Top-10 Most-Wanted Aircraft and Flying Toys

By Justin Silves
December 2014

^{With additional reporting by Chris Lundy and Brenda Ruggiero}

The days of playing outdoors are taking a back seat as winter rolls in, but we got retailers to reflect on their best-selling aircraft and flying toys from the summer, so you'll be prepared when the seasons change again. Balsa planes and other gliders remain popular, but innovative remote control aircrafts were hot at some locations too. You can learn about all of the Top-10 aircraft and flying toys below.

_{*No manufacturer paid to be included in this list. All products listed were designated by editorial staff without regard to the company's relationship with TOYDIRECTORY.com/TDmonthly Magazine.}

Stomp Rocket Jr. Glow Kit by D & L COMPANY

When kids stomp on the launch pad, a blast of air propels the Stomp Rocket over 100 feet into the air. This kit comes with four glow-in-the-dark foam rockets.
— As of 12/17/2012 this product had 4.6 out of 5 stars from 291 reviews on Amazon.com. PROS: Simple to use, no assembly, rockets fly high, and foam construction of rockets doesn't damage people or property. CONS: Could use a sturdier base and wingnut/screw connection.
— In an August 2010 TDmonthly survey of 43 retailers, three cited Stomp Rockets as an overall top seller.
— Stephanie Dupuy of Playville in Covington, La., told TDmonthly in a November 2011 survey that their best selling flying toy is Stomp Rocket. They sell between 12 and 18 each month, depending on the weather. 7/26/2010 (MSRP: $14.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Blade Helicopter 120 SR RTF by HORIZON HOBBY

Blade Helicopter 120 SR RTF by HORIZON HOBBY Sub-micro size. 100% factory-assembled, test-flown and ready-to-fly right from the box. Unique rotor head designed specifically to provide inherent stability of a coaxial helicopter, but provide the agile control of a single-rotor helicopter. Factory-installed 5-in-1 control unit with Spektrum™ 2.4GHz DSM2®-compatible receiver, main motor ESCs, mixer, gyro and fully-proportional servos. This model is one of the many available for the Phoenix RC Flight Simulator.
— Diane Gervais from Amato's Toy & Hobby in Middletown, Conn., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Horizon Hobby is their store's best-selling brand of flying toys. 11/24/2014 (MSRP: $169.99)

Toysmith 5000 Guillow's Balsa Sky Streak Glider by TOYSMITH

Made of genuine balsa wood. Rubber band powered. Easy to fly.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a November 2011 that Balsa airplanes are among her best selling flying toys.
— Geoff Pendexter, owner of Whirlygigs in Brentwood, N.H., told TDmonthly in a Fall 2012 survey that they sell about 15 of these planes each month, making them a best selling aircraft toy in the store.
— Gregory Faith, owner of Hobby Town USA in Nashua, N.H., told TDmonthly in a February 2013 survey that these gliders were their best selling wooden toy. 11/9/2011 (MSRP: $4.80)

Vectosphere Uncrashable Drone Plane by WESTMINSTER INTERNATIONAL CO.

A flying toy that you can control by remote! Coated in a durable, light-weight flight cage to protect against collision. 4-way directional flight leaves the sky as the only limit.
— Helen Santosuosso, owner of Village Toy Shop in North Easton, Mass., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that the Vectosphere from Westminster Toys is one of their store's top-2 best-selling flying toys. 11/24/2014 (MSRP: $39.95)

Light-Up Air Power Soccer Disk by CAN YOU IMAGINE

Air Powered Light Up Soccer Disc by Can You Imagine
Can You Imagine presents the Light-Up Air Power Soccer Disk, the amazing new disk that turns nearly any smooth surface into a sport court, indoors or outdoors. Use it on low-pile carpeting, wood floors, sidewalks and driveways there's just no end to the ways you can play.
— Helen Santosuosso, owner of Village Toy Shop in North Easton, Mass., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that the Light-Up Air Power Soccer Disk is one of their store's top-2 best-selling flying toys. 11/24/2014

Sky Scrapers by AEROMAX INC.

Sky Scrapers soar over 100 ft. Includes: 3 Orange disks and Sky Scraper launcher.
— Paula Bolte, owner of Imaginations Toy & Furniture Co. in Blacksburg, Va., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Sky Scrapers from Aeromax is one of their store's best-selling flying toys.
Awards: 2014 TDmonthly Magazine Top Toy Award 11/24/2014 (MSRP: $9.95; Age: 9 and Up)

Hot Air Balloon Kite by PREMIER KITES INC.

Hot Air Balloon Kite by PREMIER KITES INC. Designed to resemble a hot air balloon, this whimsical nylon kite features a durable but lightweight fiberglass frame.
— Five of 43 specialty retailers told TDmonthly in May 2010 that kites are a best seller. Mike DiAndrea, manager of Hardware Center Inc. in Paoli, Pa., which stocks Premier Kites, cited sales of 65 kites in April 2010.
—"They have a really good quality," said Ginger Milligan, co-owner of Fantasy Island Toys in Fairhope, Ala., in 1Q 2011.
— Teresa Derry, owner of Annie's Toy Chest in Cocoa, Fla., told TDmonthly in a November 2014 survey that Premier Kites is their store's best-selling brand of flying toys. 6/7/2010 (MSRP: $24.99; Age: 3 and Up)

Hand-Launch Glider "Extreme Team" by PLAYMOBIL INC.

Throw, glide, and catch. The red and yellow Hand-Launch Glider "Extreme Team" provides an opportunity to have fun while being active outdoors. Made with an ultra-light material, this stable glider can even be used to play catch. The Hand-Launch Glider also comes with a Playmobil pilot. Dimensions: 18.1 x 19.7 inches (L x Wingspan). Recommended for ages six to ten. Suggested Retail Price: $19.99. Warning. Choking Hazard. Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.
— In a November 2013 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Playmobil Gliders are a best-selling flying toy. 1/21/2011 (MSRP: $19.99)

Snap'n'Soar by KID GALAXY INC.

Snap Unique Hand Powered Launcher Sends Planes Soaring Up to 30 Feet. Perfect for indoor and outdoor flight. Adjustable wing flaps for incredible aerodynamic stunts. Realistic jet engine sounds at take off. Set includes launcher and three planes. Batteries needed for sound only.
— In a Fall 2012 survey, 2 out of 12 retailers told TDmonthly that Snap'n'Soar was the best selling aircraft/flying toy in their store.
— In a November 2013 survey, two out of 10 retailers told TDmonthly that Kid Galaxy Snap and Soar is a best-selling flying toy. 11/5/2012 (MSRP: $11.99; Age: 5 and Up)

Rubber Band Powered Flying Machines by KLUTZ

Everything kids need to fly like a pro, indoors or out. Our three only-from-Klutz, rubber band powered airplanes have been carefully engineered for coolness, from the extra-large Firebird (an impressive 19-inch wingspan), to the acrobatic Lightning Looper (it really loops), to the Shooting Star (which makes such tight turns kids can fly it in the living room). Simple directions explain how to assemble the planes from the included parts and, just as importantly, how to fly them for maximum performance. And by experimenting with the variations in the book, junior aviators will learn basic principles of aerodynamics and physics.
— Mary Porter Green, owner of The Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly in a November 2011 survey that Klutz flying books are her best selling flying toy.
— In a November 2013 survey, Mary Porter Green, owner of Curiosity Zone in Ashburn, Va., told TDmonthly that they sell several of these books each month.
— In a December 2013 survey three out of 10 retailers said that Klutz made their best-selling books. 11/9/2011 (MSRP: $19.95; Age: 8 and Up)