Hi,there boys and girls and everything in between.Has anyone ever had experience with a flyzone sensei trainer.I 've been looking at it,but it seems to have trouble with the motor and esc.

I think I can give you a honest assessment of the Sensai as I have mentored quite a few people with this airplane as well as own one that I use for training folks who prefer to start with electrics. My favorite for those who wish to start with glow/small gas is the Sig Senior Cadet which remains my favorite.

There is a very large number at our local field who own Sensai's among other types, so much so that for the last several years we have promoted special events just for the Sensai. These have included pylon races with pylons shortened to two hundred feet, Fun flys with the typical mix of competitive events and my favorite a cross country 1.8 mile rally. That one is not a race but a rally since the timer records the pilots predicted time before he boards the truck for his trip around the triangular course and is scored by his spread between the real and predicted time.

The pics above where made just before the midnite hour and an annual event here every new years. The idea is to be airborn when the ball drops, note the Sensai in front.

Now a note about the chief competitor with the Sensai which is the Apprentice from Horizon. Agine I can give an honest comparison since up until yesterday I also owned one of those. That one I picked up cheap from someone who had purchased one before coming here and ordered a Sensai instead. I did so to pass it on to someone who may need something cheap to continue.

OK to the direct comparison First all the Sensai' that have been sold here by the LHS and I think the number is around thirty have been receiver ready versions so none of this gyro gimmick crap. Also keep in mine I think the Apprentice has a larger version and am comparing only the apprentice that is the same size as the Sensai.

The Sensai is a far better flying airplane and easier to mentor someone with, It is a far better looking airplane as well.

One plus for the Apprentice is they have designed for float kits. the Sensai has nothing and float installation while not impossible is difficult because of the attractive round bottom fuselage.

So over all I do prefer the Sensai particularly for first timers agine who wish to start with electric. As far as "trouble with the motor and esc" I cannot comment since I have not witnessed or seen a single case of that . Now some (two) have come through with one or two defective servos and the were replaced with no problems.

Almost forgot the Sensai uses less expensive batteries but still will outperform the Apprentice.

John

carefully read the manual,what rates ,beginner,int.,adv. if that doesn't work call tower.no problems with mine,i like it ,had first crash,15 mph wind right turn too low and boom,fixable,overall happy with it.got it over apprentice because of rubber bands on wings,there suppose to break off in crash,like the nylon screws better,both good planes

I have an early version of the Sensei that does not have the Wise stabilization. I'm a beginner and I can take off, fly, and land the plane solo. I did start with an instructor with a Tower 40 trainer, but fairly quickly (6 flights) I went on my own with the Sensei.

So I think you would be really OK with the newer model with the stabilizer.

Jack

yes,has 3 modes beginner,intermediate,expert,first two limit your rates,expert on your own,never used the oh **** toggle,just let off the sticks and she goes back to level,you can switch modes in flight,first two modes won't let you cut throttle all way till you land,great plane to fly,will do most acrobatics.if your sticks are not spring loaded then you use oh **** toggle.transmitter with rates helps,you can set your own values,i ordered the bind and fly and they sent the full set with trans and battery ,i just use it but can't set rates.good flying. dave n.

I'd also like to add that the ESC died on my Sensei and caused a crash. The fuselage and motor were destroyed (the motor would not run any more), but the wing and tail feathers were salvaged.

I bought a new fuselage, motor, motor mount, and ESC and put it all back together. I made one successful flight, but on the second flight the ESC died and the plane crashed. I need another fuselage, spinner, ESC and motor mount (the motor survived this crash).

I emailed FlyZone/Hobbico and told them the same thing I posted above. I included all my contact information, but I have never received a reply of any kind.

I don't know if I would recommend a Sensei after all that.

P.S. I have some Sensei parts if anyone needs them.

Jack

sorry to here that,they have been very good to me on problems,lost two fuses also,the ailerons will tear and you can't see it on preflight,have to tape when new,also hard landings will damage gyro or receiver,moving on to t28 a little better built also,all part of learning .good luck on your next plane

Yeah, I taped the ailerons, too.