Pilotage Fun & Hobby

Pretty sure this place is closed (December 2015). I visited the address – 5 E 36^th St. – and there was nothing there.

Poor selection, i made the mistake of buying something in damaged packaging bc the owner said I could return it and he seemed like a nice guy… lo and behold the next day I try it out and it doesn’t work, go to return it, and he won’t take it back. Stay away!

So I went out today, looking to go to two different Hobby Shops, that I previously researched online, in prospects of purchasing a mini quadcopter, or a RC Brushless racer. I figured I’d go to Pilotage first, and see what they had to offer, and afterwards head to the other shop. Well let me tell you first off, the two guys in the shop, have excellent customer service. They gave me so much attention, and answered my questions fully, and not just me, they were able to help each and every customer that came into the store. I didn’t have to go anywhere else, I purchased a reasonably priced Brushless Rc, and the mini quadcopter, in which I hadn’t planned on buying both. I’d recommend this shop to all looking for anything from a kite, to a model rocket. Their prices are actually the same as the prices you would find discounted online. The store is slightly hidden, but once you find them, they are an oasis in the desert.

Great place, great staff.
Extremely kind, knowledgeable staff. Offer free labor for repairs, only need to pay for parts.
Go-​to spot for any RC needs in NYC.

Came in here over the holidays to get some ideas for a present for my dad.
The staff was great and helped explained all of the different options. They didn’t push me to look outside my budget, and even let me test drive a few models to see what might be best. They were very good at explaining which models would be best for a beginner, and the pros and cons of each.
Would definitely come back — the quad copters I looked at were awesome!

I will never buy a remote RC over the internet every again after purchasing my Blade 450X from these guys. They are knowledgeable, prices are fair and offer free labor to repair Heli’s in the event of a crash. These guys will always have my business and I plan on purchasing more from them in the future.

Would give this place zero stars if I could.
This place is terrible if you’re a new customer simply looking around and potentially asking some very straightforward questions about their products. They belittled me numerous times in a row, and at one point even went as far as to flat out tell me (in a very harsh, rude tone) that I was wrong when talking about the size of a particular quadcopter that I own vs. another that they had in stock.
Also, they don’t even stock the misty popular brand of quadcopters — the Hubsan X4 series — so that threw up a MAJOR red flag for me right away. When asked about it, they went into this terrible sales pitch about why the models they carry were better than the number one selling brand on the internet (that also happen to run $ 20 — $ 50 cheaper.
On top of the terrible, know-​it-​all style of their customer service, and the overall lack of product selection, their prices are at LEAST 15% higher than what you’d find on a site like Amazon (or even right down the road at B&H Photo), so there’s literally NO reason buy from them. I mean the prices wouldn’t be that big of a deal if they’re service was decent, but I walked into that store in a great mood, and when I left I felt like I had wasted part of my life that I’ll never get back.
It’s especially sad, because I love supporting my local small businesses, but given my experience at Pilotage Fun and Hobby, even if it was the last place on earth to buy a drone and even if that drone cured cancer, I would never go back to this place.

To Bill, Jay, Miguel, Michael, Dionis — everyone who helped my son with his project… IT FLEW!!! and then crashed — but we are still thrilled (after Drew got over his disappointment)!!
Thanks so much — you were so helpful!!!
Tara

A real cool spot and a helpful seller. Has lots of RC’s for your hearts content. Prices are competitive with the online shops which is a plus. Glad I found it. Will definitely go back again.

This is a really fun store. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I like that, as a woman, I can go into this store by myself and not feel like I’m invisible, or like I’m an idiot. The helicopter I got here is lots of fun. Wish I had time to play with all of the toys in here.

This place is pretty cool! The place is not that big but their selection is decent. They carry anything from train sets, r/​c cars, boats, planes, & die cast.
Friendly, cool, & knowledgeable staff! Very polite!
This place is definitely worth checking out even if you don’t buy anything.

Very helpful and informative with all the necessary hobby supplies. Don’t push you for big ticket purchases but what you really need.