I too love to build from kits and hope to build from plans soon but I do fly ARFs as well. ARFs allowed me to learn to fly without risking all the time and effort that goes into a kit. There seems to be a general consensus that kit building is on the decline (not sure this is true or not but sounds right) and if so I think we should be thankful for ARFs for the following reasons:

1. Overall there will be more RC pilots being trained because of ARFs.
a. More pilots equals more potential kit builders.
b. More pilots equals more potential flying fields.
c. More pilots equals more radios/engines/accessories sold -- good for mfg/distributors/hobby shops
d. More sales in the hobby supply chain equals more stuff developed or upgraded that will .

I don't see ARFs as a threat to kit building but major factor in preserving kit building.

If there were no ARF's I suspect many more R/C hobby suppliers would disappear and that would not help the kit builder or ARF customer. I agree that the number of commercial kits have dwindled the last 10 years but better that than no kits, no engines no radios, etc. I think as long as there are good radios and engines and plans available kit building will continue. In a sense ARF's are really supporting kit builders.



This is just my opinion -- no need to beat me up if you disagree

Mark