How long does she fly each time?

until she lands usually.

There are too many variable to answer that question. Most planes that size get about 10 to 15 minute flights.

In stock configuration but with a 2-blade APC 11x6, flaps up and no airbrakes on the LG - a typical flight is 8-10 minutes with some reserve to cruise around while waiting for the field to become available (deadstick landing, plane retrieval, etc.)

Ivan

My PTS mustang still has all the "trainer" features attached, flew it twice yesterday, 5-10mph winds, mostly at 90% throttle, average flight time was 6-8 minutes with 1-2 onces of fuel to spare after landing.

This was the maiden flights for my PTS, and I got to say, it flew very predictably and extremely stable. I'm very pleased with it. Now I just got to find a spare servo somewhere so I can operate the flaps in flight.

My advice is to get rid of all the "trainer stuff" except the wing droops - the LE extensions at the wingtips. Use an APC or MA 11x6 2-blade prop instead of the stock 3-bladed fan. The plane is not a "trainer" anyways.

Ivan

Originally Posted by Codehead

How long does she fly each time?

Like someone else said, the typical fly time for most RC planes are 8~10 min. One can eaily install a larger fuel tank, but then it would not be as fun to fly as it become less agile.

If you are asking that question, you are probably new to RC. Believe me, 5 min. will seems like forever when you are just learning to fly.

Brian

Originally Posted by ivanc

The plane is not a "trainer" anyways.

Ivan

Well, I suppose that would depend upon one's definition of the word "trainer". I have seen one of these used to quite sucessfully teach two newcomers how to fly; both through to solo. What got my attention was the comments both of these youngsters made: "It doesn't LOOK like a trainer." Indeed it doesn't.

The logic here is that a kid isn't too thrilled with your basic box-with-wings trainer. I well remember grandson #1 being incredibly bored with his Kadet "trainer", once the initial thrill was gone and I made him do the mundane stuff over and over again; and how he perked up when he got to fly the Kougar I built for him.

No, the PTS isn't a go-it-alone primary trainer; but then, what airplane IS? Maybe one of those el cheapo electric things that vaguely resembles an airplane...

What the PTS IS is a good plane to learn to fly on, using a buddy box. I was sufficiently impressed with it that I bought the ARF just last week for grandson #2, who is six and showing interest in learning grandad's toys.

After doing a lot of reading, and watching the local one fly, I will use the flaps and droops, with an OS .46 SF turning an 11x4 prop to begin with. Those speed brake things can be a double-edged sword, and will be turned into pseudo gear doors.

Gotta get the kid up to speed on a sim, though; so it will be a while before I assemble this one.

beef up the main gear...this seems to be the planes weakest link....we have 3 guys that have put .60 size engines in theirs all of them have had gear problems...even the guys that leave them stock have gear problems

Originally Posted by asm_

Like someone else said, the typical fly time for most RC planes are 8~10 min. One can eaily install a larger fuel tank, but then it would not be as fun to fly as it become less agile.
Brian

Only less agile until the fuel burns down to the same level as the smaller tank.

My trainer lasts for about half an hour, and I can't tell the difference between a full tank or an empty tank in the way it flies.