In 1080p 60fps - A flight with my Force RC F/A-18 Blue Angels V2 64mm EDF Jet.

Force RC F/A-18 Blue Angels V2 64mm EDF Jet Performance Flight (4 min 5 sec)

"Does the color of the sky mean anything special to you? It does to me.. a hell of a lot. When I close my eyes, the sky in my dreams.. is a deep, dark blue.

MODIFICATIONS:

1) Hitec Energy Sport 40-Amp ESC w/ 2-Amp SBEC (Replaced defective stock 40-Amp ESC).
3) Custom-painted Freewing F/A-18 64mm EDF Jet Wingtip Pylons.
4) Minwax Semi-Gloss Finish Polycrylic Spray Coated Airframe.

TRANSMITTER, RECEIVER, & SETUP:

Transmitter: Spektrum DX8 G2
Receiver: Lemon RX DSMX 7-Channel Diversity Stabilizer / Receiver (LM0033)
Rates Used: 93% Aileron with 24% Expo / 90% Elevator with 30% Expo / 100% Steering with 6% Expo
Control Rod Placement: Outer holes on both Servo and Horn ends.
Center of Gravity: 63mm back from the leading edge of the main wing
Battery: Pulse 4S 2250mAh 45C Lipo
Throttle Timer: 3:40 Minutes
Total Flight Time: 3 Minute(s), 20 Second(s)
Lipo Final Voltage: 15.15 Volts out of 16.80 Volts (~3.79 Volts / Cell) at 29%

ADDITIONAL INFO:

Camera: iPhone 6 at 1080P / 60 FPS
Cameraman: Brad L.
Music: "Faceless Soldier" - Ace Combat 7 Original Soundtrack

Thanks for watching!

In 1080p 60fps - This is a Video Capture Challenge Flight of my Durafly EFXtra 975mm Racer.

Durafly EFXtra 975mm Racer - Video Capture Challenge 4S Flight (5 min 26 sec)

My friend Brad had been looking forward to the challenge of capturing my old Durafly EFXtra "Bolt" on video this past weekend. He's been taking excellent footage of my EDF jets, but the EFXtra is a completely different animal to capture well (if at all) on video. This is also his first experience seeing an EFXtra up close in action.

Will Brad manage to keep his video target locked? Stay tuned!

TRANSMITTER, RECEIVER, & SETUP

Transmitter: Spektrum DX8 G2
Receiver: Lemon RX DSMX 7-Channel Diversity Stabilizer / Receiver "LM0033"
Stabilizer Gains: 9 O’Clock Setting on all Axis-es
Master Gain: +0
Rates Used: 100%-Aileron / 40% Expo, 100%-Elevator / 25% Expo, 100-Rudder, 0% Expo
Propeller: Stock 7x6.5 2-Blade
Additional Modifications: Minwax Satin Finish Polycrylic Protective Coating (2 Coats)
Battery: Pulse 4S 2250mAh 45C (241 grams)
Battery Positioning: Full Forward
Throttle Timer: 4 Minutes
Total Flight Time: 4 Minutes, 18 Seconds
Lipo Final Voltage: 15.22 Volts out of 16.80 Volts (~3.81 / Cell) at 34%

ADDITIONAL INFO

Camera: iPhone 6 at 1080P / 60 FPS
Cameraman: Brad L.
Music: "Siren's Song" - Ace Combat 7 Original Soundtrack

Thanks for watching!

In 1080p 60fps - This is a performance flight of my FMS F-15 Eagle V2 64mm EDF Jet.

FMS F-15 Eagle V2 64mm EDF Jet Performance Flight (4 min 29 sec)

Powered by a Pulse 4S 2250mAh 45C, weighing in at 241 grams. The CG was set to 95mm from the leading edge of the main wing. Flight Timer was set to 3:40 minutes. Flown with a Spektrum DX8 G2 Transmitter. Two coats of Minwax Satin Finish Polycrylic were applied to the entire airframe for increased paint durability. Aside from this, no additional modifications were added from stock.

This is an FMS "predecessor" jet that I've had for a while now and also enjoy taking to the flying field quite often, before later acquiring the EFlite F-15 Eagle 64mm EDF Jet BNF Basic version (which was to be Eflite's "successor" model) just released this past year. Both versions are identical in specs and performance, with the only exception of differing brand electronics and paint scheme.

For whatever reason, it just occurred to me that I didn't have a video of my FMS F-15 Eagle.. that is, until Brad managed to capture this quality footage from one of my fun flights. Well-deserved and long overdue for such an excellent model. I hope you enjoy the video!

TRANSMITTER, RECEIVER, & SETUP INFO:

Transmitter: Spektrum DX8 (G2)
Lemon RX Gain Settings: Aileron - 9:30 O'Clock / Nose Gear Steering - 10 O'Clock / Elevator - 9:30 O'Clock
Master Gain Setting: +0
Center of Gravity: 95mm from leading edge of...Continue Reading

In 1080p 60fps - This is a performance flight of my Eflite F-16 Falcon 64mm EDF Jet BNF Basic.

Eflite F-16 Falcon 64mm EDF Jet BNF Basic Performance Flight (4 min 15 sec)

Powered by a Pulse 4S 2250mAh 45C, weighing in at 240 grams and set as far aft as possible. The CG was measured at 83mm from the leading edge of the main wing (from the manual addendum's recommended CG range of 75-85mm). Flight Timer was set to 3:40 minutes. Flown with a Spektrum DX8 G2 Transmitter.

This is a jet that I was initially reluctant to get, just because of the trim scheme / livery. However, the F-16's unique flight characteristics and personality in the air has justifiably won me over. Compared to the Eflite and FMS F-15 Eagle 64mm EDF Jets, the Eflite F-16 Falcon 64mm EDF Jet demands more in pilot proficiency. In flight, the F-16 feels less stable but is definitely more agile. Be mindful of airspeed on final approach for landings, and bleed off as much airspeed as you can during your final flare.. Otherwise, you may find yourself back in the air for a go-around. Also watch out for crosswind approaches and avoid them if possible. Lastly, the narrow stance of the wheels makes ground handling and taxiing in an "appropriate" speed, a skill in itself.. beware of making quick steering movements after touchdown and during taxiing back to the hangar.

Is it less stable, yes. Is it more agile, yes. Does it require more skill out of the pilot, absolutely.

I like it!

...Continue Reading

This is the 44th and final Test Flight of my Arrows RC F4U-4 Corsair 1100mm Warbird, modified for 4S power.

Arrows RC F4U-4 Corsair 1100mm Warbird Golden Hour 4S Test Flight #44 (5 min 36 sec)

Enjoy the lack of extra sounds other than the ambient noise, the voice of my Spektrum DX8 (G2), and the whistle of a precisely balanced 4-blade prop on 4S with the airframe whoosh of a Corsair.

I will apologize in advance as I feel like this flight was more subdued and restricted than what I normally would perform. I almost forgot how difficult it was to use the Action Cam iPhone Headmount... having the weight of an iPhone 7 strapped to your forehead and guessing what your iPhone is actually capturing during the flight while performing maneuvers can be awkward and a bit of a challenge.

The stock 40-Amp ESC has been replaced with a ZTW Mantis 65-Amp ESC with 5-Amp SBEC, and has been relocated from the tight air-restricting box that the original 40-Amp ESC was originally placed within the nose, to the interior compartment for increased air circulation. The original ESC "box" location has been left open for adequate ventilation to the interior compartment, with only the motor/ESC wires to channel through it. The plastic dummy radial faceplate cowl has been drilled with additional ventilation holes for increased airflow and cooling to the motor and interior compartment leading to the upgraded ESC.

The stock 11.5x8 4-blade prop has been replaced with a...Continue Reading

Arrows RC F4U-4 Corsair 1100mm Warbird 4S Modification Test Flight Teaser (0 min 18 sec)

Stay tuned.....

This is a Demo Flight of my Arrows RC F4U-4 Corsair 1100mm Warbird.

Arrows RC F4U-4 Corsair 1100mm PNP Warbird Flight (5 min 41 sec)

All of the internals are stock. Powered by an Admiral 3S 2600mAh 30C lipo, the weight of this 3-cell battery (211 grams) with an additional 28 grams of ballast affixed to the underside of the removable battery tray was enough to meet the manual's recommended 60mm CG. Flown with a Spektrum DX8 G2 Transmitter and using a Lemon RX "LM033" DSMX 7-Channel Stabilizer / Receiver.

My RC friend Brad had shown up to the airfield to view my Arrows RC F4U-4 Corsair in action. What I didn't realize until halfway through my flight was that he had also decided to record my flight as well. Brad had been looking for an F4U Corsair in the 1100-1200mm wingspan range to replace his aging Parkzone Corsair. I had suggested this model in particular. With excellent stock 3S performance, quality materials, manufacturing, as well as having flaps, retracts, and lights right out of the box, the Arrows RC F4U-4 Corsair is a great value and hard to pass up for $169. I also felt right at home piloting this one - just a very solid warbird with no bad habits, and a real sweetheart to fly.

Brad ended up buying one.

Brad, thanks by the way for getting my flight footage. Even with just an old iPhone 6, you still managed to capture one of the best warbird flights I've ever completed -- and what's surprising is you typically don't even record flight...Continue Reading

"This flight is dedicated to the one who carries my friendship, my heart, and my loyalty."

In 1080p 60fps - This is the 4S Performance Flight of my Durafly Seafire Mk.IIb 1.1m Wingspan PNP. (Click SHOW MORE for additional info).

Durafly Supermarine Seafire Mk.IIb 1.1m 4S Performance Flight (5 min 36 sec)

My Durafly Supermarine Seafire is completely stock, with the exception of the Callie Graphics Custom Name Decals. Powered by a Pulse 4S 2250mAh 45C lipo, weighing in at 243 grams. The CG was measured between 65mm-69mm from the leading edge of the main wing at the root. Flight Timer was set to 4:00 minutes. Flown with a Spektrum DX8 G2 Transmitter and using a Lemon RX "LM033" DSMX 7-Channel Stabilizer / Receiver.

SETUP INFORMATION:

Transmitter: Spektrum DX8 (G2)
Receiver: Lemon Rx DSMX 7-Channel Diversity Stabilizer / Receiver (LM0033)
Gain Settings: Aileron 9:00 O'Clock, Rudder 9:30 O'Clock, Elevator 10 O'Clock
Master Gain Setting: +20
Rates Used: Aileron 100% / 24% Expo, Elevator 100% / 30% Expo, Rudder 100% / 8% Expo
Control Horn Hole: Aileron Innermost Hole, Rudder Outermost Hole, Elevator Outermost Hole
Flap System: Mid 55% / Full 95%
Battery: Pulse 4S 2250mAh 45C (243 grams)
Throttle Timer: 4 Minutes
Lipo Final Voltage: 15.28 Volts out of 16.80 Volts (39%)

Music: "Daredevil" Metal Remix - Ace Combat 7 - Vincent Moretto
Camera: iPhone X at 1080P / 60 FPS
Cameraman: Mike "Deuces Wild"...Continue Reading

In 1080p 60fps - This is the 4S Performance Flight of my 2-year old FMS A6M5 Zero 1.1m Warbird, a Birthday present from the 2016-2017 Cheer Central Suns J2 “Glitter” (Glitterati).. the All-Star Cheer Team that I coached 2 years ago.

FMS Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero 1.1m 4S Performance Flight (5 min 51 sec)

Just a little more than 2 years later from the Maiden Flight Video, only this time upgraded to 4S with the original stock motor and stock 3-blade prop. I replaced the stock 40-Amp ESC with a ZTW Mantis 65-Amp ESC w/ 5-Amp ESC. In doing so, I also carefully enlarged the internal foam ESC compartment formerly holding the stock 40-Amp ESC, allowing it extra ventilation and room to breathe.

Powered by an Admiral Pro 4S 2200mAh 45C lipo, the weight of the 4-cell lipo was enough to counter 50% of the hidden nose ballast that I had originally hidden behind the plastic cowl and were removed, retaining the recommended 62mm CG from the leading edge of the main wing. Now only 56 grams of nose ballast (8 Great Planes 7-gram Sticky Back Lead Weights were needed to retain the proper CG at 62mm.

Max Static Amp Draw with a fully charged Admiral Pro 4S 2200mAh 45C lipo is at 52.2 amps.. well below the limits of the ZTW Mantis 65-Amp ESC. The stock 3536-850Kv motor comes down barely warm after a flight.

My former 100% throttle on 3S has now become my 50-60% throttle on 4S. The outcome is an aircraft with exceptional agility, speed, and climb, with power on tap when needed,...Continue Reading

In 1080p 60fps - This is the 4S Performance Flight of my 2-year old Eleven Hobby F8F Bearcat 1100mm Warbird.

Eleven Hobby F8F Bearcat 1100mm 4S Performance Flight (5 min 44 sec)

I switched out the FMS/RocHobby 10.5x8 Strega 4-Blade Prop that I had previously used for 3S flights and reverted back to the stock Eleven Hobby 10x7.5 4-Blade Prop. I also upgraded the stock 40-Amp ESC to a ZTW Mantis 65-Amp ESC with 5-Amp ESC. Powered by Admiral Pro 4S 2200mAh 45C lipos, the weight of the 4-cell lipo was enough to counter the formerly needed 28-grams (4 7-gram lead weights) that I had hidden behind the plastic radial face plate and were removed, retaining the CG at the recommended 90-95mm from the leading edge of the main wing. Max Static Amp Draw with a fully charged Admiral Pro 4S 2200mAh 45C lipo is at 53.1 amps.. well below the limits of the ZTW Mantis 65-Amp ESC. The stock 850Kv motor comes down barely warm after a flight.

The result is an Eleven Hobby F8F Bearcat 1100mm that has the performance similar to the FMS 980mm High Speed series warbirds, but retains all of the exceptional flight characteristics of the stock Eleven Hobby F8F Bearcat.. of all the taildragger warbirds in my fleet, this one is simply the best of the best.

TODAY WE HONOR THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR OUR NATION. WE ARE GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL FOR THOSE WHO FIGHT TO PROTECT OUR FREEDOM.

TRANSMITTER, RECEIVER, & SETUP:

Transmitter: Spektrum DX8 (G2)
Gain Settings: Aileron -...Continue Reading

In 1080p 60fps and best viewed in Full Screen - I actually wasn't planning on posting this flight. Mike wanted to test his video capturing skills and asked me to fly my Durafly EFXtra to give him a tough challenge. I think he did a great job!

Durafly EFXtra 975mm PNF 4S Flight - Music Video (5 min 0 sec)

This is the same Durafly EFXtra, only about 2 years later from the first video I posted of her. With all the original electronics and hardware, and no issues to this day. But still every bit as fast.. and still the fastest in my fleet. I love this plane.

I was playing music obnoxiously loud during the flight, under the assumption that I wasn't going to post this video later. After seeing the footage, I changed my mind. Then I ended up dubbing the same song I was playing during the flight, as it actually matched my maneuvers, as well as the entire footage.

Song: Seraph of the End "X.U." - AmaLee

MODIFICATIONS

1) Packing Tape Shielding on Leading Edge of Main Wing and Canopy Hatch Perimeter
2) Minwax Satin Finish Polycrylic Protective Coating (2 Coats)

TRANSMITTER, RECEIVER, & SETUP

Transmitter: Spektrum DX8 G2
Receiver: Lemon RX "LM033" DSMX 7-Channel Diversity Stabilizer / Receiver
Stabilizer Gains: 9 O’Clock Setting on all Axis-es
Rates Used: 100%-Aileron / 40% Expo, 100%-Elevator / 20% Expo, 100-Rudder, 0% Expo
Propeller: Stock 7x6.5
Battery: Pulse 4S 2250mAh 45C Lipo (243 grams)

ADDITIONAL INFO

Camera: iPhone X at 1080P / 60 FPS
Cameraman: Mike "Deuces Wild" Frontiero

Thanks for watching!

Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful Moms out there! This is just a relaxing Sunday flight with my Twisted Hobbys 32" Crack MXS-C.

Twisted Hobbys 32" Crack MXS-C Sunday Funday Flight (3 min 52 sec)

Powered by a Pulse 3S 450mAh 45C lipo, weighing in at 40 grams. Flown with a Spektrum DX8 G2 Transmitter and using a Lemon RX LM033 DSMX 7-Channel Diversity Stabilizer / Receiver.

My 32" Crack MXS-C is equipped with the Twisted Hobbys Power Combo 30-32" Standard Mono & Pitts "CS-DMG" with the "Hot" Setup for 3S power, using the GWS 8x4 DD Prop.

CG was measured at ~3.5" or ~89mm back from leading edge of the main wing.

The rates I used on my Spektrum DX8 G2 were as follows:

Aileron: 100% with 30% Expo
Elevator: 100% with 28% Expo
Rudder: 100% with 30% Expo

The Twisted Hobbys 32" Crack MXS-C is just an all-around fun 3D machine that can be placed quickly in the car and flown just about anywhere. This is my plane of choice when I don't have much time to fly and don't want to deal with setting up a larger plane on the field. It's portability, and high fun factor make it a very well-flown aircraft in my hangar.

Flight video footage taken with Mike's iPhone X on 1080p 60fps. Thanks Mike for the flight footage!

Thanks for watching!

In 1080p 60fps - Here is the raw uncut footage of my 1-year old Freewing F-22 Raptor High Performance 4S 64mm EDF Jet.

Freewing F-22 Raptor High Performance 4S 64mm EDF Jet - Fun Flight (4 min 26 sec)

Purchased about a year ago through Motion RC, this was my first Freewing 64mm EDF Jet. Prior to this I had only been flying Eflite UMX EDF Jets, so this Freewing 4S 64mm EDF Raptor was my "stepping stone" into the 64mm EDF class. Since then I've been flying a variety of EDF Jets from the 50-70mm EDF class. However, I somehow let a year go by without getting at least one flight video of my Freewing F-22 Raptor HP 4S 64mm EDF Jet.. until now.

A year late, but here's a fun flight video from this past weekend. Hope you enjoy the show!

----FLIGHT SETUP & MODIFICATION DETAILS----

Powered by a Pulse 4S 2250mAh 45C lipo, weighing in at 243 grams. The CG was measured at 88mm from the leading edge of the wing at the root. Weight without lipo installed is 837 grams. Flight Timer was set to 3:40 minutes. Flown with a Spektrum DX8 G2 Transmitter and using a Lemon RX LM033 DSMX 7-Channel Stabilizer / Receiver.

Modifications from stock were minimal:
1) A double spray coating of Minwax Satin Polycrylic Finish over the entire airframe.
2) A foam brush-applied coating of JB-Weld 5-Minute Clear Epoxy over the leading edge trim of the air intakes (to create a hardened reinforced surface against frontal landing abrasion), followed with Polycrylic over the epoxy-coated...Continue Reading

I don't normally do videos dubbed to my flights, but I thought this was fitting.

Disclaimer - So if you don't like videos like these, just move along.. this was 100% for me and not for you, not for views, and not for ratings. And please keep in mind, all of the planes in my fleet are 100% purchased by myself. I don't have vendor sponsors, and I do not monetize or profit from any of my videos. In truth, a lot of my videos are meant as a personal flight journal of the aircraft I've flown throughout this great hobby I've enjoyed for the past 6 years.

However, if you don't mind flight videos to music, please sit back and enjoy the show.

Durafly EFXtra 975mm Wingspan Racer - Adventure Club "Gold" Music Video (4 min 40 sec)

The Queen of my Fleet, she is still the fastest and ranks as "Legendary" out of the 90 aircraft I own. Some say she can be difficult to handle and requires the pilot to be several steps ahead of the flight, but to me it was more like seeing an old friend and I don't find anything difficult about her at all.

I had to clear my head today and take her out again for some flights. Still every bit as legendary as when I first flew her in this video.

Music: Adventure Club "Gold" ft. Yuna

Thanks for watching!

In 1080p 60fps - Here is the raw uncut footage of my new RocHobby Super Scorpion 70mm EDF Jet, purchased directly from FMSModel.com.

RocHobby Super Scorpion 70mm EDF Jet Flight (My New Super Scorpion in 2019) (4 min 20 sec)

I've made amends with my old former RocHobby Super Scorpion and have returned her to the current owner after he was kind enough to loan her to me for a week to get a chance at flight redemption (see previously posted video). 4 years ago (2015), I had a bad experience hand launching that first Super Scorpion, resulting in a quick crash on the launch. I won't make the same mistake this time around.

I then purchased this new Super Scorpion as a successor and rightful addition to my fleet. And this time I'm more than prepared.

No amount of money is worth the value of experience.

What an incredible jet.

http://www.fmsmodel.com/rochobby-70m...ed-pnp-edf-jet

----FLIGHT DETAILS----

Powered by an Admiral 4S 3000mAh 35C lipo, weighing in at 310 grams. The CG was measured at 165mm from the leading edge of the air intakes. Weight without lipo installed is 863 grams. Flight Timer was set to 3:10 minutes. Flown with a Spektrum DX8 G2 Transmitter and using a Lemon RX LM033 DSMX 7-Channel Stabilizer / Receiver.

No modifications from stock, aside from a dual spray coating of Minwax Semi-Gloss Polycrylic Finish over the entire airframe, as well as a foam brush-applied coating of JB-Weld 5-Minute Clear Epoxy on the Front Air Intakes (to create a hardened reinforced section against frontal landing abrasion), followed with Polycrylic over the Epoxy-coated Air Intakes to match the overall shine.

The rates and control linkage setup I used were as follows:

Aileron: 80% with 26% Expo - Control rod to the outermost hole from the servo horn.
Elevator: 76% with 22% Expo - Control rod to the outermost hole from the servo horn.

Flight video footage taken with my Mike's iPhone X on 1080p 60fps. Thanks Mike for recording my flight - The video was perfect!!

And as always, thanks for watching!

In 1080p 60fps - This is a Night Flight of Robert's Twisted Hobbys Crack Fokker Dr.1 with a custom light set that was purchased at Remote Control Hobbies of Littleton (our local RC hobby store).

Robert's Twisted Hobbys Crack Fokker Dr.1 w/ Custom Light Set - Night Flight (3 min 19 sec)

Purchasing these LED light strips at the local RC hobby store and with some basic soldering skills, Robert was able to convert his Crack Fokker into an excellent night flyer. Taking advantage of the Park Ranger who was late to close the park gates, we decided to sneak in a few evening flights before his arrival.

Video Footage taken with my iPhone 7 at 1080p 60fps.

Thanks for watching!

In 1080p 60fps - Here is the raw uncut footage of my flight with the RocHobby Super Scorpion 70mm EDF Jet.

RocHobby Super Scorpion 70mm EDF Jet - Redemption Flight (4 min 26 sec)

This flight video was 100% personal. 4 years ago, I gave up on this Super Scorpion and sold her wreckage after my inexperienced self crashed her on the maiden flight. I was 100% to blame, using poor hand launch technique. I had always regretted making that decision and definitely something I wasn't proud of.. giving up too soon.

I sold this Super Scorpion to an RC Pilot who had repaired and flown / crashed her a few more times, repaired again, and was inevitably sold to my RC pilot friend Dustin who is now the current owner. He was very kind enough to loan her to me to re-trim, tune, and test fly. He must've been very confident of my skills knowing my previous history with this model. 4 years is a long time though, and I've learned and gained a lot of experience, especially with hand launch models since then. So I had to go for it.

It's not often that you get second chances, and with the same exact plane that you sold 4 years ago! So being able to make amends and come full circle was something I felt I needed to do. I'm very thankful that I was given the chance, and a big thank you to Dustin who loaned her to me for the opportunity at redemption.

Shortly after this flight, I ordered a new RocHobby Super Scorpion 70mm EDF Jet directly from FMS Models: http://www.fmsmodel.com/rochobby-70m.....Continue Reading

In 1080p 60fps - Here is the raw uncut footage of my Freewing F9F Panther 64mm EDF Jet, modified for 4S power.

Freewing F9F Panther 64mm EDF Jet 4S Flight (4 min 23 sec)

Powered by a Tattu 4S 1800mAh 75C lipo, weighing in at 193 grams and pushed as far forward into the nose as possible (to accomplish this, I had to cut a segment of the front of the interior wooden frame grid, just stopping right before where the velcro straps are screwed in, so that the 4S lipo can slide all the way forward into the nose at an angle). The CG was measured at 23mm from the leading edge of the air intake (because of the additional weight of the 4S lipo, no additional nose ballast was required and I found this CG to be spot on for this model.. and I'll let my flight video confirm that). Flight Timer was set to 3:10 minutes. Flown with a Spektrum DX8 G2 Transmitter and using a Lemon RX DSMX 7-Channel Diversity Stabilizer / Receiver.

Personal modifications were as follows:

1) ZTW Mantis 45A ESC w/ 5A SBEC (for safe and durable 4S operation).
2) Slotted .057x.177 Carbon Fiber Flat Wing Spars (for added 4S structural reinforcement).
3) JB Weld 5-Minute Clear Epoxy-Coated Undercarriage (durable landing skid finish protection).
4) JB Weld 5-Minute Clear Epoxy-Coated Fuel Tank Heads (for additional skid finish protection).
5) Minwax Satin Finish Polycrylic Dual Coating (for overall airframe finish protection).
6) Foam Tac Surrounding Elevator Rod Keeper (additional safeguard...Continue Reading

In 1080p 60fps - Here is the raw uncut footage of the 3S Test Flight of my new FMS Moa 1.5m Glider.

FMS Moa 1.5m Glider 3S Test Flight (7 min 6 sec)

Powered by a Tattu 3S 850mAh 75C lipo, weighing in at 80 grams. The CG was set to 57mm from the leading edge of the main wing. Flight Timer was set to 3:00 minutes (yes 3 minutes). Flown with a Spektrum DX8 G2 Transmitter and using a Lemon RX DSMX 7-Channel Diversity Stabilizer / Receiver.

Personal modifications were as follows:

1) Eflite 30-Amp Pro Switch-Mode BEC Brushless ESC (for safe 3S operation).
2) Custom-Drilled RX Diversity Antenna Exit Port (to allow for 90 degree separation).
3) JB Weld 5-Minute Clear Epoxy Coated Front Skid (for additional landing skid finish protection).

The rates and control linkage setup I used were as follows:

Aileron: 100% with 0% Expo - Control rod to the innermost hole of the control horn.
Elevator: 100% with 0% Expo - Control rod to the middle hole of the control horn.
Rudder: 100% with 0% Expo - Control rod to the middle hole of the control horn.

Lemon RX Stabilizer Gain Settings:

Aileron: 8:30 O'Clock Position
Elevator: 9:00 O'Clock Position
Rudder: 9:00 O'Clock Position

(I also increased the gain to an additional 50% on the Master Gain Knob of my Spektrum DX8 G2).

Additional Tuning Used: Throttle - Down Elevator Mix. First I trimmed the Moa for a "power-off" level glide. Then I assigned a switch on my Spektrum DX8 (G2) to add a 9% "...Continue Reading

In 1080p 60fps - Here is the raw uncut footage of the Maiden Flight of my new Eflite Pitts S-1S 850mm BNF Basic.

Eflite Pitts S-1S 850mm BNF Basic Maiden Flight (6 min 20 sec)

My Eflite Pitts S-1S 850mm BNF Basic has only 2 modifications from stock. I upgraded the stock 11x7 prop which weighed 27 grams, in favor of a much lighter 18-gram Xoar PJN 11x7 Beechwood prop. Secondly, the entire airframe has been coated with 2 applications of Minwax Semi-Gloss Polycrylic.

Powered by a Pulse 4S 2250mAh 45C lipo, weighing in at 240 grams. Following the advice of RCG members, the CG was set to 70mm from the leading edge of the top wing, with the front of my 4S lipo battery lined up to the front edge of the battery tray. This CG location felt just right for this initial flight. Flight Timer was set to 4:00 minutes. Flown with a Spektrum DX8 G2 Transmitter. Control surface linkages were setup according to manual. The rates I used were as follows:

Aileron: 85% with 28% Expo
Elevator: 100% with 15% Expo
Rudder: 95% with 15% Expo

Note: With these initial settings my Eflite Pitts felt very responsive to the point of being twitchy (especially the Rudder), but was still manageable. Additional tuning will be needed for my flight preferences.

An interesting thing to note is that I've actually had my Eflite Pitts S-1S unassembled in pieces in my hangar since October of 2018. I had just about completed the polycrylic coating process, up until the fuselage. Of course life happened...Continue Reading