Hi Guys,

I flew the Predator for the first and last time today.
After reading a thread on here I decided the Predator was the plane for me.
I wanted to try combat for the first time this Summer so I bought the kit.
I took my time to build it right, per the instructions.
Norvel .25 BB engine
HS225 MG for Elevons
HS81 MG Throttle
6 OZ fuel tank
250 Mah Battery
Ultracote covering
A whole can of 3M 77 spray adhesive!

I mounted the Elevon servo in the center of it's length.
Battery under the fuel tank
Receiver beside the fuel tank

I put the engine all the way to the end of the mounting rails and it was still tail heavy for the recommended C/G
I put on an aluminum prop and taped weights to it until it balanced. I needed 66.3 grams (2.3 oz.) more weight to get the proper balance. I took the calculations to work and turned a brass prop nut. It weighed 107.9 grams (3.8 oz.), just right to allow the engine to be moved back a 1/2 inch or so.

Aileron throws 1/2" LO 5/8 HI
Elevator throws 3/16 LO 5/16 HI

Well, now to the good stuff.
This being my first flight for this type of plane, I figured the first launch wouldn't be pretty.
I Set the rates on low, run the throttle up to about 3/4 and it felt like it had good pull.
I gave it a gentle toss into the 10 to 15 mph. wind. It took off at a nice climb rate and gained altitude quickly. I gave it a few clicks of down elevator and a couple of left aileron to get full power level flight.
Man, I thought, this thing flies great! I'm about 4 or 5 minutes into the flight now, the engine seems a little lean, so I cut the throttle, kill the engine, and head for the runway. The plane touches down and slides to a gentle stop about 20 feet from my feet. I get a nice round of applause from guys watching and I'm thinking, is this great or what.
A 1/4 turn richer on the needle valve, fire it up, and were off again. This take off is better than the first since it is trimmed now.
I make a couple of high speed passes down the runway, less than 5 feet off the deck at some points and I'm thinking, this thing flies nice. Now let's try some loops, they aren't very tight, no problem, switch to high rate, thats much better. Now I do a string of outside loops followed by 6 or 8 inside loops with no snap tendencies. By now I have gained a pretty good altitude, so I throw it into a power dive, it looks like a hawk diving for a rabbit. A couple of seconds of dive, now this baby is cooking.
All what the heck, lets try full up elevator, big mistake. I heard a big flutter and it looked like it was trying to tie its self up into a pretzel. Now what, this doesn't look good at all, chop the throttle, were about 50 feet from the ground, then it straightens out and starts flying again. Now it is all out of wack and I have to fight the sticks just to keep it in the air. I better land, so I cut the throttle, but it won't go less than 1/2. After 20 to 30 sec. the engine quits and it slams into the ground.

Total flight time, less than Ten minutes.

Well, better go survey the damage. The engine is about 25 ft. from the plane, it looks o.k. but the throttle barrel won't close.
The plane has crease through the top of the wing and the elevon and trailing are broken in half about 4'' from the center. The foam is broken in half from the leading edge to the spar and open on the bottom.
If I tried to fix it to fly again it would always be in the back of my mind, how much can it take before it happens again.
With that thought, I ripped out the radio equipment, cut it up in little pieces and threw it in the trash can.

There was no warning is the instructions that this could happen!

Is this some thing that has happened to other people, or is this a rare occurence.

Maybe the guys at tufflight will feel sorry for me and give me another one, He He.

Any other suggestions? whats tougher than a Predator?

Gary V.
(Combat pilot wanabe)