Welcome to Superior Props, where the rich history of classic free-flight model aviation meets a renewed dedication to craftsmanship and tradition. Now in its fourth generation of ownership, the mission of Superior Props remains unchanged: Provide the Free Flight model aviation community with the high-quality precision balsa propeller blanks and accessories.

In The beginning: (19??-19??)About Superior Props

Welcome to Superior Props, where the rich history of classic free-flight model aviation meets a renewed dedication to craftsmanship and tradition. Now in its fourth generation of ownership, the mission of Superior Props remains unchanged: Provide the Free Flight model aviation community with the high-quality precision balsa propeller blanks and accessories.

In The beginning: (19??-19??)

The exact origin story of Superior Props is not very well documented. (If you have actual first hand knowledge we would love to hear those stories) However here is what we think we know: The machine was originally built by a gentleman working in a Navy ship yard years before Bob Gourdon took possession of it.

The machine started life as a duplicator lathe of some form, and runs on a pretty intricate system of motors, pulleys and guide bearings. It i

The Bob Gourdon Era: (19??-2013)

The story of Superior Props continued in southern Louisiana, where master craftsman Bob Gourdon continued the business as a cornerstone of the free-flight community. Gourdon’s workshop became legendary for producing high-quality balsa and basswood propeller blanks—ranging from standard 2-blade freewheelers to intricate, multi-bladed setups and complex folding props.

For serious modelers, a Superior Props blank was the canvas for the perfect flight. Shaving down and finishing a Gourdon-carved helix became a rite of passage for competitors and hobbyists alike. Beyond propellers, the company became the premier source for the vital hardware that kept classic models in the air, including precision propeller shafts, custom freewheel clutches, and Old Timer folder hinges.

The Volare Products Transition: (2013–2026)

By late 2013, Bob Gourdon’s declining health brought production to a halt. The free-flight community faced a devastating reality: the potential loss of the highly specialized machinery, custom templates, and proprietary duplicating carvers that defined the Superior Props sound and performance.

Recognizing the historical importance of the brand, the community rallied. In November 2013, Volare Products stepped in to acquire the business in its entirety. In January 2014, with the financial and moral backing of passionate free-flight modelers, the entire workshop was packed into trucks and physically relocated to Central Ohio.

To bridge the gap and master the tight tolerances of the machinery, production was handed over to a retired Master Toolmaker and cabinetmaker. This critical move preserved the unique geometry of the classic templates and kept the Superior Props name alive for another decade.

The Next Chapter: (2026 – Pres)

Today, Superior Props enters an exciting new era under new ownership. With a profound respect for the machine, the products, and what Superior Props brings to the Free Flight model aviation community.

We are actively reassembling the workshop, sorting equipment and tools, and learning to reproduce the same quality products that Superior Pros is known for. First off the line will be the return of the full line of freewheeling propellers. This will help us focus on achieving consistent quality as we get everything dialed back in after the move. Next we set our sights on folding propellers for the quintessential Gollywocks and expand form there.

Superior Props isn't just a manufacturing company; it is a piece of model aviation history. We are proud to keep the balsa dust flying and to supply the next generation of builders with the finest props in the model aviation.