Q-112: I just taught a 14-year-old how to fly RC. I’ve been using glow-fueled engines in my airplanes for many years. This young teenager that I am instructing wants to buy an electric-powered, high-wing, trainer-type aircraft. Do you know of any 30- or 40-size trainers that are electric powered and come complete with everything needed, both the power system and the RC system?
A-112: A 30- or 40-size model, presumably something in the
500-square-inch and 4- to 5-pound weight range, is a bit too much for a
first-timer's electric-powered trainer. A 40-powered glow-engine trainer would
certainly cost less than a comparable-size electric trainer. Oh, it can be done,
and thanks to brushless motors and Li-Poly batteries, we will soon see many
larger electric-powered models coming onto the market.
But for now, let me provide some practical advice that will allow you to enjoy
electric power as you continue to instruct your student pilot.
An excellent electric-powered RTF trainer is the Multiplex Easy Star. It is
basically an electric-powered sailplane constructed entirely from a special
molded foam that allows you to use cyanoacrylate glue on it. You can purchase
the Easy Star along with a Hitec RC system, rechargeable battery pack, and
charger. I have written a detailed review of this aircraft, and it should be
published in MA shortly.
The Easy Star is an excellent model for a beginner. It can be flown slowly
without the tendency to stall. The motor is mounted high on a pylon facing the
rear of the aircraft, so it is unlikely that you will ever break a propeller or
bend the motor shaft.
After your student has mastered this first electric-powered airplane, I
recommend Hobby Lobby International's new Lipol-One high-wing, all-folded-foam
trainer. Some assembly work is involved, but the foam parts come prepainted and
no covering is necessary.
This particular model is powered by a new Model Motors AXI 2204/54 brushless
outrunner motor and a two-cell 700 mAh Li-Poly battery pack. The brushless motor
is efficient and will last a long time. The Li-Poly battery will provide long
flight times, which is important for a student pilot.
A detailed review of the Lipol-One is currently posted on Sport Aviator, which
is AMA’s online magazine. I urge you to look it up at www.masportaviator.com/ah.asp?CatID=15&ID=59.
Once you have your student up to speed with the Easy Star and the Lipol-One, I
recommend the Hobby Lobby Bonnie 20. It is a high-wing ARF with a wing area of
roughly 420 square inches and a total weight of approximately 60 ounces.
The Bonnie 20 employs full four-channel control of ailerons, elevator, rudder,
and motor throttle. It has a tricycle-landing-gear configuration (two main
wheels and a nose wheel). The nose gear is steerable from the rudder channel.
This is the kind of airplane you will want to train your student with when you
begin basic maneuvers involving rolls via aileron control. The Bonnie 20 review
is posted on Sport Aviator at
www.masportaviator.com/ah.asp?CatID=1&ID=39.
The three electric-powered aircraft I have recommended can provide all you need
to turn your young student loose in our wonderful hobby.