Flite Test Hobbies

Active

Overview

Flite Test is a brand centered on RC aircraft, providing free foam board plane plans, build videos, and educational content via its website and YouTube channel. It operates an online store selling RC kits, components from various brands, and apparel, while promoting support for local hobby shops. The brand emphasizes accessible, DIY projects through its STEM program to engage youth in building and flying RC planes and drones.

History

Flite Test was founded in 2011 in the United States by Josh Bixler and other enthusiasts to share free RC plane plans and tutorials. It grew rapidly through YouTube videos and community forums, establishing a strong online presence in the RC hobby space. Key milestones include launching the Flite Test store for kits and parts, developing the STEM educational program, and expanding content to quadcopters and multirotors.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
FT Foam Board Airplane Kits	Beginner-friendly DIY RC planes	$20 - $80
Simple Soarer Series	Easy-build gliders for new pilots	$15 - $40
Power Line Series	Powered sport planes for intermediate flyers	$30 - $70
Tiny Whoop Quadcopters	Indoor micro drones	$50 - $150
STEM Educational Kits	School projects for RC building	$25 - $60

Manufacturing

Products such as foam board kits are designed in the US and manufactured overseas, primarily in China, using die-cut foam sheets. Assembly occurs by end-users following online plans and videos. The brand resells components from third-party manufacturers like BrotherHobby and Caddx without in-house production facilities.

Notable Products

Simple Scout - Basic trainer plane with simple foam board construction for first-time builders.
Tiny Trainer - Small, durable foam plane optimized for indoor and beginner outdoor flying.
FT Explorer - Versatile 3D aerobatic plane popular for freestyle flying.
Simple Soarer - Slope glider design emphasizing long flights with minimal electronics.
Tiny Whoop - Ultra-light indoor FPV quadcopter frame for agile maneuvering.

Reputation

Enthusiasts praise Flite Test for democratizing RC flying through affordable, printable plans and engaging video content that lowers entry barriers. Its community forums foster knowledge sharing among hobbyists. Criticisms include occasional plan inaccuracies requiring community fixes and a focus on foam builds that some view as less durable than traditional balsa kits.

Sources (7)