The Biggest Little Air Show Enters Its Teen Years

Ray Razon wheels out his 1/4 scale Yak-54. (All Photos by Hayman Tam)

Perfect weather and a sellout crowd were on hand for the 2026 Biggest Little Air Show put on by the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, California.

The 13th celebration of remote control (R/C) aircraft took place June 13 at the adjacent San Carlos Airport (KSQL), where the sub-scale model aircraft got a chance to take advantage of the full-scale runway when the airport was closed to its regular traffic for 2.5 hours.

The show opened with the singing of the National Anthem while a U.S. flag was carried aloft by a remote control helicopter, accentuated by model rocket launches.

Old Glory is lifted aloft to kick off the Hiller Aviation Museum’s Biggest Little Air Show.

This B-17 Flying Fortress also carried colors during the opening ceremony. This was the only quad-engined participant in the R/C show.

Local clubs displayed a wide range of flying models.

A parade of pilots and planes march out to the flight line. The B-17 Flying Fortress is followed by a Cessna 170, then a MiG-29 Fulcrum.

During the flight portion of the show, R/C pilots performed flight demonstrations with a variety of models, from prop-driven warbirds to sophisticated ones powered by electric ducted-fan engines and a few using actual gas turbines.

The flight schedule, grouped into type categories, started with various electric-powered warbirds ranging from World War II types like a B-17 and Spitfire to a modern F-15 Eagle.

R/C pilot Jaime Cortez maneuvers his F-15J Eagle out to the flight line.

This eye-catching F-15 Eagle model makes a low pass. In 2004 a series of commemorative liveries were applied to F-15J Eagles by various squadrons to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

A sharp looking Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX warms up before takeoff.

A model Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX in flight, looking like the real thing.

An iconic P-51 Mustang in the livery of the 334th Fighter Squadron. Lt. Marvin Arthur named his Mustang after his wife.

A shark-nosed model of a Phillipine Air Force Embraer A-29 Super Tucano.

A 1/6 scale F4U Corsair lifts off during the warbirds exhibition segment of the show. This model wears the markings of famed USMC pilot Maj. Greg ‘Pappy’ Boyington.

This model DHC-2 Beaver bush plane has a 60-inch wingspan. The real one is based in Alaska.

Afterwards Snoopy went aloft in his trademark red doghouse to duel with the Red Baron.

Snoopy maneuvers his trusty doghouse in a desperate attempt to lose his pursuer, the Red Baron in his Triplane.

Demonstrations of 3D aerobatics were conducted with a number of nimble models and a subscale helicopter. The high thrust to weight ratios of these small airframes allow them to perform maneuvers not seen or possible with real aircraft.

This sophisticated Su-26 model has a real smoke system installed, seen here during the 3D aerobatics demonstration. 3D aerobatics are also referred to as post-stall maneuvers, relying on large control surfaces and engine power.

This 3D aerobatics aircraft model features a flat, sheet-like fuselage rather than a traditional-shaped fuselage. This design style provides maximum side area for sustained “knife-edge” flying.

A high-performance model Yak-54 about to touch down after a demonstration of 3D aerobatics.

An impressive collection of electric ducted-fan jets followed, capturing the attention of the approximately 2,000 attendees. Among the assortment were impressive scale representations of an F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, MiG-29 Fulcrum, and L-39 Albatros.

A scale model F-14 Tomcat on final approach. What was cool about this model was the ability to sweep the wings back for high-speed flight.

A MiG-29 Fulcrum descending toward the runway. This may have been the only model with working landing lights.

A Czech L-39 Albatros with landing gear deployed at the end of the electric ducted fan demonstration. A full scale L-39 is in the Hiller Aviation Museum collection.

The final R/C performers were larger models powered by small gas turbine powerplants. The sounds of these turbine aircraft were a contrast to the electrical whirring of the battery-powered models.

A scaled down gas turbine powers this model Aermacchi MB-339 jet trainer. Gas turbine models like this can cost several thousand dollars.

This Cub model has a 12-foot wingspan, making it one of the larger R/C aircraft to participate in the show.

Once the subscale flying was completed, the runway was cleared and re-opened for full size aircraft operations. The honor for closing this year’s show went to the Sukhoi West Demo Team, featuring Randy Howell and Cory Lovell, flying their Sukhoi SU-26 aerobatic aircraft. They were joined by Michael Mainiero, a solo performer, flying a Sukhoi SU-29.

Cory Lovell and Randy Howell, along with their Su-26s, comprise the Sukhoi West Demo Team. The duo also pilot L-39s as part of the Patriots Jet Team.

Michael Mainiero, performing in only his second air show, executes a hammerhead turn in his Sukhoi Su-29.

Michael Mainiero joined the Sukhoi West Demo Team for some all-Sukhoi formation passes to close out the Biggest Little Air Show.

The successful show concluded with a lot of satisfied attendees and long lines at the food trucks. I recommend checking out local R/C events in your area. You might be surprised at the sophistication of the models and the skill of the pilots.

The Hiller Aviation Museum, founded by helicopter pioneer Stanley Hiller Jr., marked its 28th year in June.

For more information: Hiller.org

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