The FlyZone Ventura is a complete Ready-To-Fly (RTF) package that includes everything for first flights in field-ready condition. All that is needed outside the package are eight AA batteries for the transmitter.

The Ventura RTF goes beyond the basics to offer a handful of refinements that few other start-up planes can match. The Ventura is the quickest and most maneuverable plane in the FlyZone line-up. It simply flies great!

• 3-Channel FM Radio System on 27MHz.
• 380-size motor installed with folding prop
• ESC with auto-cutoff
• 7-cell, 900mAh, NiMH Flight Pack
• 12v DC Field Charger
• Spare Folding Prop, Spinner, and Adapter assembly
• "Get Flying" DVD
  

Out of the box, you can see that there are very few parts

Key features of the Ventura package:

• 3-channel radio system offers FM signal clarity for improved interference resistance. I flew the Ventura way up high without any issues.
• Single-stick control of rudder and elevator develops flying skills that simplify the transition to more advanced radios.
• A throttle lever and an ESC with auto cut-off provide pilots with easy, proportional control of flight power.
• The prop folds back during landings to prevent prop damage. The plane easily skids on grass for soft landings. I also tested landing on hard field grass without an issue.
• Included NiMH battery delivers up to 10 minutes of powered flight.
• Included DVD offers an easy way to learn and handy tips for successful flying.
• A red safety button mounted on the fuselage prevents accidental motor starts until you are ready to launch. The Ventura launches with only a light hand toss.
  

Charging: The Ventura Charger is meant to plug into your car accessory socket (cigarette lighter) when the vehicle is not running (engine off). It has a switch setting for 6v, 7.2v, and 8.4v (or 5-7 cells) that must be set to 8.4v for the supplied 7-cell, 900mAh NiMH pack. Set the timer for 30 minutes and periodically feel the pack to see if it is warm. It is not a peak charger, so, once the pack is warm, disconnect it from the charger and you are ready to fly!

Depending upon how much charge was already in the pack, you may have to disconnect the battery before the 30 minutes are up.

The tail section locks together and is held by two screws

The only assembly is to secure the tail with two long screws that are supplied in the package. I needed to clear the existing holes in the fuselage a bit with my razor knife before the screws would go through.

Once the tail is secured, connect each clevis to the outer hole in the control horns. This will provide a very appropriate rudder and elevator response during flight.

The folding prop (and motor) are already installed. The prop folds back during landings to prevent prop damage while the plane skids on grass for soft landings. A spare folding prop, spinner, and adapter assembly are also included in the package. Here is a close-up look at the pre-installed receiver and servos. The red arming button must be pressed before the motor is allowed to spin. This is easy to do with your finger just before hand-launching the plane.

The wing mounts with four rubberbands; two crossed and two straight back. The Center of Gravity (or CG) is 1.5" (38mm) back from the wing's leading edge at the fuselage sides. I changed nothing and it flew great right out of the box! The included 3-channel transmitter offers FM signal clarity and single-stick control of the rudder and elevator. Other transmitter features include servo reversing, channel trim control, battery LED, and a charge jack for optional NiCds. Fingertip throttle control with the left hand leaves the right hand free for hand launches and then stick control. I am left-handed and launching works just fine for me as well. Just flip up the canopy, install the flight pack, and you are ready to fly!
My Ventura was RTF in no time at all.

The Ventura needs only a gentle hand-toss to launch

At a local flying event, I brought out the Ventura in the evening for its maiden flight as I was packing to leave. As it turned out, we were completely, and pleasantly, surprised!

I had charged the NiMH pack the day before so I was expecting much for performance but we went through four pilots test flying this plane on the maiden flight. It flew fantastic!

The plane had excellent power and turning response. We could loop it from level flight and even rudder roll it! We didn't experience any interference problems with the 27MHz FM radio system. I did see the wings warp during the rolls and when performing tight loops. We wondered just how much the plane could take before the wings broke but mine seemed to hold up fine. When I told the other guys that the whole package comes Ready-To-Fly with everything mentioned above, they just started shaking their heads in disbelief. I flew the Ventura the following weekend on a hill top in the finger lakes of upstate NY. I decided to try thermaling the little plane along with my friends flying their 2 meter sailplanes and I was nervous about the range of the transmitter. As it turned out, I had no range issues even when the Ventura was way up high! It thermals just great and I had a blast for a very long flight time. Check out the video for some small field flying action.
The Ventura has got to be the best flying plane in the FlyZone line

Everything you need to start flying the Ventura comes in the box except for eight AA-size batteries for the transmitter. The timer charger works well if you feel the battery pack temperature every 5-10 minutes and stop the charge when the pack gets warm. An upgrade to an NiMH-capable peak charger would make a nice add-on to the kit.

I have no complaints about the plane design and flying performance. It was well done by FlyZone.

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P.O. Box 9021; Champaign, IL 61826-9021
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