mig8769,

I've got one of those Watt Age Pitts Specials too, but have not flown it yet. I've been working hard to shave off grams or ounces prior to attempting flight. I've drilled holes in the aluminum landing gear and then covered it with red packing tape to hide the holes and streamline it again. I've switched to Dubro's very light foam wheels 1.5 inch diameter (2.3 grams/ea), which should roll over more uneven terrain than the included 1.25" ones, and they weigh a heck of a lot less. In spite of putting eleven holes in the aluminum gear, ranging from almost a half inch down to 3/16" in diameter, the weight savings was not substantial. I figure that every little bit may help with the limited wing area.

I've removed the wheel pants, and will only install a windscreen rather than the entire canopy. I've drilled holes in the firewall, and will leave the pilot on the ground. If the balance point will allow it, I may discard the rudder pushrod in favor of a pull-pull system. Right now, I can't see any other locations where I can shave off any weight from the basic airframe. I'm considering the installation of a gearbox to allow me to turn a larger prop. I was planning on using an 8 cell nicad battery. Here in Colorado, since I'm at 6,000 ft., the extra oomph of the 8 cell pack and larger prop may come in handy. The weight penalty of the 8 cell may force me to go with LiPo batteries in the end.

I'm still just trying to figure all this electric stuff out. Some of the other electric forums are not saying many kind things about the Watt Age aircraft. Have you seen the latest issue of RCM, which has a flight report on this airplane? Let me know if you get it to fly, and how it performs. BTW, I'm reluctant to try a hand launch, in case it doesn't have the power to stay airborne. I'm gonna use the club runway. Have 800' to play with there.

Jim