PARKFLYERS R/C Cessna 182

[Ralf 13]

I have been into r/c cars for a five years and after moving to NC have been thinking about getting into R/C planes. Since I have experience in electrics, and own several chargers, I have decided to start with an electric park flyer. The Parkflyer R/C Cessna got good reviews in Backyard Flyer. It comes with a decent 4 channel transmitter and electronics that could be used whith a better plane if I decide to move up. It has ailerons which can be diconected, taped up, and flown as a 3 channel plane until I get more experienced. Since I live in a rural area I would be learning to fly by myself, there are several large fields near my house. Would this be a good plane to start with? I don't really want to start with something that I might outgrow too quickly. The other question is that I live in the mountains at about 2500 ft. above sea level, is the thinner air harder to fly in? Thanks. Ralf :confused:

[Leo L]

This spring I decided to try flying and the first plane that I bought was the Cessna 182 from ArtTech. (I believe that its the same plane that ParkFlyers sells.) When I received it in the mail, I looked it over and realized that it was too much plane for a complete novice. I ended up buying a Firebird Commander; from which I moved up to the Aerobird Challenger and now the J-3 Cub. I was able to buy all of them on-line at considerable discount from the hobby store prices, so my cash outlay wasn't as bad as it might seem. Once I'm fully comfortable with the Cub, I plan to finally fly the Cessna.

There is a very good article for beginner flyers on the horizonhobby.com website. The article is titled: The Runway: Getting started in RC Flight Blog. The writer uses Horizon Hobby's products (HobbyZone), but the information is very good and should be applicable to all beginners.

The biggest lessons that I learned: 1) You cann't beat the wind with a beginner's plane. I prefer flying early in the morning, just after sunrise when the wind is at a minimum and there are no people around. 2) In a contest between your plane and a tree, the tree will win every time! Stay away from them, or stay well above them.

Have fun. Flying is a great time.

[Ralf 13]

I am planning on setting the plane up without the ailerons to start with, just disconect them from the reciever and tape them to the wings. Then when I get used to the plane without them I can connect them later and fly with the ailerons. Thanks Ralf

[Leo L]

I plan to do the same thing. Let me know how your flights go.

[Ralf 13]

I will post here, so far I it looks like I am going to be teacjing myself though. There is a cable and a flight simulator included and I plan on getting in a LOT of stick time on the sim before going for the first actual flight. I bought it on E-bay two weeks ago and it hasn't shown up yet! Ralf

[aeajr]

spend a lot of time on that simulator.

I have not flown the Parkflyers Cessna so I can't speak from experience. However I have read a number of post that indicate that this may be a bit more plane than the typical self teaching newbie can handle. Now, having said that, you may be very successful with it.

1) Make sure you have TONS of room. 600X600 of absolutely clear space would be a minimum. However, if I am not mistaken, that plane has a pretty high top speed, in the 40-50 mph range, so you will need more room

2) Calm to 5 MPH wings until you are the master of take-off/launch and landing. Any more and you are asking for disaster in a self training situation.

3) Launch and land INto the wind!

4) Go for altitude. I suggest 100 as minimum flying height. More is better

5) Make sure all surfaces are trimmed and moving in the right direction.

6) Make sure you don't conflict with anyone elses's channel before you turn on your transmitter and do a range check before every day's first flight.

[Ralf 13]

As I said, I plan on getting a LOT of sim time before I put the plane together and try to do a "real" flight. I was planning on the first flight with NO wind in the early a.m. hours, do I need some wind for launching? I have plenty of room and will be flying over a hay field with ong grasses to help with a "soft" landing, will not attempt to land on the road until I am real comfortable. As I will be in the middle of nowhere I should not have to worry about a channel conflict. Planning on making a writen flight check list as I have read how important that is, and that will iclude a range check. Making sure that it is trimmed? I assume that is that all surfaces are true? Rudder straight and elevators even and true to the tail sections? After launching I am planning on runing at half throttle to keep the speed down for a few flights. Been reading all the forums and everything written I can get my hands on, do not think I would attempt it without all the information I have been finding on the web. I am sure I have read a lot of posts you have made already, at least "aeajr" looks familiar. Thanks Ralf

[Ralf 13]

Got my plane today. Cessna 182 made by ArTech (same as the Cessna 182 sold by ParkFlyers). Everything looks good, all in undamaged condition. However, I am already frustrated. Loaded the software ("FMS Flight Simulaor"), and seem to be getting a signal from the radio hooked into the "mic" connection on my soundcard as instructed, BUT after going through the "calibration" I do not seem to be controling the plane. With the throttle in the off (down lever) position the plane strts to taxi, the instructions say the throttle is on channel 4 so I reversed the throttle operation with the reversing switch on the radio and the opertion is still the same? Turning the rudder while taxiing has no effect either and it just taxis over a hill and disappears? Got so frustrated I quit for the night. I am going to try and set it up for the keyboard just to see if I can get it off the ground. If that works I guess I will have to put the plane together and charge up the battery to see if the radio controls the plane properly, throttle off and then increase spped to see if the plane responds, also check rudder and so forth to get the conbtrols operating. Then go back and hook up to the computer and see how it goes. Anyone had any experience with theFMS Simulator? and/or the ArTech 4 channel radio? As usual with products from China the documentation is bare bones, very poor. Thanks Ralf

[aeajr]

PREFLIGHT AND FIRST FLIGHT PROCEDURES FOR PARKFLYERS
by Ed Anderson
aeajr on the forums

Here are some quick tips and a "check sheet" for preparing your parkflyer for
launch. If you are a new pilot, you really need to heed the wind caution.
If you are experienced, use your own judgment.

Here is how you prepare for your first flights. Skip a step and you open
yourself to problems.

Respect the wind - For new pilots, dead calm to 3 MPH is perfect. No more
than 5 MPH for
early/training flights or you will be fighting the wind, not flying the plane.

1) Make sure no one is on your channel BEFORE you turn on your radio. If
someone is flying on your channel and you turn on your radio, they will crash!
Check first!

2) Do a range check before the first launch of the day

3) Make sure that battery is fully charged just before the launch. Not 3 days
ago. Not last week. Last night or today!

4) Make sure all your surfaces are properly aligned and move properly before
you launch. Check the manual if the surfaces do not appear to be properly
aligned. Also make sure your wing is straight!

5) CHECK THE TRIMS! Check the trim slides on the side and below the stick(s).
Be sure you have not bumped one out of position. A bumped trim can cause the
plane to crash. Make sure the surfaces are properly alligned on the tail and
the wings.

6) Always launch and land into the wind - ALWAYS

7) If you are hand launching, - good firm level throw or only very slightly
up. Never
throw the plane upward - Always use full throttle!

8) Let it fly out and gain speed. I would say a minimum of 50 feet, and 100
would be better. From a hand throw, it will drop a bit, that is OK. It
should start to climb
all on its own. If you use the elevator, only use a small amount.

The plane must get up to speed before applying strong elevator. Apply the
elevator
too soon and you will "stall" the wing, the nose will drop and you will crash.

IF THIS IS YOUR FIRST FLIGHT AND YOU ARE LEARNING ON YOUR OWN

If your field will allow it, launch, fly out 100 feet or so then come back to
about 1/4 throttle and let
the plane drift down for a landing straight ahead. Just before the plane
touches the ground, cut the motor.

Use the rudder to keep it straight. Avoid turns. Do this a few times till
you understand how the plane launches and lands. Then you can go for climbs
and turns.

I fly electrics and gliders. With my gliders, I ALWAYS do a test glide, with
a hand throw, straight out then glide to the ground before launching off the
hi-start or the
winch. This confirms that the plane is balanced and everything works right.
Good idea for
electrics as well using that straight out launch, under power, then land.
Saves much damage and embarrassment.

If the plane is properly trimmed, it should climb on its own at full throttle
or require only a small amount of up elevator.

Use the elevator carefully! Unless you are going for a loop, use small
elevator inputs. Too much up elevator with the plane flying too slowly will
cause the nose to rise, the wing to stall and the nose to drop. Do this near
the ground and you crash.

Flight tips

Keep your control movement smooth and don't over do it. Turn before you need
to so you can give the plane time to react. This is called thinking ahead of
the plane. Plan you moves.

For three channel parkflyers that use rudder/elevator or two channels that
only have rudder, don't hold rudder commands for more than a couple of
seconds. On these planes, rudder commands will cause the plane to bank, or
tip over in the direction of the turn. That is good because that is how they
turn. However, if you hold the rudder too long, the
bank will continue to steepen to the point where the wing will lose lift and
you will go into a dive or spiral in for a crash.

Of course you read the whole manual several times and watched any videos that
might have come with the plane before you fly.

Clear Skies and Safe Flying!

[Ralf 13]

The video that came with it is for a different type plane, a pusher, and all the voiceover is Chinese! You would think that with the "Worldwide Web" that the Chinese manufacturerers would at least get an American to write the instructions and do a voiceover for the video so that Americans could make some sense of them! And the radio instructions are very confusing and very, very, brief! Guess you get what you pay for though, at least the plane looks good and got a good riview from "Back Yard Flyer". I also have a 4-channel radio with trims/servo reversing, and three micro-servos, and a 10 amp esc that I can transfer to another plane. I am kind of on a budget as I am retired and do not have a lot of extra money to spread arround. I figure if I get ino this I will sell all my RC car stuff and buy a better plane and Radio. Thanks for all the help, this site is great and I wouldn't be attempting this without all you guy's help. Ralf

[aeajr]

The video that came with it is for a different type plane, a pusher, and all the voiceover is Chinese! You would think that with the "Worldwide Web" that the Chinese manufacturerers would at least get an American to write the instructions and do a voiceover for the video so that Americans could make some sense of them! And the radio instructions are very confusing and very, very, brief! Guess you get what you pay for though, at least the plane looks good and got a good riview from "Back Yard Flyer". I also have a 4-channel radio with trims/servo reversing, and three micro-servos, and a 10 amp esc that I can transfer to another plane. I am kind of on a budget as I am retired and do not have a lot of extra money to spread arround. I figure if I get ino this I will sell all my RC car stuff and buy a better plane and Radio. Thanks for all the help, this site is great and I wouldn't be attempting this without all you guy's help. Ralf

What you learned is that the plane from Parkflyers and this plane might be physically the same plane, or perhaps they are not. However the Parkflyers plane is packaged for the American market and this one is not.

It is common for a manufacturer to make a basic package then to offer it to companies around the world. Those companies may request changes specific to them. That could include a different radio set-up on different frequencies, perhaps stronger hinges, maybe a different motor, a charger that is right for the local voltage, etc. Then they will take the plane, add things like local instructions, local video and set up a parts and service network through their distribution channels.

The plane reviewed in Back Yard Flyer was the Parkflyers plane which may have had mods to make it better or to make it more suitable for the American market.

As you said, you get what you pay for. I would suggest you not tell perople you have the Parkflyers plane because that plane may be different from the plane you have.

I would be interested to see what mode they have set on your radio. Mode 1, 2, 3 or 4.

The standard in North America is Mode 2. Mode 2 puts pitch and roll on the right stick with yaw and speed on the left. In other parts of the world they use different set-ups.

Did it come with a battery charger? What voltage is is for?

[ginnz]

ralf, you need the correct dll file for your transmitter, there is a dual (futaba/jr) ppm file out there, winmm.dll, the most current, find it and install it in the root dir. of fms, then try and calibrate. hope this helps.

[jaskel]

hi guys, i have also bought one of these artech cessna 182 in mode 2 and I am awaiting it....looks like an awsome plane, I have had a electric glider and a electric 3 channel pusher previously, so i thought it was time to update....i will fly it 3 ch for a little while and then connect the 4th ch up and let loose...mind you it has been windy here in Australia everyday for the last 3 weeks...at least i can practise on the sim.

Ill keep you updated ;)

[Leo L]

I "flew" my Cessna for the first time yesterday. Took off, the plane started to bank left, tried to correct, stall and crash. Broke the wing and prop.

Lesson to be learned: the wing needs to be reinforced. Plan to tape a carbon rod to the underside.

[jaskel]

I "flew" my Cessna for the first time yesterday. Took off, the plane started to bank left, tried to correct, stall and crash. Broke the wing and prop.

Lesson to be learned: the wing needs to be reinforced. Plan to tape a carbon rod to the underside.

yep.. ive got a rod in my wing and have nailed the ground a couple times....still the original wing ;)

Flying with ailerons is so much easier...

[bnoblet]

Just wondering how you went with the Cessna? I'm a newbie myself and thinking of getting one, and I'm keen to know if it's within my abilities.

[jaskel]

once you get used to launching it is easy to fly...practise makes perfect ;)

[aeajr]

Just wondering how you went with the Cessna? I'm a newbie myself and thinking of getting one, and I'm keen to know if it's within my abilities.

Read Post 6 above. That will help you get ready.

Cessna is not one of my recommended first planes but clearly some people have started with this plane.

You wonder if it is within your ability. You must have some experience then or you would have no ability at all.

What experience do you have?

Do you have anyone to help you?

[kingsnake93]

once you get used to launching it is easy to fly...practise makes perfect ;)
No... Practice makes permanent. It is good to take it slow and do it right thanfast and wrong. In thre long run it would be hard to re-learn how to do it.

[jaskel]

ive crashed mine heaps...2nd fuse 3rd motor...didnt cost much but now i can fly it..so i am happy.

[bnoblet]

Read Post 6 above. That will help you get ready.

Thanks, there's some useful stuff there and I will read it another 5 or 6 times :)

Cessna is not one of my recommended first planes but clearly some people have started with this plane.

I fell in love with this plane so I have ordered it already and it should arrive in a week or so. I understand it's not the perfect learner plane, but I like a challenge and don't want to outgrow it too quickly!

You wonder if it is within your ability. You must have some experience then or you would have no ability at all.

What experience do you have?

Not a lot. I have a really cheap and nasty 2 channel plane that I've played with a bit, but if anything it has probably taught me bad habits.

I do however have a basic understanding of flight (used flightsims on and off for years). And I'm in my mid 30's so I have more patience than I would have had 15 years ago :)

I also borrowed a friends RealFlight USB controller and have already done a bit of work on Realflight and FMS. I know it's not the real thing, but it's helping (I hope) with reaction times and making the right decision. I still bank the wrong way and crash sometimes, so I obviously have to log a lot more hours!

I'm also a voracious researcher and plan to read everything I can google before I even go outside.

Do you have anyone to help you?

I have a friend who qualified and did about 5 solo flights on his glow engine plane, but he hasn't flown for a few years. He would still be worth bringing along for my first few flights though.

I'd consider going to a club, but I don't think they'd let me fly this plane there (my friend had to have his much more expensive radio sent off to be tested before they'd let him fly). I ride a scooter and I imagine they'd look at me the same way motorcycle riders do :)

Thanks for the advice!

Cheers
Ben

[Leo L]

The Cessna is not a good plane to begin to fly with. It doesn't mean that it cann't be done, its just not a very good choice for a first or second plane. Its very fragile, relatively sensetive to the controls and underpowered. This combination makes a plane that is not easy to fly, particularly for a beginner. If you can afford to, I strongly urge you to set this plane aside and get a good beginner's plane. Then, when you have really mastered flying, give the Cessna a go. Its a beautiful plane; have a little patience and you will be rewarded.

[bnoblet]

Hmm that's got me a bit worried! I have seen it described many times as an ideal trainer ...
eg. http://ultrahobbies.com.au/store/customer/product.php?productid=16905

I've also seen several reviews that say it can be flown quite happily at half throttle which would indicate to a novice like me that it is not underpowered!

I'm happy to take your advice though ... what would you recommend as a first plane?

Thanks
Ben

[aeajr]

I agree with Leo L. I have members of my club who tried this as a first plane and had problems. Doesn't mean it is a bad plane, just not the best choice for a first plane.

These are the ones I recommend. All are pushers except the Slo-V. Pushers protect the motor.


READY TO FLY STARTER PLANES - These are my
recommended first electric parkflyers
No building - they practically fly right out of the box
These also glide well so you can thermal soar
with them under the right conditions.


Slow-V from Parkzone - $140 -
I have flown the slo-V. My RTF of choice for small spaces.
Best flown in still to under 5 mph breeze. This is the best choice for
people who only have a small space to fly or who have an indoor
place to fly, such as a large gym or similar space.
http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/products/description.asp?prod=PKZ1300
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2074785/anchors_2089493/mpage_1/key_/anchor/tm.htm#2089493
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=426
Video
http://users.cwnet.com/dhsc19/Slo_V_Aerobatics.wmv
Night fly module on a Slo-V
http://rc-galaxy.com/messageboard/mb.asp?M=Slow_Flyers&CMD=ViewMsg&num=-8

T-Hawk - RTF - Excellent Value - $150-170
I have flown the T-Hawk. Excellent first plane.
Comes with extra wing, tail and battery
Flies well and stands up to hard landings
Can be flown on 27 MHz or 72 MHz
http://www.toytx.com/thawk3chrtf.html
T-Hawk - Without Radio - add your radio and receiver
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/wittran.html
T-Hawk Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243202&highlight=THawk
Videos
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawkvideos.html

Easy Star - RTF - $170
I have flown the Easy Star - Great plane for new flyers!
Believe this goes easily back in the box to keep in the car
Super tough foam. Comes with 72 MHz radio in the US.
Good parkflyer and a good glider
Radio in RTF package can be used to fly other planes
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240025.asp
Easy Star - ARF - Add you own radio gear
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240009.asp
Build Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350408
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=459096
Videos
http://plawner.org/video/easygo.wmv
http://plawner.org/video/easystar.wmv
Mods, upgrades and more
http://www.mpx-easystar.de/
Adding ailerons
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350408&goto=newpost
Travel Box
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=468625&goto=newpost

Aerobird Challenger - RTF Electric - $110 -
I started on an Aerobird RTF. I have over 600 flights on my Aerobirds. I
also thermal and slope soar this plane. Flies well and stands up to hard
landings.
Their add on fun accessories for night flying, air to air combat and drop
module
add to the fun! Great keep in the car plane - take off the wing and it goes
back in the box fully assembled. Most can't do that!
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_planes_hobbyzone_aerobird_challenger.htm
Review
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Discover/Articles.aspx?ArticleID=1289#Page01
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147621
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/aerobird_video.html
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_videos/aerobird_challenger_loops.wmv

Hobbico Sky Fly - $100
I haveflown this one personally. About the best landing gear and ground
handling of the planes I list here
NOTE: Radio range is only 500 feet. This is adequate if you are careful
but about 1/4 of the range of the others listed here.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKLV7&P=ML
Video
http://video1.hobbico.com/gallery/hcaa1960-1961-deluxe.mpg
Review
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=489248
Discussion thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=493271&pp=15

Essential Add-ons:

When evaluating costs, add the following items to your list.
Spare wing
1-2 battery packs

The T-Hawk comes with these already, so factor that into
the price and you will see it is closer in price than it first apperas.

For the Slo-V, an extra prop will come in handy too. The others are
pushers so props are less at risk.

The Easy Star really does not need a spare wing so you save money in that
department. The wing is very tough and very repairable. Easy Star add-on
battery packs should be 7 or 8 cell NIMH packs of 900 mah or higher. The
stock 6 cell is OK in calm conditions but get 7 or 8s for add-ons.

[bnoblet]

OK it looks like I need another plane ... oh well!

I neglected to mention that I'm in Australia and the only two I can find here are the T-Bird and the HobbyZone Firebird Freedom (the Aerobird Challenger is discontinued here at least)

They are both the same price .. around AU$199.

They both seem to be pretty similar ... I'll read all the info you've posted but do you have a personal preference between the two?

Many thanks for the awesome amount of info you've given me!

[Leo L]

I'm generally a big fan of the ParkZone/HobbyZone planes and have personnal experience with the Firebird Freedom. I don't have personnal experience with the T-hawk, but based upon the comments of people who have flown it, I would suggest that you go with the T-hawk. The Freedom is a decent beginner plane, but the Challenger is significantly better (based on my experience with both planes); my understanding is that the T-hawk and Challenger are very similar, therefore go with the T-hawk.

[aeajr]

T-Hawk.

I have heard too many distrubing reports on the Freedom. I have been a big fan of the HobbyZone planes, but this is one that I can not strongly recommend.

T-Hawk, on the other had, receives extremely positive reports. I have flown the T-Hawk and like it a lot. Between the two you mention, I would recommend the T-Hawk over the Freedom.

[Ralf 13]

One reason I bought the plane is that Parkflyer mag keeps recomending it as a GOOD plane for a beginner, besides an article they published previously on the plane, it appears in this months issue as one of the nine best beginners planes ? Ralf

[bnoblet]

Yes I too have seen it described as such.

So Ralf, you've had yours 6 months now ... have you mastered it yet? How did you find it early on?

[jaskel]

ok, flew the Cessna today...worked out that the plane is really underpowered with this motor... i was there with a guy who has flown for 20 years and he suggested that the plane would fly great if i installed a geared motor on it....or even a brushless.... i think I am going to find a geared motor that fits on it and see how it goes...if no good then i am going to buy a GWS E Starter that comes with a geared motor and all i need to do is add my radio gear...80 bucks as a ARF isa good price.

Has anyone had a geared motor in their cessna??? how did it go and how did you mount it??

Jas

[Leo L]

I, too, finally got my Cessna in the air. The 8-cell 900mah battery for the ParkZone Stryker fits perfectly in the battery compartment and provides the extra power needed to get my plane to take off from the ground. Although the plane was able to fly, it seemed rather sluggish, even with the 8-cell on full throttle and seemed a little tail heavy. About three minutes into the flight I got some radio glitches that caused the motor to cut out for a few seconds and for the controls to stop functioning as well. I was able to regain control just before it hit the ground, so I made a rough emergency landing. No damage except a slightly bent landing gear. When I tried to straighten it out, the rod snapped. Now I need to order a replacement landing gear set. So far this plane has been nothing but trouble, but now I am on a mission to overcome the problems and get it to fly reasonably and reliably.

[aeajr]

ok, flew the Cessna today...worked out that the plane is really underpowered with this motor... i was there with a guy who has flown for 20 years and he suggested that the plane would fly great if i installed a geared motor on it....or even a brushless.... i think I am going to find a geared motor that fits on it and see how it goes...if no good then i am going to buy a GWS E Starter that comes with a geared motor and all i need to do is add my radio gear...80 bucks as a ARF isa good price.

Has anyone had a geared motor in their cessna??? how did it go and how did you mount it??

Jas

How many cells are in the battery pack you are using? Sometimes adding a cell, or gettting a pack with one or two more cells can make all the difference in the world.

[jaskel]

OK it looks like I need another plane ... oh well!

I neglected to mention that I'm in Australia and the only two I can find here are the T-Bird and the HobbyZone Firebird Freedom (the Aerobird Challenger is discontinued here at least)

They are both the same price .. around AU$199.

They both seem to be pretty similar ... I'll read all the info you've posted but do you have a personal preference between the two?

Many thanks for the awesome amount of info you've given me!


have a look at the GWS E Starter...comes with a geared motor and all you need to put in it is your radio gear... I think the plane is 80 bucks and is a good flyer

How many cells are in the battery pack you are using? Sometimes adding a cell, or gettting a pack with one or two more cells can make all the difference in the world.

Im running a 7 cell 8.4V 1200maH battery pack...ive managed to get a hold of some 400 size geared motors...i will install them and see how they go...Im thinking this will be the fix i need.

I also am on a mission to get this plane flying great..I will not give up!!!

I noticed it does hang the tail alot...so I definitly think it needs a faster more powerfull motor.

I hope the company importing these planes read this and do somthing about it.

Jas

[bnoblet]

I went to my local hobby shop and bought an Electrofun XP. It's very similar to the T-Hawk but I was able to pick it up for $129 (T-Hawk is $199 here) ... and getting it from a local shop is great as they stock spares etc.

http://www.frontlinehobbies.com.au/Shop/productDetails.aspx?productID=0080842

Took it for a fly today and had an absolute blast! The time on the sim paid off and I didn't have too much trouble controlling it...

I look forward to practicing on it for a few months before I take the Cessna out for a spin :)

[jaskel]

yeah i used to have an electrafun...man that was an awsome plane...so much fun and you could do any trick with it...very stable in the air!!i used to love practising touch and goes with that plane...was alot of fun...till one day the wind grabbed in with some sort of freak gust and took it away...never to be seen again.

[Leo L]

I think that you'll have a great time with your ElectraFun. It looks to be in the same category of planes as the Aerobird, T-hawk, SkyFly, etc. Just remember: NO WIND and stay away from hungry trees.