Ray Razon wheels out his 1/4 scale Yak-54. (All Photos by Hayman Tam)

Perfect weather and a sellout crowd were on hand for the 2026 Biggest Little Air Show put on by the Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos, California.

The 13th celebration of remote control (R/C) aircraft took place June 13 at the adjacent San Carlos Airport (KSQL), where the sub-scale model aircraft got a chance to take advantage of the full-scale runway when the airport was closed to its regular traffic for 2.5 hours.

The show opened with the singing of the National Anthem while a U.S. flag was carried aloft by a remote control helicopter, accentuated by model rocket launches.

Old Glory is lifted aloft to kick off the Hiller Aviation Museum’s Biggest Little Air Show.

This B-17 Flying Fortress also carried colors during the opening ceremony. This was the only quad-engined participant in the R/C show.

Local clubs displayed a wide range of flying models.

A parade of pilots and planes march out to the flight line. The B-17 Flying Fortress is followed by a Cessna 170, then a MiG-29 Fulcrum.

During the flight portion of the show, R/C pilots performed flight demonstrations with a variety of models, from prop-driven warbirds to sophisticated ones powered by electric ducted-fan engines and a few using actual gas turbines.

The flight schedule, grouped into type categories, started with various electric-powered warbirds ranging from World War II types like a B-17 and Spitfire to a modern F-15 Eagle.

R/C pilot Jaime Cortez maneuvers his F-15J Eagle out to the flight line.

This eye-catching F-15 Eagle model makes a low pass. In 2004 a series of commemorative liveries were applied to F-15J Eagles by various squadrons to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

A sharp looking Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX warms up before takeoff.

A model Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX in flight, looking like the real thing.

An iconic P-51 Mustang in the livery of the 334th Fighter Squadron. Lt. Marvin Arthur named his Mustang after his wife.

A shark-nosed model of a Phillipine Air Force Embraer A-29 Super Tucano.

A 1/6 scale F4U Corsair lifts off during the warbirds exhibition segment of the show. This model wears the markings of famed USMC pilot Maj. Greg ‘Pappy’ Boyington.

This model DHC-2 Beaver bush plane has a 60-inch wingspan. The real one is based in Alaska.

Afterwards Snoopy went aloft in his trademark red doghouse to duel with the Red Baron.

Snoopy maneuvers his trusty doghouse in a desperate attempt to lose his pursuer, the Red Baron in his Triplane.

Demonstrations of 3D aerobatics were conducted with a number of nimble models and a subscale helicopter. The high thrust to weight ratios of these small airframes allow them to perform maneuvers not seen or possible with real aircraft.

This sophisticated Su-26 model has a real smoke system installed, seen here during the 3D aerobatics demonstration. 3D aerobatics are also referred to as post-stall maneuvers, relying on large control surfaces and engine power.

This 3D aerobatics aircraft model features a flat, sheet-like fuselage rather than a traditional-shaped fuselage. This design style provides maximum side area for sustained “knife-edge” flying.

A high-performance model Yak-54 about to touch down after a demonstration of 3D aerobatics.

An impressive collection of electric ducted-fan jets followed, capturing the attention of the approximately 2,000 attendees. Among the assortment were impressive scale representations of an F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, MiG-29 Fulcrum, and L-39 Albatros.

A scale model F-14 Tomcat on final approach. What was cool about this model was the ability to sweep the wings back for high-speed flight.

A MiG-29 Fulcrum descending toward the runway. This may have been the only model with working landing lights.

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