Originally Posted by
HighPlains
But is it really in trim?
To answer your question we need to know more about the airplane model and radio. Then what is your expectation and level of experience. While a basic trainer might be trimmed out enough for basic flight, a more advanced model may take 50 flights to really trim out. There are so many things that matter so some degree that most never get to or are aware of. Today's powerful computer based transmitters and gyro stabilized receivers can mask a lot of deficiencies, but it is still best if you learn the basics.
It's an Ugly Stik clone. No idea who made it since I bought it off Craigslist. It has a 58" span, weighs 5.3 pounds, and has an old (1960's) SuperTigre V60 engine. Yeah, I know that's over kill, but the engine came with the plane for a total of $70. I had to make numerous repairs and replace a lot of the Monokote, but it looks and flies great now. Flies on 1/3 to 1/2 throttle and goes straight up forever at full throttle.
The instructor who flew and trimmed it has won 1st place in several Expert class SPA (pattern) contests. He's the best pilot in our club.