Completed last night. This is my first covering job using Ultracote transparent blue. It went on well (after I figured out how to remove the backing!). It's very thin and will rip if it contacts anything sharp...like files, rulers, hobby knives, etc.

I enjoyed building this kit. All the parts fit well and instructions are well done. Nothing went on backwards! J Karpy responded to questions quickly...personal service is great!

Now, I just need the wind to calm down some for flight and trim.

Originally Posted by pwhavens

Completed last night. This is my first covering job using Ultracote transparent blue. It went on well (after I figured out how to remove the backing!). It's very thin and will rip if it contacts anything sharp...like files, rulers, hobby knives, etc.

I enjoyed building this kit. All the parts fit well and instructions are well done. Nothing went on backwards! J Karpy responded to questions quickly...personal service is great!

Now, I just need the wind to calm down some for flight and trim.

Nice work! I recommend moving the wing further forward. Set the CG 1"-1.25" back from the spar. It will fly better.

Will do!

Up Up and Away!!!

I flew in a light crosswind (<5 kt), enough to confound beginning trim settings, but light enough to fly without difficulty. It's a very responsive aircraft; snappy. It flies very well at slow speeds and on landing. I would say it floats.

I balanced the plane at about 1.25 (low tech finger balance). On takeoff, I had to put in significant elevator to gain altitude. Then, it wanted to dive shallowly at all throttle settings. I brought it down and added in some elevator, but because of the wind I'm not satisfied that I understand what's happening yet. I'm wondering if I still need to move the wing forward.

It had a pronounced right bank that I have attributed to minor variations in my build wing and control surfaces. I think one of the ailerons is warped a bit. So, initially, I added lift on the right and added spoil on the left. That adjustment leveled it off, but made the ailerons visibly out of line at the center by about 1/8 inch.

Throughout the maiden flight, I landed a dozen times to mess with the ailerons, elevator and rear wheel. Absolutely no problems. On one occasion, I was at low altitude and outbound and the low-battery throttle cut in. I had to do a low throttle 180 turn and land. It performed very well under those conditions. In fact, I had to minimize elevator while turning, even though it was a tight turn.

Overall, very nice. I'm looking forward to logging more hours and some acrobatics. Thanks J Karpy.

P

Added white stripes on topsides to distinguish attitude at distance.
Gear:
- 125W "450" 1280kV motor
- 30A ESC
- 11.1 3s 25c LiPo batt
- 10 x 8 prop

I like the addition of the white stripes. The overall scheme is simple yet has some character!

Originally Posted by pwhavens

Added white stripes on topsides to distinguish attitude at distance.
Gear:
- 125W "450" 1280kV motor
- 30A ESC
- 11.1 3s 25c LiPo batt
- 10 x 8 prop

Plane looks great, however I would move my wing forward. It will fly better.

Ahhhhhhhgggg! Attempted inverted flight as part of training for my club's pattern contest. The old "pull up" bogeyman got me and I went down. New short kit on order
P

Hmmmmm, back to the simulator.

James
Have you made changes to the wing? I notice on the stiffener that the holes are not their any more.
Is the leading edge of the wing now suppose to be 5.5-6" from the front of the motor mount?
Also I am a little fuss on where exactly the CG is suppose to be I notice in the forum and instruction it varies a bit from behind the wing spar -1 1/4" back?
And what is the total length of the carbon fiber tube from the nose to the tail?

Originally Posted by bobcat7450

James
Have you made changes to the wing? I notice on the stiffener that the holes are not their any more.
Is the leading edge of the wing now suppose to be 5.5-6" from the front of the motor mount?
Also I am a little fuss on where exactly the CG is suppose to be I notice in the forum and instruction it varies a bit from behind the wing spar -1 1/4" back?
And what is the total length of the carbon fiber tube from the nose to the tail?

Just minor changes

Yes

I would say the CG depends on your flying skill. Beginners want to be stock CG as per the plan drawing included in the kit. If you have skills, you should not lock the wing mounts down. Test fly and check to see if the model dives when inverted. If it dives or you need to provide down elevator to level the plane then you need to move the wing forward. You should also be sure your wing and tail incidence are set at zero. Perfect wing incidence is not always a guarantee in every build. I almost always have to tweak when I build them. When you can fly inverted as well as right side up with neutral elevator, you are ready to lock down the wing mounts. Adding down thrust should only be done if inverted flight is not important to you.

The carbon tube is 800 mm +/- 5mm. The total fuselage length would depend on how far out you cantilever your tail mount.

Originally Posted by pwhavens

Hmmmmm, back to the simulator.

looks like you have a good wing half. I can sell you a half wing kit. You just need to carfully cut, chip and shave the old wing half away.

Thanks James
That clear up alot

Originally Posted by jkarpy

looks like you have a good wing half. I can sell you a half wing kit. You just need to carfully cut, chip and shave the old wing half away.

Thanks James, but I'm enjoying building just as much as crashing. You warned me twice about the CG. Anyway, I'm thinking about a different color scheme. Thanks also for the trim info in your previous comment.

Peter