Author: Joe Malinchak

Edition: Model Aviation - 2026/07
Page Numbers: 50, 51, 52
Micro-Flying

Tiny Airplanes, Big Possibilities

By Joe Malinchak joemal@echoes.net

Micro Flier Radio offers the world’s smallest commercially available servos and receivers.

As I write this, I am still in recovery mode from the harsh Pennsylvania winter that we endured. I had some pipes that froze and burst, causing water damage to my downstairs living room. This is where I do all of my modeling work! It set me back a month or two on some projects that I had planned on completing; however, it was not all bad because it was a good time to remodel the lower level of my home.

Micro-RC Companies

I was recently asked about micro-RC models that are still available to build. It is a good question because things have really changed throughout the years for our micro side of the hobby. Years ago, when we were on the ground floor of making the smallest models fly, several new vendors were popping up, offering people a chance to experience the thrill of flying a micro-RC model.

Companies such as Plantraco developed 900 MHz radio systems with ready-to-fly (RTF) airplanes. Bob Selman Designs offered all kinds of new products for building and flying the smallest models. Who can forget Dynamics Unlimited, which offered micro-RC receivers, airplanes, and other products?

These are just a few of the companies that have supported the growth of micro-RC throughout the years. Today, things have slowed down a bit with this side of the hobby, but we still have some very good options for purchasing new parts, kits, and equipment. The following is a list of a few that I frequently use.

Micro Flier Radio: Micro Flier Radio is one vendor that has been around since the beginning. Nick Leichty started the company in 2003. Since then, he has been selling the world’s smallest commercially available RC equipment. Nick personally makes receivers, servos, and other components for those who want the best in micro-RC. He is also a great source for batteries and other products to help get your models in the air.

Microaces: Microaces, which is located in the U.K., manufactures some of the best-looking and flying Scale micro-RC model kits that are available. The company uses modern building techniques in its kit construction, which features beautifully printed, laser-cut foam, plastic, wood, and, more recently, Tyvek, to create lightweight Scale models.

Micro Flier Radio’s 400 mg and 500 mg servos made the construction of the author’s ultramicro F3P models possible.
Micro Flier Radio’s 400 mg and 500 mg servos made the construction of the author’s ultramicro F3P models possible.

Microaces has an impressive line of World War I aircraft available, and each one replicates an aircraft of historical significance or an aircraft that has earned its place in the aviation hall of fame. The company is currently developing a master series line of World War II fighters that uses printed Tyvek for covering, which should result in a very lightweight airframe. Microaces also sells all of the tools, glue, and electronics that are needed to complete each model.

Stevens AeroModel: Stevens AeroModel produces a beautiful line of laser-cut balsa model kits. Its Ultra Micro RC kits are engineered to be easy to build, look great, and fly as good as they look! Stevens AeroModel also sells lightweight covering material, motors, propellers, electronics, and other items that are needed to complete the model.

MicronWings: MicronWings is a great company that offers many items for our micro-RC needs. The company sells receivers, motors, gear drives, propellers, covering material, and many other items of interest to us. Located in Australia, it provides excellent service to customers in the US.

Horizon Hobby: We cannot forget Horizon Hobby in this list. The company has supported the micro-RC side of the hobby for many years, mostly offering RTF aircraft, such as the UMX Vapor and UMX Scale models, for us to enjoy.

You can order parts for these models to use in your own builds. These RTF aircraft give people who are not necessarily interested in building a micro-sized model an easy way to experience the thrill of flying one, which really helps grow this side of this hobby!

Hobby Club: I have to mention Hobby Club because I have been purchasing items from this company for years. It has a great selection of kits and other items that we all need to build our models.

The Hansa-Brandenburg W.12 is just one of the many highly detailed kits that are offered by Microaces.
The Hansa-Brandenburg W.12 is just one of the many highly detailed kits that are offered by Microaces.
Stevens AeroModel produces some beautiful micro-RC balsa kits, such as this Fokker D.VII and the 1911 Nieuport UM ToonScale in the background.
Stevens AeroModel produces some beautiful micro-RC balsa kits, such as this Fokker D.VII and the 1911 Nieuport UM ToonScale in the background.
Horizon Hobby offers a great line of micro-RC models, such as the 800 mm Draco.
Horizon Hobby offers a great line of micro-RC models, such as the 800 mm Draco.

SOURCES