TOP 10 PLANS - MAY

With May closing out, and the heat of June already bearing down, it’s time to get to the most popular downloads on Parkjets for last bit of spring. We have some new comers to the list, some old favorites, and a couple of surprises.  Let’s get to it and kick off June right.

10. F-15 MK2 by Jamie Rothwell: We have a few F-15 models on Parkjets and they are all excellent flyers. The Eagle’s broad delta like wing and large flying surfaces make the design an excellent choice for beginners and experts alike.  The Rothwell version utilizes score and fold techniques to give you that full fuse look with minimal effort. 

9. Hot Spot by Domenico Sebastiani: The Hot Spot keeps on keeping on as a popular plan on Parkjets. The “fun jet” like design is a proven performer, while this version keeps the building simple. Just like we like it.

8. X-Shuttle by Robertus: Simple design usually means an easy to fly plane and the X-Shuttle fits this description. Broad wings, simple control surfaces and a simple design means you have time to install LED lights and light up the dark, just like the designer.

7. Hydro: The Hydro is consistently in the Top 10 for Parkjets and while we keep thinking it will lose its popularity, it never seems to for very long. Part boat, part airplane, the Hydro is the perfect craft to terrorize those ducks at your local pond while providing the on-lookers something they rarely see, a boat that can fly.

6. Mermaid by Marcel du Plessis: Another aircraft capable of working in the water, the Mermaid design uses a high motor mount, traditional design cues for construction and a proven design. The Mermaid is an excellent flyer and will not disappoint you.

5. SU-22 Fitter by Robertus: The SU-22 Fitter isnot an easy plane to build, with swing wings and a complicated design.  But as you know, Parkjets tries to offer something for everyone and the Fitter is a great alternative to more common models.

4. YF-23 by Craig Clarkstone: The Grey Ghost, the YF-23 is the design that lost out to the F-22 Raptor when the U.S. decided which new plane to buy. But the Air Force’s loss is your gain. This is one of the most scale depron models we have in our Free Plans catalog, so the build is not simple. But what you can achieve with a little time and effort is well worth it.

3. SU-37 by Jamie Rothwell: Just like his F-15 design (#10 above) the SU-37 uses score and fold building techniques that allow you to build quickly, achieve some scale looks, while keeping the design very simple. The SU-37 plans contained here also have a variant option, sans canard, that give you a great way to keep things fresh.

2. F-302 Tau’ri by Robertus: The Tau’ri is one of the most unusual designs on Parkjets. Straight from the TV series Stargate, the F-302 has some unique features that make it look unflyable.  Dihedral, forward swept wings, and more make this one a great alternative if you are looking for something strange.

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate: The F-22 comes out on top again. The thrust vectoring, the scale looks, the available kit options, the decals, the detailed instruction guide.  Is there any wonder it’s been number 1 for so long and so consistently?  This is not an beginner build, but the results are worth the hard work.

TOP 10 PLANS - MARCH

Ehh, we skipped a month there on the Top 10 list, and that can happen from time to time as life gets in the way. But we do have the numbers from March 2014, and we nearly had a new #1. But, with just 13 fewer downloads (out of 2,100), a newcomer just came up short. 

Let's get to the Top 10 most downloaded plans on Parkjets!

10. Super Bandit by Steve Shumate - The Super Bandit hasn't been on the list for a long time. And it's honestly one of the best looking designs out there so it should be a regular. A real easy build, with options for pusher and EDF configurations, the Super Bandit has a great shape and performs excellent in the air. A Steve Shumate design from years ago, this one will keep you smiling as you throttle up and fly this aircraft like it's on rails. 

9. F-22 by Tomas Hellberg - One of the simplest builds out there, the F-22 features tabbed construction and simple thrust vectoring. Available as a kit or ready for you to tackle from scratch, the Raptor is an excellent build for quick fun. 

8. Hydro - The Hydro keeps on impressing with its popularity. Half boat half plane, the Hydro is happy where ever you want to fly, boat, or whatever!

7. F-15 v2 by Jamie Rothwell - An improved version of the F-15 previously designed by Jamie Rothwell, the V2 refines the score and fold technique used along with improvements to the canopy and scale of the model. An excellent choice. 

6. F-35 by RCCal - The F-35, like its cousin above (F-22 by Tomhe) is a great choice for those builders wanting to get up and rocking in few hours. Simple scale construction, thurst vectoring, and great performance on just about any power combination you can throw at it, the F-35 will leave you grinning. 

5. Mermaid by Marcel de Plessis - A non-jet, but based on a real aircraft, this excellent design is just like the name implies, it's comfortable in the water and is great to take off from grass as well. With the prop above the fuselage, the Mermaid is a must have versitle flyer for nearly all fields. 

4. Hotspot by Domenico Sebastiani - The Hot Spot is based on the Funjet and is proving to be just as popular. A mix of several different design cues, the Hot Spot performs like you expect; plenty of speed, plenty of ability and just lots of fun. 

3. SU-37 JR2 By Jamie Rothwell - This refined design features the Russian beauty, with improved performance and the option to cut off the canards for an SU-35 model as well. Score and fold makes this one go together quickly while still having a full fuse look. 

2. YF-23 by Craig Clarkstone - We said it at the time, this design is so beautiful to look at, it makes you want to build it. The YF-23 is just so smooth. The designer took a lot of time to document everything, so you have all the instructions and decals and tips you could need. This one just missed the top spot and we expect it will be around for a while. 

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate - The F-22 is again at the top of the list. As usual. Thrust vectoring, scale looks, available kit, and excellent documentation means the F-22 will keep you up at night just trying to get to the next level of scratch building for your parkjet fun. 

That wraps up March of 2014 for the Top 10 list. We want to thank all the designers that have let us host over 130 plans over the last few years. And keep downloading! As always, if you have a design, let us know and we will get it posted!

TOP 10 PLANS - JANUARY

So the first month of 2014 is already over and we are just pressing halfway through Feburary.  How time flies! Hopefully many of you trapped by the mountain of snow in much of the country have had a great opportunity to get in some much needed build time on your spring fleet.  

As always, let's take a look at the most popular plans for January 2014.  We have a couple of old friends crack back into the list and the reigning king is de-throned for the top spot.  Here we go.

10. Cargo Twin - The Cargo Twin keeps on being popular in part because of its easy build design and also because it offers a cool way to hve a unique plane at the park. Using twin motors and rock solid building techniques, the Twin Cargo is a nice change of pace for any fleet.

9. F-22 by Tomas Hellberg - This profile F-22 design is an excellent weekend project or for more experienced builders, just a few hours. It features tabbed designs, thrust vectoring in the simplest terms, and great durability. Oh, and if you really want to accelerate your build time, pick up a laser cut version from 6mmFlyRC!

8. Hydro - The Hydro is part boat, part park flyer. Available in EDF or tractor designs, the Hydro will impress at the local duck pond, unless its frozen over!

7. SAF-14 - A unique design, a unique flyer. The SAF-14 might not be a real jet for you or me, but a model that mixes up several modern designs into one great looking model can't be a bad thing. 

6. Mermaid - The Mermaid, like the name implies, is a parkjet that is comfortable in the water as well as the air. With a motor mounted high above the body, your electronics are protected. 

5. F-35 - Simple profile design plus thrust vectoring plus quick build time plus modern looks equal one heck of a parkjet platform. 

4. SU-37 MK2 - Featuring a score and fold method (like the F-15 up next) the SU-37 is all Russian and all great performance. The design achieves a full body look with minimal build time.

3. F-15 MK2 - Like the SU-37, the F-15 brings the American version of air superiority to score and fold building. 

2. F-22 by Steve Shumate - This design is usually #1, and we have no doubt it will keep pushing for top of the heap. Scale design and thrust vectoring and you can get a laser cut kit means the F-22 is a winner every time at the flying field. 

1. Hotspot - The Hot Spot is in the TOP spot! One of the newer designs on Parkjets, the Hot Spot is a funjet spinoff that has a large delta wing and easy to set up controls. Check out the design and get to building. 

That wraps up another Top 10 for Parkjets. Check back in a few weeks, with the awesome YF-23 uploaded at the beginning of Feburary, we think we might have another strong contender for the top slot. Now, get to downloading!

TOP 10 PLANS - DECEMBER

After recovering from a rather rowdy New Year's celebration, it's time to get posted the Top 10 plans for the last month in 2013. December proved to be a month were some oldies but goodies made a return to the Top 10 and some new entries posted some strong showings as well.  Let's get started, here we go, the last Top 10 of 2013!

10. F-14 by Steve Shumate: In prior years, the F-14 was by the most popular Parkjet ever posted to our site. The swing wings are just too awesome. And the plans showed a bit of a comeback in December. With accessories like a clear canopy and pilots available (and kits too) from 6mmFlyRC, the F-14 has tons of support out there. 

9. Cargo Twin by Jamie Rothwell: The Cargo Twin is quickly becoming a regular in the Top 10. And it's not even a jet! Simple designs, a broad wings and twin motors make it a great alternative for folks looking to pull a cargo plane at the park.

8. Hydro: This design continues to hover and float as one of the most popular plans on Parkjets. Part boat, part slow flyer, the Hydro fits a unique place in Parkjet design. 

7. SU-37 by Steve Shumate: The Terminator or Super Flanker is one of the best looking designs of all time and Steve Shumate's design captures its beautiful curves and striking profile with precision. Twin thrust vectoring, clear canopies available, and awesome performance make it an obvious choice for a winter project. 

6. Mermaid by Marcel du Plessis: The Mermaid is built to live in the water, but it can take off from land as well. With the motor mounted high, and broad wings, the Mermaid is stable and easy to fly off the ground or water. 

5. F-35 by RCCal: The F-35 is a great first plane. Some even use it as a trainer. The Large wings and large control surfaces make it a perfect parkflyer. The simple profile design makes it easy to build in just a few hours. 

4. SU-37 V2 by Jamie Rothwell: The Rothwell designed SU-37 is a great compromise between true scale and fast assembly. The score and fold method lets the builder get a great looking plane without some of the complications of a traditional box and former techniques.  

3. F-15 V2 by Jamie Rothwell: Like it's Russian counter-part, the F-15 utilizes score and fold techniques that get you up in the air quickly.  The Eagle has has been a stable performer at the park for years and this design is a welcome edition.

2. SAF-14 by Eduardo Flores: The SAF-14 is a fictional plane to be sure, but it looks like it could roll off the assembly line at any point. Borrowing design cues from the F-35, SU-37 and F-22, the SAF-14 is an EDF performer. 

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate: The F-22, except for a brief moment this year, has remained on top of the heap. As far as scale designs go, it is pretty impressive, considering it's made out of foam. Oh sure, the fiberglass models out there are more scale, but we are talking about depron. The gentle curves, the thrust vectoring, the plain nastiness of the Raptor make it a winner month after month.

That wraps up another fantastic year of great designs and free downloads.  As we move onto 2014, we will post more plans and let's see what ends up in the Top 10 month after month.  Happy New Year everyone!

AMAZING JAS-39 GRIPEN

A customer of 6mmFlyRC sent over some pictures and we thought we would post them to show off some of the best craftsmanship on a foam model you will ever see.  

Rafal is from Poland, which only highlights how global the hobby of RC flight is, but he clearly takes his models to the next level.  By incorporating killer decals, etching in panel lines, going through the extreme detail in the exhaust and every other part of the plane, he takes a standard kit from 6mmFlyRC (free plans here of course) and takes it up several notches. By making drop tanks, different under wing ornaments, this is the best example of taking the hobby to a new heights.

Remember, if you have any photos or video of your model in action, send them on over and we will share them with the world!

Check out the photos and begin to drool!

TOP 10 PLANS - NOVEMBER

We just checked in on the stats from last month and we have some shake up in the most popular downloads on Parkjets. We never know what will be popular, and have some theories about why plans bounce around a little. But really, we have no idea. One thing we do know is that Jamie Rothwell designs are very popular! Let's get to the list.

10. SU-37 by Jamie Rothwell: A great example of a score and fold design with great looks that will get you up in the air in no time. The SU-37 is an excellent platform for parkjets, and this design is standing the test of time.

9. Cargo Twin by Jamie Rothwell: We don't have many non-jet designs, but the Cargo Twin proves maybe we need a little more variety. A simple design that gives you your fix for a twin engined cargo plane.

8. SU-37 by Steve Shumate: This design bounces in and out of the Top 10, but it does represent one of the most scale designs out there. Most of the time people can't believe it's made out of foam. Twin thrust vectoring and available clear canopies from 6mmFlyRC make it a great winter project.

7. Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell: Another Jamie Rothwell design! The Eurofighter is one of the basic designs that every parkjet pilot needs to try out at least once, it's one of our all time favorites. Great big wings and simple control set up make it a super easy flyer.

6. F-35 by RC Cal: The Lightening II continues to be popular on parkjets. Large wings, twin tail and a modern design make it an easy choice for anyone wanting a little variety in their fleet.

5. Mermaid by Marcel du Plessis: The Mermaid is one of the few water capable designs on the site. Add that to a proven designer and you get a great performing plane with versatility.

4. Hydro: Part plane part boat, the Hydro continues to captivate builders out there wanting a totally unique experience.

3. SU-37 v2 by Jamie Rothwell: This plan can be converted to the SU-35 and features some refinements to the original design featured above. A great update to a great design.

2. F-15 v2 by Jamie Rothwell: Another Rothwell design, this one of the mainstay of the U.S. fleet, the F-15. This design is a score and fold with easy assembly and good performance.

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate: Back at #1 after a few months bouncing around, the Steve Shumate designed F-22 Raptor is an excellent example of taking foam construction to another level. Thrust vectoring and smooth lines make this a winner all day long.

TOP 10 PLANS - AUGUST

We know we are running way, way behind this month in updating the site. What can we say, things got busy. But we did pull the data and have the list for the new Top 10 plans on Parkjets. Now, the last few months have been interesting with some new #1 plans, and this month, we have some shake ups a well. Here we go.

10. F-15 by Jamie Rothwell: This model is his first version of the F-15 and it is proving to be very popular still, even with and updated version available. The Eagle is a great looking model and is suited for parkjet type flight. The large delta wing, twin vertical stabs, and large control surfaces make it a great addition to any fleet.

9. SU-31 by Tomas Hellberg: This traditional tractor set up of an old warbird style profile flyer stays popular for its rock solid design and great documentation. If you want to be up and flying in a few hours, give the SU-31 a shot.

8. Mirage F1 by Marcel du Plessis: It's no wonder this design is popular. Just look at it! The stunning lines and simple build principles have this one sitting in our fleet. Get yours ready today.

7. Cargo Twin by Jamie Rothwell: Have to be honest, this one is out of the blue. But hey, the Cargo Twin design is unique and for those looking for something totally different than your average fighter jet, it's easy to see why the Cargo Twin was a popular download.

6. F-35 by RC Cal: One of the most popular designs out for cruising around your local flying field. The F-35 has all the right ingredients, including large control surfaces, large wings, and great flight envelope. You add that to the fact that it's the newest jet on the the block and you have yourself one popular design.

5. Mermaid by Marcel du Plessis: The Mermaid is perfect for summer flying. It's perfectly suited to fly off of long grass, calm water or just about anything in between. Based on an actual plane, the Mermaid is scale, easy to build and loves to get a little wet.

4. Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell: The Eurofighter EDF is an excellent flyer and a perfect platform for modification and stable flying.  The large delta wing, simple controls and easy construction make this Eurofighter a popular choice.

3. SU-37 by Jamie Rothwell: This is is the updated version, featuring plans that allow you to convert your design to and SU-37 if needed.  Great looks, easy build, what's not to like?

2. F-22 by Steve Shumate: The F-22 Raptor has been at the top for so long, it's weird saying its the #2 most popular download on Parkjets.  But the Raptor is amazing.  Thrust vectoring, scale looks in a foamy, accessories and kits available from vendors, the F-22 is one of the best designs ever. 

1. F-15 by Jamie Rothwell: This new addition to the site, like the SU-37 at number 3, is an updated design of a classic air superiorty fighter. Using a score and fold method for building up a semi-scale model is no problem if you are crunched for time.  Hey, it's a great platform for parkflying too, the F-15 is a great place to start if you are looking at a proven model.  

TOP 10 PLANS - JULY 2013

The heat of the summer is here. This is usually the time of year we see a bit of a drop in traffic and activity, as many builders are out flying and crashing their winter projects. But, we still have a Top 10 List for July and we have some new members of the Top 10 club, a new #1 and more. Let's go!

10. SU-37 MK1 by Jamie Rothwell: This is the first design of the SU-37 and it remains popular. Featuring score and fold design, semi-scale looks and good performance, the SU-37 MK1 is a great parkjet for the fleet.

9. Hydro: The Hydro keeps its place as a long-standing member of the Top 10 list. It's part boat, part flyer. Capable of EDF or prop, the Hydro will raise eyebrows at the local pond or park.

8. F-35 by RCCal: The F-35 is a profile style flyer with excellent lines and simple tabbed construction for a quick build. Available by kit from 6mmFlyRC.com or for the more hands on builders, straight from the files. Large delta wings and large control surfaces make it a great choice for a beginner.

7. SU-31 by Tomas Hellberg: The SU-31 is a nice change of pace for many builders on Parkjets. The SU-31 has simple clean lines, simple build principles, and the prop is in the front! An old war bird that should be on your short list to build. 

6. Mirage F1 by Marcel du Plessis: The Mirage has the look of a lawn dart and can really move across the park at impressive speeds. Mr. Marcel knows how to design great flying machines, his Mirage F1 design is no exception. Looking for speed? The Mirage F1 should be in your hanger.

5. Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell: Mr. Rothwell's second design on the Top 10, the Eurofighter has a lot to like with its simple build proceedures, good documentation, wide range of power options and great performance. 

4. F-242 Spiker by Sean Correia: The Spiker might be fictional but the performance is real. Mr. Correia's designs are all unique, with graceful curves and extreme angles. We love the looks and only three other designs best its downloads this month. 

3. Mermaid by Marcel du Plessis: The Mermaid is actually modeled after a real airplane and Mr. Marcel does a great job capturing the lines of the original. A full fuse design that is at home taking off on long grass or water or hand tossed, the Mermaid just looks nice, and glides through the air so so easy. 

2. SU-37 MK2 by Jamie Rothwell: The number of downloads was just EIGHT less than the #1 download last month, making this a virtual tie, but our past champion lost a little ground in July. The SU-37 MK2 design is much improved and offers the SU-35 variant in the same file. A great parkjet with excellent documentation.

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate: Back in the top spot in July is the F-22 Raptor. The F-22 is a complex build with results that will have everyone wondering how foam can be so scale. Full fuse, thrust vectoring, EDF capable, and available by kit (6mmFlyRC), the F-22 is the definition of a parkjet.

We want to take a few lines to thank all the great designers out there and remind everyone to donate to the designer directly right on the plans page. That helps keep the plans coming. Keep flying and keep the nose out of the dirt!

TOP 10 PLANS - JUNE

It's that time folks.  Last month, we had a new king of parkjets, the SU-37 (updated version) by Jamie Rothwell. It knocked off the long-time king, the Steve Shumate designed F-22 Raptor.  Can the Russian beauty hold back the Raptor? Let's find out!

10. F-22 by Tomas Hellberg - The F-22 is one of the best designs on Parkjets.com.  This version features simple constucture, tabbed thrust vectoring and tabbed construction. A very versitile airframe and good looks makes this a great place to start.

9. F-35 by RCCal - The F-35 keeps on being popular. We figure the modern looks, plus the awesome performance for slow and fast flight make this design a winner. 

8. SU-31 by Tomas Hellberg - The SU-31 is not your traditional parkJET. Rather, a throw back to the time of warbirds and props. Like all of his designs, the SU-31 is simple to build and provides a great amount of smiles for the buck.

7. Mirage F1 by Marcel du Plessis - The F1 has to be one of the better looking parkjets in the air. The sharp nose, the rounded intakes, the large vertical stab.  Oh, and all that means it hauls rear too.  

6. SU-37 by Steve Shumate - The Terminator, the Super Flanker, whatever you want to call it, the SU-37 by Steve Shumate is one impressive design. One of the most scale designs on Parkjets, the SU-37 features twin thrust vectoring, twin motors, and great looks. And don't forget, you can skip cutting out the 80 parts by ordering a pre-cut kit from 6mmFlyRC.

5. Hydro - The Hydro keeps on trucking. A unique blend of a parkflyer and a boat. What else can be said?

4. Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell - The Eurofighter has broad delta wings, cannards, and a simple design. That all adds up to a great platform for modification, motors, power supplies and anything else you can throw at it. This design is a full fuse version with simple score and fold method construction. 

3. Mermaid by Marcel du Plessis - The Mermaid, an unusual plane for Parkjets, but a great design. Featuring the ability to take off from grass or water or be hand launched, the Mermaid looks great in the air and performs well. One thing is for sure, you will have a unique plane with a Mermaid in your fleet.

2. F-22 by Steve Shumate - The F-22 has been on top for a long time, and now it's two months at #2. The Raptor is a scale build, with some complex building techniques, but the results are just awesome. Add in performance and you have a great parkjet that will wow the crowd everytime.

1. SU-37 by Jamie Rothwell - The SU-37 retains its top spot! This design has a full fuse, but simple construction notes. The plans also allow for modification to an SU-35, making this a 2 for 1 download. Performance is excellent and you can't go wrong with the most popular download in Parkjets!

Okay, that wraps up the Top 10 Free plans on Parkjets.com. As always, if you have plans you want posted, give us a shout and we will get them up in no time!

T-38 SUNDOWNERS AWESOME

A Parkjet fan sent us over his pictures of his Steve Shumate T-38 build.  And we have to say, it turned out awesome. He dressed it up in the popular "sundowners" scheme complete with the details that make it look right in the air. 

Shameless plug: Our sponsor, 6mmFlyRC has a bunch of awesome decals for FREE download right on their site, including the sundowner scheme. If nothing else, you can get some inspiration, at best, you can just adapt and use them for your own bird.

But enough talking, check out these awesome shots, oh and we uploaded these right to the free plans page as well. The Shumate T-38 is a great build for a first time builder as well as the advanced modeler. The sexy coke bottle shape and small wings make the T-38 fast and it rolls like a drill bit. A personal favorite. 

Thanks Craig for the pics! Keep up the good work!

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 PLANS - MARCH

Every month, for nearly a year, we have been logging the most popular plans on Parkjets on a monthly basis. Its time to look at last month, and see what the list has in order. Here we go!

10. Cutlass by SDParkflyers - The Cutlass has come to Parkjets and its found a great little spot. The Cutlass is a great beginner plane, featuring broad delta wings and moderate speed. A great Parkjet!

9. SU-31 by Tomas Hellberg - The SU-31 is a traditional "warbird" profile style tractor motor flyer.  Not many builders will go with an old school SU-31, so when you build yours, you can be sure it won't be sitting among others at the flying field. 

8. F-15 by Jamie Rothwell - The F-15 by Jamie Rothwell remains popular for a lot of reasons. Ease of construction, semi-scale looks, great performance and good documentation are just a few. If you want a stable flyer, give the F-15 a try.

7. SU-37 by Jamie Rothwell - You might want a little different airframe.  But you want to get it up in the air quickly. This plan might just fit the bill. 

6. F-35 by RC Cal - The F-35 continues to be a popular download.  A simple profile construction method coupled with the fact that it's the newest plane for the U.S. and you have a good start.  

5. Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell - Mr. Rothwell comes in with his 3rd design in the top 10 for March and you can pretty much guess the reasons why its popular. The Eurofighter is a great platform for parkjets, large delta wings and big control surfaces.

4. Hydro - This design couples a boat and an airplane. Take it on the water or the air.  Your choice.

3. Mirage by Marcel du Plessis - The Mirage is quickly becoming very popular. A simple profile design with a few twists, like curved intakes that give the Mirage enough scale for nearly every pilot.  

2. Mermaid by Marcel du Plessis - The Mermaid is based on the real thing, although not many have heard of it. A plane that flies off grass or water and looks good in the process. This plan has been so popular it nearly knocked off the King of Parkjets....

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate - It's been over a year and the F-22 can't get knocked off its perch as King of Parkjets. Unbelievable scale, thrust vectoring and custom canopies from 6mmFlyRC make it a winner.  

Stay tuned for next month, and be sure to visit our sponsors (6mmflyrc.com).  

TOP 10 PLANS - FEBRUARY

It's hard to believe its already spring time.  Hopefully you had a chance to get your winter projects finished and are preparing to get them up and flying soon. 

And since it's the beginning of the month, it's also time to let you know what plans are the most popular on Parkjets.  Let's get started.

10. T-28 Trojan: The T-28 Trojan is a new plan to Parkjets and is already gaining popularity.  A traditional tractor set up, military style, plus 3D capabilities and you have a winner.  

9. SuperSlo28: Like the T-28, the SuperSlo 28 is from SDParkflyers.com and is primarily designed for 3D flying but is perfectly at home motoring around the park.  A great simple design means you can get up and running right away. 

8. SU-31: A great design by Tomas Hellberg, the SU-31 is a tractor set up, but has some great stylings.  Simple profile warbirds are common.  The SU-31 is not.  Want something a little different, this one might work well for you. 

7. SU-37 by Jamie Rothwell: Like most of Mr. Rothwell's designs, his score and fold method means you get a semi-scale full fuselage with minimim effort.  And the SU-37 is a great looking plane too, with large wing surfaces, you will get a nice flyer.  

6. F-35 by RC Cal: The F-35 might be one of the most perfect parkjet designs.  Large wings, big control surfaces and great modern looks.  Pair this with a standard motor and yours will get up and flying in no time (unlike the real thing). 

5. Hydro: This boat/airplane combo is still popular after all these years.  If you are looking for something a little different, check out the Hydro, available in EDF too!

4. Cutlass: The Cutlass is SDParkflyer's third entry onto this list and is fits nicely into the Parkjet free plans catalog.  Slick lines, big wings and fast performace make the Cutlass a winner. 

3. Eurofighter by Jamie Rothwell: Score and fold, paint and fly.  The Eurofigher by Jamie Rothwell is an excellent flyer.  There is a reason its popular. 

2. F-15 by Jamie Rothwell: There is a reason his models are sticking on the Top 10 list.  The F-15 is an iconic airplane that has been a staple of the U.S. fleet for decades.  If you want to add an F-15 to your fleet, consider this design. 

1. F-22 by Steve Shumate: Holding off the competition again, the F-22 is still on the top of the pile, dominating all comers.  Super scale thrust vectoring all wrapped up in a design that is just awesome to look at in the air.

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.

Want to stay up to date on all things Parkjets? Easy, sign up for our newsletter and follow us on Twitter!  

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.  

INTERVIEW ROUNDUP

One of the more popular resources on Parkjets is the various interviews we have conducted with designers and companies in the RC Community. A lot of people enjoy reading the interviews for ideas and inspiration for their next build. We thought it might be a good idea to do an “interview roundup” and pull out some of the best tidbits from each interview, link them all, and create an easy resource for you to go to time and time again. And since we are reaching out to designers and members of the RC Community all the time, this is one resource that will continue to grow, just like the number of free downloads in our catalog.

If you have never taken a few minutes and actually read through these interviews, there is almost something for everyone, so get a cup of coffee or something and read over a few.

Interview: Sabastian Gulde, Designer of the EADS Barracuda | Advise on achieving beveled cuts on EPP foam: “I did build a hot wire cutter, however I noticed later that a utility knife and sanding paper works just as well if you take your time and mark the cutting line before. It is best to first cut out the part straight, and in a second step do the beveled cut.”

Interview: 6mmFlyRC – Company and Sponsor of Parkjets.com | On lessons learned running your own RC business: “This won't be that popular to say but honestly the number one lesson we learned is that just because you have some people asking for a product, it doesn't mean it will sell. In some ways, it’s totally unpredictable.”

Interview: Jamie Rothwell, Designer of the Alpha Jet and more | On the Alpha Jets incredible high alpha capability: “The incredible high alpha is achieved because the leading edge of the top wing is slightly in front of the leading edge of the bottom wing. So when the plane is in high alpha, the top wing is scooping the air over the bottom wing and the propeller is also pulling air through the air intakes, which are in the middle of both wings.”

Interview: Nico Hobbies – Company and designer | Advise on purchasing an expensive brand name motor over cheaper models: “Personally, I see no reason why someone would need to purchase a Hacker or E-Flite brand motor just for better reliability, as I've had almost no issues with the cheaper brands.”

Interview: Steve Shumate – Designer | Advise to hobbyists: “The only thing I'd add is to encourage guys who are used to flying RTFs to try building a foam model from scratch or from a kit. The sense of satisfaction you'll get from the end result will probably give you a whole new appreciation for this great hobby.”

STEVE SHUMATE - INTERVIEW

Frequent visitors to Parkjets probably already knows the name Steve Shumate.  His designs have been featured in multiple print magazines and continue to be very popular on Parkjets.  Some even call him the "godfather of parkjets."  Since Steve's designs are by far the most popular download on our site and since we started this interview series, we figured we would shoot him an E-mail.  Well, we reached out to Steve and asked if he would be willing do a small interview with Parkjets and he agreed!  So sit back and enjoy a little insight from one of the best designers of RC Parkflyers out there...Steve Shumate.

Steve, although we always think everyone knows your name is synonymous with parkjet designs, a lot of our readers are brand new to the RC hobby.  Can you give us just a little background information?

Sure. I've been flying RC for 30 years now. I built my first RC airplane back when I was a teenager and taught myself how to fly (it was a 2-meter sailplane, so wasn't too hard). I've been an airplane nut my whole life, and built plastic models, free flight models, and control line models before graduating up to RC. I got my full scale pilot license when I was 18, and then went to college and earned a degree in Aerospace Engineering.  I was hired by the Boeing Company right after graduating, where I still work today. I've been lucky enough to spend my whole career in Product Development at Boeing, and helped design many Boeing jets that never got built (600-seat double deckers, new versions of the 747, Sonic Cruiser), and a few that did (777-300ER, 787).  I worked on the 787 from Day 0 on the program and am still working on the 787 today.  My current job is in Product Strategy, where I help figure out what new versions of the 787 Boeing should develop in the future.

That's an amazing career so far.  Being able to do what you love and all at a company that is on the front line in passenger flight on a global scale.  

Steve Shumate SU-37

I'm sure a lot of our readers are envious of all the really awesome projects you have had a hand in shaping.  With such a heavy workload and family, do you manage to get out and fly anymore?

A little, but not a lot. I've got two small kids at home, and family takes up much of my free time these days. I'm sure I'll get back into the hobby more once they're older.

That's understandable.  When you have a few kids, your priorities shift and we see it all they time in hobbyists. Many visitors to Parkjets have been out the hobby for 20 years and then get the itch again.  

Fokker DR1

Even though the hobby has taken a little bit of a back seat for you...you've been pretty active on the RC forums out there, and we haven’t seen any designs out of your shop in a while. Do you have any desire to get behind the CAD software and begin designing again? We know if you did, the buzz around whatever you designed would be tremendous. In some ways it would be like long awaited sequel to a blockbuster movie.

I DEFINITELY have the desire to design new airplanes, but just don't have much free time right now. That said, I always have a project or two on the back burner that I like to tinker with when I get the time. Can't let my CAD skills get too rusty!

We will get our popcorn ready when you give us the word! The nutty thing about CAD software is that it is getting easier and more consumer friendly all the time. The Google Sketch Up product is a fantastic example of some consumer friendly software.  But we know what you mean, with the rapidly changing world of software, it's easy to get rusty.  We hope you decide to knock the rust off soon!  

Steve Shumate X-31 EDF

One of the great things about your designs is that so many others have taken them and modified them a little with the help of CAD.  Are you surprised that your designs really sparked so many other hobbyists to take their ideas and put them down on paper (or CAD)? It just seems like your designs shifted so many people’s thought process in terms of using a new material like depron foam to create scale models that performed well and look great.

Yes, I'm continually amazed at how popular some of my designs have become, and feel quite honored. I certainly didn't invent parkjets or Depron scale models, I just borrowed some good ideas from others before me and integrated them together. To me, much of the credit for how popular my designs have become goes to RC Groups, which makes it so easy for folks to share their work and discuss it with others. It's where I learned most of what I know about foam RC models, and where I've then shared my new ideas. And of course other RC forums from around the world link to and borrow stuff from RC Groups, expanding the influence.

We have to say that we have spent our fare share of time browsing RC Groups, reading through the mountains of threads and questions.  It's one of the best resources out there.

Steve Shumate F-14 TomcatYour designs continue to be very popular on Parkjets, and we know they are flying all across the world. In the fast evolving world of RC Airplanes, your designs have stood the test of time. Why do you think your designs have had such lasting power?

I think a key reason is the balance they strike between being quick building vs. semi-scale. True scale models tend to be complicated to build and challenging to fly, yet quick-building flat foam models fly great but tend to not look very scale. So I've tried to find a good balance between those two competing design goals in all my designs. I'm also not afraid to deviate slightly from scale to improve flying qualities, things like enlarging tails for more stability or making small wing planform changes to reduce tip stall.  Nearly all of my designs have tails that enlarged about 10-20% from scale, for example. Scale looks are important, but not as important as buildability or flyability in my book!

As any RC pilot can attest, crashing a scale plane feels no different than one that has a slightly larger tail. Flyabilty is absolutly key.  I'm sure you know that your F-14 and F-22 are very popular designs and continue to be some of the most downloaded plans on our site.

In fact, last month, out of the top 10 designs downloaded, you had four (SU-37, F-14, Super Bandit, and F-22). But just down the list is a design that doesn't get a lot of discussion, the Boeing Sonic Cruiser. We know you have a personal connection to the design, can you just briefly tell us about your personal connection?

Yes, I was the Configuration Design lead for the Sonic Cruiser. I was responsible for integrating the aerodynamics, structures, and payloads elements, and then developing the overall design of the airplane. It was one of the most fun times of my career! The Sonic Cruiser broke new ground in many areas, and was an airplane engineer's dream to work on. Lots of design challenges looking for innovative solutions. But as you probably know, the market eventually shifted toward fuel efficiency over speed, so Boeing ended up putting much of that new technology into a slower airplane that eventually became the 787. So once the Sonic Cruiser project was cancelled, all of the engineers like me simply transitioned over to the 787.

The Sonic Cruiser is by far your simplest design, especially when compared to say your SU-37.  The Sonic Cruiser is really just a profile type parkjet with twin power and working canards, which makes it very unique.

Steve Shumate Boeing Sonic Cruiser

Do you have any advise for builders out there wanting to build the Sonic Cruiser?

It took two prototypes to get a Sonic Cruiser model that flew well, but the final design is really a pussycat in the air and easy to fly. The key advice I can give is to be careful to ensure the two motors are perfectly matched, which is standard advice on twin-engine models. Also make sure to keep the weight down.

The Sonic Cruiser looks so good in the air.  We sure wish the real thing was built and flying!  Another popular design is your SU-37.  By far this is the most impressive model we have seen, just in terms of pulling it out at the flying field. It always get a lot of attention. But what design are you most proud of? I mean, everyone loves the F-22, but even your Fokker DR1 is a very cool design too.

I'd say the Su-37 is the design I'm second-most proud of.  The first has to be the F-14. It took a lot of hours behind CAD to figure how to make that model easy to build yet scale-looking and good flying. The wing swing mechanism was an especially challenging part of that design. I also had to make some tough calls on the scaleness of the model, such as losing the characteristic canted engine inlets to greatly simplify construction. But the best part was the prototype flew perfect from the first flight on, no design modifications were needed. That said, if you ask which of my designs that I personally fly the most, it would be the Fokker DR1. It's simply a blast to fly that model. I love how it can be flown slow and scale-like one minute, and then do harriers and hovering the next. Plus it requires only the smallest of flying fields, so I can fly it anywhere.

Love the Fokker.  It's so stable in flight and a great change of pace from the jet designs.  But you are probably right, the F-14 has such an impact with the swing wings, a real engineering victory!

What continues to amaze us at Parkjets is that so many of our users are first time builders. With all the out of the box (RTF) models coming out every week, we just can’t believe there are so many out there that still want to get their hands dirty, create their own model. There is a certain satisfaction, we think, to starting with an empty work bench and completing a project. And for you, the satisfaction must be 100 fold, given that you know that thousands and thousands of modelers have taken your designs and had so much fun.  Why do you think there is this base desire for modelers to keep building?

I agree 100%--nothing compares to the feeling of starting with a few flat sheets of foam on your work bench and then turning them into a great flying and scale-looking model airplane. RTFs can't begin to compete with that level of satisfaction in my book. And yes, I'm especially thrilled that my work has encouraged others to try their hand at building from scratch rather than just owning RTFs. RTFs have their place and I certainly own a few, but I don't feel anywhere near the connection with those models as I do with the ones I built myself.

It's funny you say that, because in some ways a scratch built RC airplane is like an old car.  You just get connected to those models that you have a hand in building and creating.  Like that old car that you have replaced a few parts on, kept it going over the years, and talk in to starting on a cold morning.  It's very satisfying!

Steve Shumate F-22 Raptor

Over the last few years, we have seen a rapid expansion of EDF, and we get asked this all the time, "How can I adapt an EDF set up to one of the Steve Shumate models?" Do you have any advise for builders wanting to convert your plans to EDF?

Yes, many of my designs lend themselves quite well to EDF conversion--and many of my later designs I specifically designed with that in mind. However, EDFs aren't easy to get to work well. To have a good-flying EDF, the power system (fan diameter, motor, battery) must be precisely matched to the airframe (wing sizing, weight, inlet area, exhaust area. If you just plunk a fan unit into a model (including my park jets), the chances of success are minimal.  At minimum you've got to pick the right size power system and verify or modify the airframe design to provide the proper inlet and exhaust sizing.  I've designed two EDF models (Super Bandit, X-31), and was surprised at how much design work it took to match the airframe to the intended power system.  But that work paid off, as both flew very well.

EDF is something we have dabbled in and it seems now, the power systems are getting to the point where the EDF can do pretty well in the air.  We like to stick to the larger fans, but your X-31 design flies so well, and with the thrust vectoring, it's truely an amazing plane.  We don't want to take up too much of your time, but do you have anything else you want to add?  One thing we try to stress out there to our users is that the various designers deserve a little donation, which they can do on every page.

The only thing I'd add is to encourage guys who are used to flying RTFs to try building a foam model from scratch or from a kit.  The sense of satisfaction you'll get from the end result will probably give you a whole new appreciation for this great hobby.

That's great advice Steve. Thank you so much for taking the time to crank out this interview. We know our readers will love all the great things we have gone over. Good luck to you and your family! Blue Skies!

There you have it folks!  Be sure to check out all of Steve's great designs and for those of you wanting to cut out a little build time, our site sponsor, 6mmFlyRC, has some great kits of a lot of Steve's designs.  They also have stand alone products like clear canopies and decals available for you if you want to cut out your own.  

F-18 PARKJET - VIDEO

As we were checking out YouTube, we noticed this recent video of the Steve Shumate F-18 Hornet in action.  The F-18 is one of the oldest parkjet designs and is an excellent parkflyer. 

The great thing about the F-18 is that there is so much documentation out in the internet land.  Everything from the Blue Angels decals (as featured in the video) to clear canopies from 6mmFlyRC.  The excellent design means easy construction but also excellent flying characteristics at the park. 

So check out the free plans right here on Parkjets and get to building the F-18 Hornet this weekend!