I flew my Ryan last weekend and was blown away at how well it flew. It was arrow straight on take off and flew like a trainer. Beautiful bird in the air. Unfortunately I found a bug in my transmitter and had a near fatal landing.

At about 4 minutes into the flight (no trim needed WOW) all control surfaces went crazy for about 1/2 second. I figured I better get it on the ground and made a couple passes to get the feel. ( this plane floats) As I was on approach and about 15ft up it happened again. The plane nosed down and started to roll right. I was able, somehow by the grace of god, and so fast it was scary got it almost straight and level. I was over a sandy area next to the runway and caught the right wing tip.

Here is where I find out the reality of ARF's. I will admit that the quality of the present day ARF is very good. But just not as good as kit built. When the wing tip caught the sand it of course pulled the nose down and around. Lost the prop (didn't have the cowl on) and got one little hole in the monokote. I was wheels down though and looked to be ok. I walked over and picked it up and found that the wing split down the middle. Not at the epoxy joint but inside the balsa doubler rib. Wow is all I can say about what type and the amount of the glue. Need less to say I should have gone with instinct and glassed the center section.

Hey guys if your putting one together or want to avoid a certain separation GLASS THE CENTER SECTION I wish I had. No other damage at all, other than the wheel pants, but we all know that a bad landing and the pants are trashed. Now I have to figure out how to cut the joiners out and replace them so I can get flying again.

I did find several bad glue joints inside the fuse as I was putting this together and had to CA some stuff. They use a water based glue and it looks like areas get to dry when they stick it together.

Anyway, I love the looks in the air and she is an awesome flyer.