Author: Jay Smith
Edition: Model Aviation - 2012/07
Page Numbers: 72,73
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Airborne Models - 2012/07

Company background

World Models Manufacturing Company has been in existence for more than 15 years and has produced a wide range of aircraft for gas, glow, and electric power. Although the company is headquartered in Hong Kong, its U.S. distribution is handled by Airborne Models in California.

Fai Chan, owner of Airborne Models, started the company after he moved to the U.S. in 1997. Before moving, he worked as an engineer and enjoyed slope soaring, through which he met and became friends with Mr. Kong, the owner of World Models.

Design role and philosophy

One of Fai’s responsibilities at Airborne Models is assisting with aircraft design. His engineering background and love of RC aircraft made the transition natural. His first design was the Super Sport 40, which he completed on his kitchen table. While designing is a dream come true for him, it also carries pressure because commercial success is vital.

Fai’s priorities when designing models are:

  • A plane that flies well (top priority)
  • Ease of assembly
  • Staying as true as practical to the full-scale aircraft

Bringing a model to market

The procedure to bring a model to market takes roughly six months. After the aircraft type and size are determined, a color scheme is chosen. World Models can print on the covering, allowing more options—especially for warbirds.

Fai works with designers in China. After agreeing on a design, two prototypes are constructed: one tested in the U.S. and one in China. Prototypes are covered with clear covering on the bottom so Fai can inspect construction methods. Both parties review results and determine if changes are needed. Another prototype is then built; this iterative process continues until everyone is satisfied.

Personal background and achievements

Having started as a modeler—building 3.5-meter gliders in his bedroom in Hong Kong—Fai considers himself more of a modeler than a businessman. He modestly reports that he has designed nearly 80% of the models sold by World Models. He also designed the company’s robot, the RoboPhilo, targeted at the hobby market.

Foam aircraft and jets

Fai originally didn’t like foam, but improvements have made it more durable and better looking. Foam is a material of the future: density can be adjusted for strength, and EPO foam (used by World Models) is very repairable, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Foam jets are modeled after real planes and require plenty of air intake. All of World Models’ jets use a 68 mm ducted fan, so the jets are built around that power system. The company ensures the jets fly nicely.

Conversation at the Toledo Expo

Fai and the interviewer completed this discussion at the Toledo Expo. He shared memories of growing up in Hong Kong and his strong desire to get into RC in middle school—when the cost to start in the hobby was equal to a month’s salary for his father. When asked how he feels when one of his designs reaches the market at an affordable price, he replied that his satisfaction comes when people say the plane flies well. He usually does not tell people he designed the plane; the feedback reassures him he is doing something right. He always tries to do something to help the flier.

Company goals and market outlook

Fai’s goal is to grow the business, but he acknowledges the market is shrinking. The number of people who like to build aircraft is declining. While Airborne Models wants to make things easy for customers, Fai believes it is still important for fliers—especially those handling large aircraft—to learn the basics of aircraft setup.

Personal experience with World Models aircraft

The interviewer’s experience with World Models included the park-flyer Cub, Zero, Texan, and TameCat models. All flew well; the warbirds even include retracts, a nice touch for a balsa model in this size range.

Sources

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.