Just Bought 2M Lil Bird, What to Expect?

[Acer]

I just ordered a 2 meter Lil Bird from Sky Bench. I've heard good things about this plane. I was wondering how well this plane is as a RES ship. I'm going to try to build it as light as I can so that I can also use it as an open class HLG. Would the 2M Lil Bird be a good open HLG?

I've also heard that the wing is strong enough to take winch launching. Is this true? Any help or opinions would be appreciated.

Thanks.

-- Acer
http://speedwing.net "Home of the Mini SpeedWing"

[Gliderguy]

Expect good things from it. I really love mine. I can hand launch it. I can launch it as hard as I want to on the winch. Tough wing! Easy to fly. Signal thermals well. Build it strong and light and just like Skybench recommends. You'll love it too.

Gliderguy

[Acer]

Should I build it with the 2-piece wing for easy storage and transportation, or should I build the 1-piece wing for lightness and strength?

Thanks.

-- Acer
http://speedwing.net "Home of the Mini SpeedWing"

[R. Carver]

One of the guys in the club has the 100" Big Bird, and it's a very nice plane, superb flyer. If the 2m version is as good (which I have heard it is) you won't be disappointed.
Build the wing as one piece (if transporting it is not a problem) and bring it out to the club to winch her up. If I remember right you're in Winter Springs...The club field is in Oviedo behind SCC on Lockwood. Probably a 15 minute ride for ya.

[Acer]

Yeah, I'm in Winter Springs. I've never bought an AMA membership though :eek: I just fly out of parks and empty lots. I need to bite the bullet and get a membership. Is that the Orlando Buzzards Soaring Society? Do you also fly electric there?

Thanks.

-- Acer

[rrowley]

I am currently building the 100" Big Bird. First kit I have done in a long time, so I have made some mistakes, all my own fault. The instructions are very good in my book and I can't hardly wait to finish it. Laser cut part go together very easy.

I emailed Ray one Saturday with a question figuring it would be Monday before I heard an answer. He replied the same day. Great service.

[R. Carver]

Originally posted by Acer
Yeah, I'm in Winter Springs. I've never bought an AMA membership though :eek: I just fly out of parks and empty lots. I need to bite the bullet and get a membership. Is that the Orlando Buzzards Soaring Society? Do you also fly electric there?

Thanks.

-- Acer

Yep, www.orlandobuzzards.org . There's a map to the field on the website. We usually fly on saturday and sunday morning, but lately it's been dead because the access road has been underwater. Pretty much just me for the past couple of weeks thanks to my 4x4 :)
Electrics always welcome, but we don't really have a runway. If you're not too eager to plunk down 50..er, 60 bucks for AMA, swing by one weekend to check it out. Everybody's really laid back, and if you want to fly a bit nobody will raise a stink. We have some really great guys that are a wealth of knowledge and are very helpful.