Slo-V Flyer
Posts: 3341
Score: 105
Joined: 2/23/2006
Last Login: 4/18/2013
From: Arlington,
TX, USA
Status: offline
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Hi There!
I know I've been out of the topic for a few weeks now. But, rejoice, for I'm back now! Ok back to reality....
First off, yes I can do loops!! BUT, I do notice the wings stressing (i.e. bending up) , so I try not to pull any hard G's with this thing. It does require me to nose down for speed, since the controls throws as we all know, suck.
Second, luckily, I've not had the ESC arming problems you guys are describing. I've flown this plane now on 6 and 7 cells batteries maybe a dozen times now, and crashed it nose down about 3 times (second time was when I flew it into the sun, 3rd time was when I didnt pull up from a dive in time....) The only problem I see is from the start, the "servo" motor for the rudder (I forget) glitches, actually, chatters when sitting at nuetral, nothing harmful to flight, but annoying to hear, and will probably burn out that servo motor faster than it should IMO.
Third; The problem with the plane wanting to turn in one direction by itself is a common problem I have whenever I glue my broken tail back on. Just adjust the control surface knobs and dont worry if they don't "look" straight. Trust me, mine are far from straight, or even level, but I can make it fly straight with a light twist on the rudder knob. Becareful though, adjusting that way is more sensetive than it appears. Twist the knobs maybe 1/4 to 1/2 a turn and test it first. Personally, I don't think the radio's trim adjustments do diddly squat, seeing as how little the tail surfaces seem to move from one extreme to the other extreme with radio trim tweaks, even in mid air the trims does nothing much noticeable. As for rolling ground take offs, just compensate with Rudder input if its not going straight, as I usually have to do that even with the nose wheel as "straight" as I can bend it.
On to other aspects. I recommend flying this plane in at least slight winds (not crazy gusty winds, but, nice steady breeze). It makes for gaining altitude much faster and easier for me, as well as making ground take offs possible within my street block, hehehe (small tires = mad ground/wheel friction = too slow to take off). Also, compared to my Slo-V, I don't have to break into a sweat if it gets a little too windy, I would guesstimate ~10-20mph winds tops are still enjoyable, with a little flying experience.
And, I read up on the the tail feather mod for the Aerobird, and did that to my Sky Fly too. Maybe I didnt add enough moveable tail surface, because it only made a slight difference to the control response.
Another thing is, I fly this plane in Expert mode, as I see no need to confuse myself with the auto-elevator addition when I turn. Plus its good practice to add elevator as you see fit.
As I mentioned, I usually fly this plane with confidence at ~150-300 ft. in the air. It's design makes it great for gliding around in high altitude currents and breezes. I can actually turn the motor off if not only run at 30-50% throttle and keep this bird in the air almost 6-8 minutes before common sense tells me to start bringing it down slowly for a battery swap. The descent is another 2 minute process alone, especially if its breezy, even with motor off if I nose down too much, it picks up speed just like that and noses up again!
I've not had the radio glitch out on me yet even at high altitude, but because of my last crash my plane's antenna wire got cut by the last 7-9 inches, in a way where I am unable to extend it back out (glued the tail section one too many times, and ended up hard gluing the wire to the fuselage, and during crash *snap* goes the tail and wire with it.) so I'll have to be cautious next time I go up high.
I've recently purchased a 1000 mah 7-cell battery for it, and it seemed to behave normally for the 1 minute I flew, with a little more power in climbing, of course. But wind gusts cut the test flight short. It's uses the same cell size as original, green wrap, except I think this is labelled for some Hobby zone Firebird type plane.
BTW, I believe the Firebird Freedom is a good plane, but your friend probably just needed to make a few adjustments or add some up elevator during take offs.
Long post. I'll be on later.
Happy Flying!
< Message edited by Slo-V Flyer -- 4/14/2006 11:09 AM >
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All Forums >> Electric Aircraft Universe >> Park Flyers & Backyard Flyers >> Flyzone Sky Fly 
Flyzone Sky Fly - 
I used the stock 6-cell, and my other lighter 7-cells for more power from my Slo-V (which met the earth in an idiotic attempt to do back flip 20 ft off ground breakin the motor mount clean off. 
) 
) 
Now hopefully my Tx batteries wont run out at such high altitudes.. 
Oh well, now I know. 
RE: Flyzone Sky Fly - 
I'm using clear packing tape which is strong and lightweight. Good to hear about your experiences. Please keep me posted. I read a couple other forums regarding the SkyFly and it sounds like there isn't much experience out there with this plane. Hopefully they'll find your comments in this forum.
RE: Flyzone Sky Fly - 
You' may have to put some tape or additional plastic on the bottom for protection but it may work. It would sure make grass landings easier, especially when you have to land in the taller stuff. I think I would have been fine in my 'rough' landing had I not had the landing gear on. The front nose wheel caught up in the grass and there you go, a four point landing. 
) How do you all plan for a landing? I mean timing the battery drain and when you have no motor...timer? 
