Yellow Aircraft No Longer Selling Kits
 

I’m sad to announce that Yellow Aircraft is converting its operation to basically a ‘parts and support’ shop forthwith. The owner, Charles, is retiring, and has no plans to continue importing kits into the US. This has been a long time coming, and I’ve been pressing Charles for permission to talk about the real scoop in public for a long time. He’s been reluctant to make announcements, but since he’s been talking about some of these details with customers who then post about them online, I consider the matter open at this point.


Basically, Yellow Aircraft will no longer be importing kits into the U.S. After the on-hand stock is gone, the office will only take orders for replacement parts. I am not sure how long he will continue to offer parts, but for now he insists he will do that indefinitely. While Charles considers this ‘not closing our doors’, the practical effect for the end-user is that customers will no longer be able to order Yellow Aircraft kits except for by special order direct from Asia. This won’t be for every kit in our old lineup as some of them have been discontinued altogether. There are kits still on the shelf, but once these are gone, they are gone.


As most of you know, I’ve been proud to be the field rep for yellow for the last 15 years. During that time, I’ve not only been the online voice for the company, but have sold hundreds of items to guys the world over and built dozens of projects for people, too. I’m especially sad to see the line go away because I think Y/A has represented the best bang-for-buck in the industry and I’ve spent years promoting and flying the product. I’ll be pulling down my web site soon, but feel free to continue to call or email me for parts or if you’d like to grab a kit out of the remaining stock. As always, I offer better prices and better hours than direct ;) We have a few warbirds and jets in stock and ready to ship.

Thanks for your business and for making the hobby just that much more fun for me over the years.

That is a shame; I have to admit that I've looked at Yellow Aircraft several times in the past but, whilst it's possible to get them in the UK, they're not readily available so never got round to it.

Are you able to give an idea what you have left in stock? I guess that they'll be a short term spike in interest as it finally hits people what is going on :(

I assume that as parts are still being supplied that all the rights will stay with Yellow Aircraft, so there's no chance anyone else might take up the line?

Hi,

Yeah, all rights will stay with Yellow but I definitely hope someone down the line will pick up the line and reintroduce it. Frankly, it seems the day of the 'builder' has come and gone, but there are guys still out there who appreciate a good quality kit at a good price. Perhaps with some application of new innovations in model kits, a future line could be an even better value. As far as what's left, I was asked not to post inventory in the public thread but I'm happy to answer any PM's or calls.

Thanks

Such a shame, glad I picked up an F15 kit last month. I started building it few days ago, a pleasure so far

Hi,

She's a fantastic flier, too. What are you putting in it?

Yup I had one before it was my first jet. I really just wanted to build one as Ive never built a turbine "kit" Its a lot of work but its coming together smoothly. Mine will have a jet central cheetah, Futaba 9156s and JR 8411s, and a cortex gyro

Now is when i wish i had won the lottery and could pick up and carry on YA so charles could retire. It is such a shame to hear that it will cease to exist at some point.

I don't suppose there is any way to tell if there are P-40 kits still to be had?

JeffEE,

PM sent.

Shawn do you have any Texans left and what's the price? Always wanted to build one...
thanks, Mike.

Shaun, Pm sent, Thanks Jingle

I was just looking at the YA site, and was thinking about getting the twin F18.

That's a same.
I always wanted to stop by when they were in Arlington MA. I worked about 10min away.
Now I'm about 30min away from Woburn. I should go and say thanks in person for many years of a great product. There will be a hole left behind once doors are shut and the kits gone.

Talked with Shaun last night I hope to have a single F18 in my hands soon.

Hey Yellow Aircraft. Why don't you take over? Since your the rep and have first hand knowledge of the product it would be a seamless thing for you to take it over. Just sayin.

Glenn

Glenn,

I sure thought about it but right now I'm just focusing on getting my life back together after this health stuff and continuing to build my own company/career in performing arts and arts education.

I for sure will be missing this brand of planes. As builder each time less options. A shame the are no more builders any more.

Cheers

Juan

Spirit,

Sorry, those are all gone :(

Shaun when is a good time to call today and pay for the hornet?

Hi,

I'm here all the time. 619-944-7574.

Shaun,

email send

Thanks Shaun I am looking forward to getting the Hornet next week!!

Sad. Sent you a PM.

Tony,

Replied. Thanks.

Guys,

I just had a great phone convo with a guy who was interested in a jet kit but originally wasn't inclined to get it from me. He was talking with another RCU member who advised him, "Just call Charles directly. Why would you go through a middle-man?" Now, full disclosure, the guy who told him that is still a little sore at me for calling BS on him in the forums once or twice with regard to some 'differences of opinion' on Y/A stuff, so I know why he would like to see me not make any commission. For everyone else, I thought I'd clarify a couple of things:

1. Except for a few smaller items (since I've sold out of my supply of smaller jet kits), I drop-ship from MA. Same place as if you ordered direct.
2. I'm not simply a 'middle-man' in the classic sense. I've been known to solve problems; broker a better Customer Service conclusion for people than what they were first offered (when they went direct); provide un-needed or extra parts out of my own stock free-of-charge; be involved with some testing and RnD; answer my phone at any time or hour my customers needed to call; maintain a site with PRICES; etc.
3. The shipping charge is THE SAME as direct. Neither Charles nor I add anything to what UPS charges.
4. The transit time is THE SAME as if you ordered from Charles.
5. The only difference is THE PRICE. I offer a small discount on all kits and always have. So, the 'middle man' saves you money.
6. No tax. If you're in MA, I save you the tax by being in CA. If you're in CA, I save you the tax by running the sale through MA.

On a lot of the items, the margin is only 10%. So I'm literally splitting the small commission with you. It's a bit higher on certain items, but you get the point. Usually, the commission just goes into my hobby account, but with my long illness and being out of work, every little bit matters right now. If you're going to order a kit, please go ahead and get it from me, ok?

Thanks.