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Introduction
FlyZone has released an impressive ready to fly Cessna 182. I have always been fond of general aviation aircraft, and the Cessna 182 Skylane is a flagship in the light aircraft market. I suspect most of us have even had a ride in one at one time or another. The FlyZone Cessna 182 is a RTF - ready to fly - model. It includes everything needed to get you in the air very quickly. It is made from AeroCell foam that is very durable, flexible and easy to repair. The shipment arrived double boxed and safe and sound from FlyZone. It comes in a remarkably small box considering it has the nearly assembled plane and radio system including transmitter, charger battery and wing inside. In true RTF fashion, this model was ready to go in less time than it took to charge the battery! In fact, it took me less than 40 minutes - impressive.
Kit Contents
RTF Kit includes:
Kit requires:
AssemblyThe FlyZone Cessna 182 requires a few very simple assembly steps to have it ready to fly.
The builder needs to:
FuselageThe fuselage is large and easy to work with. Two screws had the main landing gear installed.
The tail feathers attach with a plastic post and retention clip. The post, installed on the vertical stabilizer slides through the horizontal stabilizer and is retained with the clip. The push rod tubes are factory installed so you simply run the wires in the tubes and route the rudder lighting system wire in the factory installed guide tube. I appreciated that everything was aligned properly right down to the push rod tubes that perfectly connected both the control horns and servo connectors.
WingThe wing is one unit and ready to go from the box. Both the flap and aileron servos are installed and connected; There’s nothing to do but attach the wing to the fuselage, connect the aileron and flap servo wires to the receiver and attach the lighting system connector to the wiring module.
Installation of the struts was simple with just 4 screws in the factory strut mount points. Alignment was spot on, and no adjustments were needed.
Included are some antennas that mount in the wing for a scale appearance. Nice touch!
The Flyzone Cessna 182 includes a lighting system. This complete system includes a lighting module that receives power from the the receiver. The rudder has a flashing red light, the wing has NAV lights green and red in the wing and landing lights in the leading edge of the wing. Curiously, it also has two red lights on the wing top right near where the "red" gas caps are on the full scale. As the full scale does not have these lights - I suspect that may be a little creative license. The lights show up well, especially the bright white landing lights. The are always on and really add a dimension of realism to the FlyZone Cessna 182.
Power systemThe FlyZone CESSNA 182 is powered by the included brushless motor. Size of the motor is not indicated. It is factory installed with the ESC, so no work for you here.
Amp drawsThe included outrunner motor was setup for use with 3s packs. With the stock propeller it produced the following results:
I fly the Cessna 182 with this base power system. It has good stock sport power at 73w/lb. It is not the fastest plane in the sky, but it flies in a scale manner with the stock system.
BatteryI used the included FlyZone 1800 mAh 3s LiPoly pack. It weighs in right at 5oz. As can be seen by the power checks, it is more than able to handle the ~14amp load with ease holding at more than 11v. That certainly indicates the pack will easily take more draw if a slightly larger propeller is used.
ESCFlyZone includes a 18amp ESC with the system. It is not accessible for a "finger" temp test but assume it is easily able to handle the 14.5amp load.
FinishThe FlyZone Cessna 182, as in the case of the large majority of full scale 182s, was left as white. The factory has installed some authentic Cessna markings. They are stick on type markings, and in a few places they needed "re" sticking. Adding to the scale looks is the Cessna trademark corrugated flaps and control surfaces, and they look great!
ChargerIt was really nice to see a 3s balancing charger included with this system. It also has both an AC and DC power supply included, so you can charge attended at home or in the field. The charger has a max charge rate of 800 mA which means a depleted 1800mAh pack will take over 2 hours to charge. It would have been nice to see a bit higher max charge rate for this system.
Flying
The large FlyZone Cessna 182 has a commanding presence both on the ground and in the air. I found it to fly in a very scale like manner.
PreflightA rainy day - but a good looking plane!
With the included 3s 1800 mAh battery pack the FlyZone Cessna balanced right on the recommended CG. I was very pleased to see this: It is all too common to have balance issues on RTF airplanes. The Tactic 5 channel transmitter requires 8 "AA" type batteries for use. Rechargeable batteries can be used, or as in my case, dry cells (not included). Rates were not mentioned in the manual - so I did the "TLAR" That Looks About Right method of checking the factory settings on controls. My eyeball test said everything was just fine. In flight, those rates were all docile but adequate. All of the control directions were also properly set from the factory. The manual does recommend a 3/8 or 10mm total flap travel setting. Mine was set correctly from the factory and spot on the manual recommended setting. Another very cool feature of the Tactic 5ch flap system is that it has a built in rate reducer! The flaps deploy at a very scale slow setting. It takes about 3 seconds for them to fully extend. Excellent!
Takeoff and LandingThe Cessna 182 with the stock power system required about 75-100 feet of ground roll out on a hard surface to reach flying speed. That was expected at the ~75w/lb power system. Rotation takes only slight elevator input, and it rotates the plane nicely. Climb out must be done on the wing. Landings were also very easy as this model slows well, especially with the very effective flaps engaged. They, along with the lights, really look great. Those new to flap flying will need to learn about approach speed. You will need to control approach with power when using the flaps. It is easy to get too slow with the flaps engaged, so use power to control the descent speed. This is just what you do in the full scale 182 or any other plane for that matter! The small wheel pants and wheels make hard surface runways for landing and ground takeoff a requirement.
Special Flight CharacteristicsThe Cessna 182 is responsive in flight and goes where pointed. It has what I would envision to be a scale roll rate... not that you would ever try that in the full scale ship! Some may find they want a bit more throw rate for the ailerons. As in the full scale 182, the rudder is very effective and coordinated turns are just like the full scale! Use the rudder when flying this bird, and you will be happy with the results. The model stalls very predictably for a model with a near 16oz wing loading. When pushed to a stall, the model slowed down very considerably and then dropped the nose. I noted very little wing tip drop at all. Loops and rolls require full power and a "dive" to increase speed. Stall turns are fun with the very effective rudder! Rolls have a pronounced dutch roll effect as expected with the Cessna trademark high aspect ratio wing. Flaps are a blast to play with and really add to the scale looks of this bird. I snapped these pics while Doug took a turn at the sticks.
Recommended power systemThe stock power system provides good sport power but do not expect a rocket ship. Plan on doing some testing with larger propellers for a touch more power.
Is this plane for a beginner?Although not terribly difficult to fly, the FlyZone Cessna is not for a first time beginner. Even though this is a ready to fly system, it is not touted as a first time model, and I agree. It must be flown on the wing, and that is how it looks most realistic. Cessnas doing loops and rolls just looks wrong!
Flight Video
ConclusionThe FlyZone Cessna 182 Skylane was very simple to set up. Assembly of this highly prefabricated RTF is very straightforward with no issues. I really appreciate that everything was lined up well, things fit and when assembled, the model is very sturdy. The stock charger took longer to charge the battery than the assembly! It was nice to have everything included and a full Tactic 72MHz transmitter and receiver all ready to go from the factory. The radio was setup correct with appropriate throw rates and directions. The included balancing charger with both an AC and DC power supplies included in the offering. While the charger is sufficient, it will take a while to charge the 1800 mAh pack as it tops out at 800 mA charge rate. The Brushless system provides good sport power for the Cessna. Do not expect to stand this one on the nose and climb only with the propeller. It flies on the wing and in a scale manner. The flaps are a blast to play with in flight and really add the the flight realism. The scale lighting system also looks wonderful. In dusk hours it really lights up well especially the bright landing lights. Looks just like the full scale ship on final - very cool! The AeroCell foam is very durable, flexible and easy to fix with CA glue if you have an incident. Once assembled, you will have a very attractive model that is well behaved in flight. In fact, the Cessna 182 flies well and in a scale manner, is complete, easy to assemble and puts a grin on my face.
Pluses:
Minuses:
It is welcome to see some love for the general aviation segment of the market. The FlyZone Cessna 182 makes a great addition to the hangar. Check it out the hobby shop. Last edited by Angela H; Feb 19, 2009 at 07:02 PM.. |
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Thread Tools |
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Feb 20, 2009, 02:09 PM
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#2 |
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$#|+
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Anaheim, CA
Posts: 306
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very nice, looks very stable in the air
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Feb 20, 2009, 05:16 PM
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#3 |
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on a vacation
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Tulsa Oklahoma
Posts: 355
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Hi. I heard that this plane has working lights and flaps on it. does it?
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Feb 20, 2009, 08:56 PM
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#4 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 8,381
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UH, Mike mentions both in his conclusion?
I always have liked the look of a high wing Cessna on final. Something about it just looks COOL?! This model really caught my eye when it released. The lights, the flaps, the corrugations on the control surfaces. I LIKE it! 
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Feb 21, 2009, 12:56 AM
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#5 |
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DW Foamies nut.
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Just moved to Crest California
Posts: 11,451
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Wow, definately a BIG stepup from the previous Cessna 182. Realistic deployment speed of flaps, preinstalled lights, AND a decent power system? Too good to be true..??
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Feb 21, 2009, 09:55 AM
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#6 |
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War Eagle!
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 6,600
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Very nicely done, Mike!
I really like the looks of this plane, but what I like best is the fact that it has flaps. Just like there are aileron trainers and 3D trainers and such, this looks like a "scale" trainer, so you can get used to seeing how flaps affect flight performance. Thanks again for the flight report — and nice pics, too! 
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Feb 21, 2009, 01:36 PM
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#7 |
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Air, Ground & Water
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Rockland, Ontario
Posts: 3,080
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As for that particular motor, its a 1400kv motor. LHS confirmed with my eyes.
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Feb 21, 2009, 03:19 PM
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#8 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Kennesaw, Georgia
Posts: 1,300
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Feb 21, 2009, 04:05 PM
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#9 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Trophy Club TX (DFW)
Posts: 9,708
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Sorry - been traveling gang - just noticed this was published! Thanks for the kind remarks.
It is a great flying airplane - the flaps and lights are fun - and sure add to the realism. Mike |
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Feb 21, 2009, 09:50 PM
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#10 | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Motor City USA
Posts: 1,080
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Quote:
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Feb 22, 2009, 01:09 AM
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#11 | |
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GorillaGlue, Tape...I'm good
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: SillyCornValley, CA, USA
Posts: 133
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Quote:
Now on sale for $89.27. I'm also hearing that the shipping is free for new customers (is this true?). I like the graphics on the FlyZone much better, but for the price...I wouldn't mind the pink graphics. Here is a discussion thread of this plane: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=945874 |
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Feb 22, 2009, 01:10 PM
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#12 |
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Funder & Lightning
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 1,486
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I only wish this came in a "Receiver Ready" version. I hate buying a transmitter I'll never use and have it collect dust. My DX7 is all I need. It may have one more memory spot left for this Cessna 182!
Nice review Mike. I've been looking forward to reading more about it. Do you have a contact at Hobbico/FlyZone that can respond to the prospects of an RR/PNP version? -Lee |
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Feb 22, 2009, 01:58 PM
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#13 |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Trophy Club TX (DFW)
Posts: 9,708
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Thanks Lee - it is a great idea.
My contacts are all in the PR/Media side... Try this site: http://www.hobbico.com/suggestion.html Mike |
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Feb 22, 2009, 03:35 PM
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#14 | |
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Funder & Lightning
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 1,486
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Quote:
No response yet...but I'm hopeful!
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Feb 22, 2009, 10:02 PM
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#15 |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 5
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Mike- I was fortunate enough to be there on the maiden flight... very nice. Very SCALE indeed. Very smooth plane.
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