Legacy Takes Flight at Local Hobby Store

When a legendary RC hobbyist passed away, he left behind more than just a selection of RC products – he created a legacy that would help launch new pilots into the world of radio control flight. At a time when most retailers focus on modern-day conveniences like online hobby stores, this story shows how one local hobby shop is transforming lives through the best RC planes and expert guidance.

The Story Behind the Gift

Robert, known in the RC hobby community as “Tall Guy RC,” was more than just a regular customer at his local hobby store. As a Horizon Hobby ambassador with expertise in everything from prop-driven E-flite RC planes to aerobatic aircraft, he would often share his knowledge with fellow RC enthusiasts, helping them select the best-handling planes for their skill level. His experience ranged from beginner planes and RTR trainers to advanced models.

“He would help customers choose between different brands like FMS, Hobbyzone, and E-flite, answering questions about everything from basic flight characteristics to advanced controller settings,” recalls Mark Focareta, owner of HobbyTown Santee. “We just connected organically through his regular visits to browse our selection of RC products.”

Robert’s knowledge covered the full line of RC hobby equipment. His Instagram page showcased his skill with various aircraft, from electric trainer planes to high-speed EDF jets. He would test new releases, helping others find everything they need to get started in RC flight.

Before Roberts’ passing, he made a decision that would impact the RC hobby community for years to come. Through a friend handling his estate, he arranged to leave a large paft of his collection of radio control planes to HobbyTown Santee, with one specific request – that the planes be given to newcomers interested in learning to fly RC aircraft.

“It was kind of surprising to me that he thought that way of us,” Mark shares, reflecting on the moment he learned about the gift. “We did have a really good rapport with him and always managed to have some good conversations when he was in the store. I guess that resonated with him.”

The Collection

The gift included approximately 25 bind-and-fly RC planes, each relatively new and still in its original box. These weren’t just basic starter aircraft—the collection ranged from beginner-friendly trainers to more advanced models, representing a significant value in RC hobby equipment.

Recipients need to provide their radio controller, however, the donated planes offer an incredible opportunity to overcome one of the biggest hurdles new RC pilots face – the initial cost of equipment.

Creating the Program

After receiving this remarkable gift, Mark and his team at HobbyTown Santee knew they needed to honor Robert’s wishes in a meaningful way. Rather than simply giving the planes away, they began developing a formal RC Pilot Grant Program that would ensure each RC airplane found its way to a truly dedicated beginner.

The program has already helped launch two young RC pilots into the hobby. One recipient, Evan, has joined the local Weed Whackers club, where experienced pilots mentor newcomers using dual-control systems similar to driver’s education cars.

Another determined young RC enthusiast, Ryan, caught Mark’s attention with his unwavering passion for flight. Despite multiple crashed planes and tree-climbing recovery missions, his enthusiasm never dimmed. When Ryan and his father visited HobbyTown Santee looking at planes, Mark knew he’d found the perfect recipient for one of Robert’s aircraft. Ryan’s journey into RC aviation, detailed in his letter to the store, captures the very spirit of persistence that the program aims to support in the world of RC airplanes:

“The first time I got an RC plane was when I was six years old walking down the aisles of Target with my dad. Then I spotted it. A box so beautiful my jaw dropped. It was an RC plane! When I got home, I opened the box and my dad drove me to the park. My dad helped me fly it, and I had the best time of my life. Sadly, a few months later I got it stuck in a tree. But that Christmas I put a different RC plane on my wishlist and my cousin got me another plane. That one lasted about a year before I lost it on a nearby mountain. After that I stopped flying planes for a couple years. But when I was 9 years old, I got another one from Amazon. I flew it a few times before I got it stuck on top of a classroom at my school. But a few weeks later, I found it and came to Hobby Town to see if they could help me fix it. That’s when I found the P51 Mustang, I got it and went to the park to fly it. I got it stuck in a tree but got it down, then the next time I got it stuck in the tree again. But I got it down, and a few days later I was flying it really well. One and a half years later I got the FMS Ranger v2 for Christmas. I then licensed it with the FAA and joined Palomar RC Flyers in Fallbrook. I am being trained by an instructor on how to fly an RC airplane and have been going there every week. I did my first landing two weeks ago. My goal is to finish the training and then progress forward and keep flying my whole life. “

His story, from rescuing RC planes from treetops to joining the Palomar RC Flyers club, demonstrates exactly why Robert wanted his collection to help launch new pilots into the hobby.”

“We encourage beginners to come in and get started in the sport,” Mark says. “We’re not judgmental, we’re very supportive of new pilots. The people we really love to bring into the store and focus on are people who are starting, to make them feel comfortable before investing into the hobby.”

Looking to the Future

HobbyTown Santee is now formalizing their RC Pilot Grant Program, planning to award three planes per quarter to aspiring pilots. The program aims to help overcome the initial cost barriers that often prevent newcomers from entering the hobby, while also fostering the kind of community support that makes learning to fly RC planes more accessible.

“Just to help parents and kids getting started with the expense of it… it’s not a cheap thing to do, especially when you’re learning to fly,” Mark explains. “We’re helping people get over the hump of maybe the extra expenses because we’re giving them a plane.”

The impact extends beyond just the equipment. Each recipient becomes part of a larger RC hobby community, connecting with local flying clubs like the Weed Whackers and Palomar RC Flyers that offer training programs for new pilots. These clubs provide crucial mentorship, using dual-control systems that allow experienced pilots to take over when needed – much like learning to drive a car.

Building Tomorrow’s RC Pilots

For Mark and his team, this program represents everything HobbyTown Santee stands for – making RC hobbies accessible to everyone, especially young people looking to learn new skills. Unlike many modern-day pastimes that keep kids indoors, RC flying gets them outside, teaches patience, and builds real-world skills.

Flying RC planes puts you out in the sun and not in front of a screen. Mark notes proudly. The hobby shop owner sees this program as more than just distributing free planes – it’s about fulfilling Robert’s wish to share his passion for RC flight with the next generation of pilots.

A Legacy That Keeps Flying

Today, Robert’s collection of RC planes continues to inspire new pilots, creating ripples through the hobby community that extend far beyond HobbyTown Santee. Each aircraft carries with it not just the joy of flight, but the spirit of generosity that defines the RC hobby community.

The program’s success stories, from Evan’s progress with the Weed Whackers to Ryan’s persistent tree-climbing adventures, show how one hobbyist’s final gift is helping launch the next generation of RC pilots. As Mark and his team continue to develop the program, they’re creating more than just new pilots – they’re building a community where knowledge, support, and passion for RC flight are passed from one generation to the next.

For those interested in joining this growing community of RC enthusiasts, HobbyTown Santee’s RC Pilot Grant Program offers a unique opportunity to begin their journey into radio control aircraft. Whether you’re an experienced pilot looking to mentor newcomers or a beginner ready to take your first flight, there’s a place for you in this community of aviation enthusiasts.

As Robert’s planes find new homes with eager pilots, his legacy lives on in the skies above San Diego, where the whir of electric motors and the sight of RC aircraft soaring overhead remind us that sometimes the greatest gifts we can give are the ones that help others discover their own passion for flight.

To learn more about the RC Pilot Grant Program or to apply, visit HobbyTown Santee’s store location where their knowledgeable staff can help guide you through your first steps into the exciting world of RC aviation.