plans here. And by the looks of it, lots of people have the exact same thoughts.

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate: Can anything top the F-22 by Steve Shumate? It's been a popular download for a couple of years now and it's place at number one seems cemented. The option for thrust vectoring on a park flyer is certainly one reason. The other is the incredible scale lines of the design. If you take your time, you can faithfully recreate the look of the real thing.

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Top 10 Plans on Parkjets

We have over 100 different RC plans for free download on Parkjets.com and the most popular plans have changed over time. So what is the most popular download on parkjets.com. Ahhh, well, why don't we review the top 10 free downloads on parkjets? Easy enough. For the month of April, here is the list.

10. The F-14 Tomcat by Steve Shumate. This design has been on Parkjets since nearly the beginning and has held a top spot for a long time. With the ability to go swing wing, just like the real deal, the F-14 is an all time favorite. The plans are very well documented, with build instructions and drawings. And over time, so many RC flyers have built the F-14 there is plenty of support; everything to decals, build videos, clear canopies and even laser cut kits straight from our site sponsor 6mmFlyRC.

9. Bandit by Steve Shumate. This download is one of the few fictional RC parkjets on the website. But it's a proven design and looks good in the air. Many modelers have built this great and versatile design. Everything from a prop pusher to an EDF has been put through the paces with this RC jet. The bandit features good speed and above average acrobatics. But more than that, this one of the easiest of the Steve Shumate designs.

8. SU-37 by Steve Shumate. This is one of the most impressive parkjet designs out there. It features twin engine design, but you can adapt it to a single motor, twin thrust vectoring, awesome scale design and a size a little larger than most. As with all Steve Shumate designs, the plan drawings, the build instructions and the parts drawings are all very well documented. Not a beginner plane, but one of a kind RC parkjets. If you want to cut down on the build time, there is a kit available as well.

7. EADS Barracuda by Sabastian Gulde. Obviously the last few weeks have been pretty busy for the Barracuda. It's been downloaded a lot in April. It's still a new design, so time will tell if it will remain popular. Our guess? Because its an EDF and because it's a design that is not seen out there very much, it will be on the top 10 list for quite a while. The instructions and build drawings are excellently put together and provide RC modelers the opportunity to build it full size or go smaller with mini plans also available for download. The Barracuda is designed for a 68mm fan or larger and looks great.

6. F-14 by Jason Swisher. A great alternative to the Steve Shumate F-14, the profile F-14 gives builders the ability to fly a great looking RC airplane without the extended build time. This download doesn't offer the ability to have swing wings, but the stability and great looks more than make up for the moving wings. An excellent design and easy to understand plans make this a popular download.

5. Ultimate by Mr. Flash. While 3D flight peaked a few years ago, the Ultimate remains a popular download on Parkjets. And why not, it's a fantastic design with great stability and great looks. If you are looking for a 3D style parkjet, look for the Ultimate.

4. Eurofighter by Tomas Hellberg. The profile style Eurofighter is one of the best designs for a parkjet out there. It has a lot of great features. The large delta wing give it exceptional stability, the easy to set up control surfaces make it ideal for a simple RC set up. Here is a great video of the rock solid flight characteristics of the Eurofighter. The drawings are easy to follow and the build is an easy process. And as a bonus, there are some decals out there ready for you to print off your computer and apply for a little extra polish on your model.

3. The Hydro plane. Another design that has been on Parkjets for years, the hydro plane is an oldie but goodie. Mixing the hobbies of boats and airplanes, the hydro gives modelers as little bit of both and a lot of fun. This is one case where you have to watch the video to see exactly what we are talking about. The concept is pretty neat, so give the hydro a try.

2. The profile F-35 by RC CAL. This really makes sense. The F-35 Lightening II is the newest multi- role fighter from the U.S. and features some pretty unique looks. The design here is easy to build and easy to cut out. The documentation is good as well and there are a few decals and other goodies for those downloading this great little design. It's a mid-motor mounted pushed that works well with a cheap brushless motor and 6 x 4 prop. Laser cut kits are also available for this model.

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate. It's no surprise here. The F-22 is one of the best looking jets out there and this RC design is one of the best. The design features thrust vectoring, super scale looks and excellent performance. It's not an easy build, but the challenge is worth the effort. Like a broken record, the documentation for this parkjet is top notch. It has a lot of parts/pieces, but for the scratch builders out there, this one is a crown jewel.

Do you have a favorite design or parkjet? And if you have a design, be sure to shoot us an E-mail and we can get it posted. And check back in early June and see if the deck gets shuffled. And remember, you can pick up quite a few of these design in kit form from 6mmFlyRC. So be sure to check it out.