Horizon Hobby ParkZone VisionAire


Written by Jay Smith Full review on page 50 in the April 2013 issue of Model Aviation magazine and tablet app. Our exclusive look at Horizon Hobby's first park flyer with AS3X technology, designed to help you become a better pilot.


Quique Somenzini talks with Jay Smith about the VisionAire.


SPECIFICATIONS Model type: Park flyer Skill level: Beginner builder; intermediate pilot Wingspan: 45 inches Wing area: 539 square inches Airfoil: Symmetrical Length: 42.5 inches Weight: 43.7 ounces Power system: 10-size BL10 brushless motor (included); 40-amp brushless ESC (included); 2200 mAh 3S 25C LiPo battery (included); 12x4 electric propeller (included) Radio: Four-channel DSM2 or DSMX compatible transmitter. Construction/finish: Z-Foam with decals Street price: $ 299.99 TEST-MODEL DETAILS Motor: E-flite BL10 Brushless Outrunner (included) ESC: E-flite 40-Amp Lite Pro Switch-Mode BEC Brushless ESC (included) Battery: ParkZone 2200mAh 3S 25C Li-Po (included) Propeller: 12x4 electric propeller (included) Radio system: Spektrum DX18 Ready-to-fly weight: 43.7 ounces Flight duration: 5-6 minutes PLUSES • Extremely easy to assemble • AS3X supports computer and non-computer radios • Rigid, lightweight airframe • Double-beveled hinges for large control surface throws • Stabilization instills confidence when trying new maneuvers MINUSES • AR635 receiver manual not included (available online) • Trim or sub-trim cannot be used with 3D Mode


Quique Somenzini demonstrates the 3-D capability of the VisionAire at the AMA Expo in Ontario, California.

The low parts count means less time building, but be sure to read the manual thoroughly.

The VisionAire uses digital servos to take full advantage of the AS3X stabilization system. Sub-trim should not be used when setting up the airplane.

The horizontal stabilizer uses a carbon fiber tube for support and the two halves simply slide onto the tube, much like the wing. A small plastic joiner and eight pieces of tape hold the horizontal stabilizer in place.

The wing fences are marked for each wing and the bottom set has integrated plastic skids to protect them. They fit snugly in the wings slots and are held in place using the included double sided tape seen in the picture.

The battery hatch is very easy to remove thanks to its push button battery latch. The battery bay provides extra room to shift the battery forward or back

The clear receiver cover provides access to the receiver and rudder and elevator servos. It also allows line of sight of the LEDs on the AR635 receiver for use in programming as well as determining the number of holds that have occurred since the receiver was last powered on.

Zach Miller hovers the VisonAire with ease. He has found it to be an excellent 3-D trainer.



Read the entire review on page 50 in the April 2013 issue of Model Aviation magazine.


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5 comments

Submitted by jeffsmith (not verified) on March 15, 2013 - 12:15pm

Love Quique! He is a model aviation god!
Submitted by Allen (not verified) on March 15, 2013 - 4:52pm

Gotta love AS3X.
Submitted by Steve (not verified) on March 19, 2013 - 10:27am

Doesn't a good computer radio do the same thing? $300 for a foam airplane? No thanks. Real modelers build!
Submitted by Tim (not verified) on March 31, 2013 - 7:14pm

I wonder if it comes in a replacement airframe. That way I can put in what I want. I'm still bent I went out and spent nearly $550 for the Scimitar with the retracts and the next month they're on sale for like $150 less. I'd rather see the price be more reasonable from the start & not drop lower in less then a year. I can say they have great service if there's ever a problem otherwise I wouldn't buy anything Eflite or Parkzone.
Submitted by Jamie (not verified) on April 3, 2013 - 7:36pm

I have purchased 3 visionaires now and really enjoy flying the plane. But seems to be an issue with the 3 axis gyro on the rudder. All three planes have a prob. with gyro over compensating on the rudder causing a bad yawing effect. I called customer support and they walked me through lowering the rate on the gyro for the rudder but did not correct the prob. Only by placing some tape over the control rod where it exits the fuse stop the flutter on the rudder. I feel a stiffer control rod or even placing the rudder servo @ the rear of the plane would fix the prob. completely.

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