Guys,

Well, after resolving a lot of silly little problems with various minor points on it, I finally found the time to get round to maidening my Skygate Hawk today!

All my other models have at least a 1.5 to 1 if not 2 to 1 power to weight ratio so this at about 0.8 was a bit different for me! It felt very solid but also 'heavy'. I found the CofG is quite far forward as a lot of down elevator was needed when inverted and I think this was what caused this feeling - I will move it back 10mm before the next flights. To maintain speed I needed approx 75-80% power at all times with 100% for steep stuff. Definately a model to think ahead with as you need to manage your speed and carry momentum when/where needed. If you're happy to go over various weight limits then I think a P200/Olympus would be fantastic in flight but would take away the low speed handling.

The best flight was actually the first flight but my wife who followed it rather brilliantly on the camera only realised 5mins in to the flight that she hadn't pressed record The first landing was made with half flaps and really highlighted how you can float this model in. It probably looked to most a little like I was running out of elevator but slowly squeezing back on the stick just raised the nose a little more, slowed the model even more and resulted in a lovely greaser with the nose held high. First flight luck I think!!

The second flight was good but had a few silly issues. The gear did not sequence properly after I dropped from 140psi on the first flight to 120psi on the second. I'll stick to 140psi and also add another couple of seconds delay between gear up and doors closing. The second landing was a bit crap and was caused by me flying this model like a heavier loaded model. I was cutting it very fine coming over the threshold and blipped the throttle to ensure I made it but this caused a little ballooning and then I didn't 'catch' it and came down a little heavy! Thank god for trailing links and a well thought out structure as there was no damage. Looking back, all I needed to do was stretch the approach with more up elevator as she would have taken it (unlike most other models!). I just have to get to used the amazing, to the point of it being odd, low speed handling

After both flights the PowerBox Royal reported no RX swaps, 520mAh used per flight and a max amp draw of 8A. Model has 8 x 8711 servos, Booster 160 and weighs 43lb 13ozs.

All in all I am chuffed! Was a long time coming but just looked and flew great!

Also, a big thanks to Henry Cooper who followed through on all his promises to help out before, during and after the flights - cheers Hen - much appreciated.

Anyway, video can be found here....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXtoYq2jQ

Regards,
Mark