Pulling too much current will in fact damage a Lipo, I have a few 5S 5000 mah 25C batteries here that are slightly puffed due to running too much prop load. The batteries were never run below 30% capacity, always charged at 1C and storage charged after a flying session. After dropping down from a 20.5 X 13.5 prop to a 20X12 the batteries are much happier.

As that relates to the OP's question, your key to longer flight times could be with the prop. The stock Eflight prop is not the best. An APC E prop of the same size would be more efficient, dropping down one inch in pitch with an APC prop would give very close to the same performance but with less current draw. You can either get longer flight times or reduce battery size a little to lighten up the airplane. Also keep in mind that the electric setups are most efficient the closer you are to full throttle. Flying around at half throttle uses more then half current so dropping down in prop pitch and using a higher throttle setting increases efficiency even more.


I won't get too much into C ratings other then to say that I fly my 3.5 meter sailplane with a motor/prop combo that pulls 40 amps. The battery used is a Pulse 860mah 75C. I get 3 launches from ground to 150 meters on one charge.


On landing speeds, most trainer type airplanes are set up rather nose heavy. If you need to trim the elevator for a specific throttle position and the airplane climbs with more power and dives will less, odds are you are too nose heavy. Bringing the CG back some will lower landing speed and require less elevator to flare. A couple things beginners could benefit from.