RCU Forums - View Single Post - Phoenix Tucano maybe?
View Single Post
Old 03-17-2006 | 08:53 PM
  #4  
sigrun
 
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
From: Dunnunda, AUSTRALIA
Default RE: Phoenix Tucano maybe?

ORIGINAL: Hixx
Anyone had any experience with this plane, I was thinking about one for my first low-wing, but cant seem to find out much about them.
Possible, but personally I wouldn't recommend it as your first low wing.

Read the lengthy Seagull PC-9 thread. From what I can glean, the Phoenix Tucano is virtually identical save a faster more highly tapered wing. The Seagull PC-9 is fast and responsive (read sensitive) around the longitudinal axis at speed making it a handful unless your brain and skillset is right up there ahead of it.

Given essentially that the Tucano is the PC-9 with a cosmetically different cowl and that new wing design, the Tucano will be a slightly faster and less stable version of the PC-9 in all flight configs. It will be a handful for a low time transitioning from his trainer. Unless you've flown the pants off your trainer and are the person the Futaba Team talent spotter has just discovered as the next <insert name of fav R/C team hero here>, I'd avoid it as a "first low wing" regardless of how appealing its good looks are.

As someone here just warned, I think you'll be surprised and uncomfortable at the speed and stability differential between the Tucano (in particular) and your trainer. Attempting too big a learning leap usually results in disasterous consequences and a loss of confidence than the occasional boastful "look how clever I am" exaggerated success story you might read doesn't illustrate honestly. Structured learning in steps or graduated phases allowing time for assimilation and development of skills plus confidence is how most of us learn fastest, most successfully aka best.

The PC-9 and no doubt the Tucano are great models and the PC-9 ranks among my favourite few as top sport flyers, but leave the Tucano for number 3 ...or 4 would be my sage advice. Disclaimer: I have flown the PC-9, lots. I haven actually flown the Tucano.