Aerobird help
12-18-2003, 10:50 PM
#2
My Feedback: (24)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: sparta,
TN
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Aerobird help
its fine if you just want to stick with toys but don't fly it if you ever want to get into normail planes its hard to get over the control on the aerobird
really there is no tips it flys just fine out of the box just stay aeay from trees they are very plane hungrey this time of year
really there is no tips it flys just fine out of the box just stay aeay from trees they are very plane hungrey this time of year
12-18-2003, 10:58 PM
#3
My Feedback: (4)
RE: Aerobird help
That's a bit harsh Prop.
benicus,
The Aerobird is only a small, 3 channel electric plane. When compared to the typical, larger, faster, 4 channel glow fuel powered trainers it IS different. But it has helped quite a few people get started.
I've never flown one, but have heard that they're pretty quick for their size. DO NOT try to fly it if the wind is more than a couple of mph. And keep in mind, that unless you get help from someone with experience, your first few flights may only last a few seconds each.
Flying these things is harder than it looks.
Welcome to RCU. Do a "Search" for "Aerobird" and I think you'll find quite a bit of helpful info.
Good Luck,
Dennis-
benicus,
The Aerobird is only a small, 3 channel electric plane. When compared to the typical, larger, faster, 4 channel glow fuel powered trainers it IS different. But it has helped quite a few people get started.
I've never flown one, but have heard that they're pretty quick for their size. DO NOT try to fly it if the wind is more than a couple of mph. And keep in mind, that unless you get help from someone with experience, your first few flights may only last a few seconds each.
Flying these things is harder than it looks.
Welcome to RCU. Do a "Search" for "Aerobird" and I think you'll find quite a bit of helpful info.
Good Luck,
Dennis-
12-18-2003, 11:02 PM
#4
My Feedback: (24)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: sparta,
TN
Posts: 1,898
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Aerobird help
sorry i wasn't trying for that rought gusse its that word i know i have that plane its hard to go from one to another and i've been flying since i was 5 I DIDN'T MEAN IT THAT WAY THEIR FUN BUT A PAIN TO FLYIN A SMALL PLACE LIKE THEY SAY YOU CAN GET IT HAVE FUN YOU WILL HAVE A BALL WITH IT I DO MINE MY MOM FLYS IT A LOT TO
12-20-2003, 12:17 AM
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: , FL
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Aerobird help
I bought an aerobird a week ago and i've flown it about 15 times. I've crashed a bunch and have gone through 2 wings already.
But I am catching on fast and i've done a couple loops with it. I just had a problem where the battery connector cable came loose from the circuit bored and had to super glue back in place. Soldering it back on would've been too much of a hassle. I'm a first time flyer and i'm learning pretty good with this plane.
Wings are 16$'s a piece so yea that kinda sucks.
But I am catching on fast and i've done a couple loops with it. I just had a problem where the battery connector cable came loose from the circuit bored and had to super glue back in place. Soldering it back on would've been too much of a hassle. I'm a first time flyer and i'm learning pretty good with this plane.
Wings are 16$'s a piece so yea that kinda sucks.
12-24-2003, 01:19 PM
#6
RE: Aerobird help
Launch Advice - Best to have a friend with you who can help with the launch,
the range check and keep an eye on the plane.
1) RTFM - read the friendly manual - especially the launch sequence.
2) Watch the video - especially the launch sequence
3) When you get to the field, do a range check. Turn on the radio - antenna
DOWN. Connect the battery in the plane and place it where it can't move, or
have a friend hold it, but be clear of the prop and the tail.
Back away from the plane for about 30-40 feet, 15 -20 paces as you operate the
sticks. If the tail seems to work ok, turn the motor on - one quick rev to be
sure you have motor control, then off. Check the surface movements again.
Turn motor on about 1/3 and check surfaces once more.
The whole process should take a couple of minutes. This is called a range
check. If you have control of the plane with the antenna down at this range,
then your radio and the receiver are working properly. You can launch.
Things to think about prior to launch - you want to launch, fly around and
land. No tricks, no loops. Safe up and safe down.
1) Do your first flights in calm air. No more than 5 MPH wind. Dead calm is
better. You want to fly the plane, not fight the wind.
2) Altitude is your friend. Don't be afraid to get it up to about 200 feet on
the first flight. If you make a mistake, this will give you room to recover
3) slow easy stick movements, not big hard movements are best. Start your
turns early. Flying a plane is more like driving a boat than a car. You are
traveling in a fluid so it takes time for the plane to respond. And, it
steers from the back, not the front, like a car or a bicycle.
4) Speed is your enemy. The plane should fly nicely at half throttle. Once
you are at the right altitude, come back to half throttle and just cruise at
that setting as you get to know the plane. You will get much longer flights
this way.
5) bring a watch to time your flights. No more than 5 minutes for the first
few. You don't want to take a chance on running out of battery on your first
few flights. At full throttle you should have 6-7 minutes. at half throttle,
about 12-15 minutes. Who ever launches is also the timer.
OK to launch -
Fully extend the antenna. Make sure the wing is on straight and centered.
Make sure the trims are centered - the moveable surfaces should be even with
the stationary part of the tail. If they are not, follow the instructions in
the manual to adjust them. You MUST adjust them with the battery in and the
radio on with the trims centered.
I suggest you hand launch rather than rise off the ground.
You need a large open space - at least 600X600 with nothing in the way. Stand
in one corner of the space. You MUST launch into the wind. MUST! While you
are flying keep the plane in front of you, up wind.
If you have a friend with you, one should launch the plane and one should work
the controls.
The launch is a firm LEVEL throw from the shoulder straight out. NOT UP.
Pull the elevator trim back two to three clicks, no more. Full power to the
motor. Take two to three steps and throw the plane straight out at shoulder
height like you were throwing a spear or a javelin, but out level, not up.
The plane will go out, may lose a little height then rise up. Only use the
stick to keep it going straight., left and right.
Keep the power at full until the plane is about 75 feet up, about tree height.
then move it back to about 3/4. It should continue to climb. Move the trim
forward the 2-3 clicks to the middle. The plane should continue to climb, but
more slowly. Watch our space. If you are running out of room begin your
turn. You want to climb in a big big circle. Move the sticks only a little
bit and give the plane a chance to respond. Slow smooth movements of the
stick.
Make big lazy circles as you climb and keep the plane in front of you. Use
the whole field.
When you get to about 150 -200 feet, take it back to half throttle. It should
fly about level at this throttle setting. You can use the elevator to take it
up and down in small movements, but if you pull the stick back too far or too
fast it will stall and the nose will drop, just let the stick go to center and
it should recover on its own.
When you turn, don't hold the stick in the turn for more than about 2 seconds
then let it come back to center.
You are flying.
After about 3 minutes from launch, you want to prepare to come down. Bring
the throttle to about 1/3 or where the plane starts to desend. You can use
the elevator to control the attitude, nose up and down, but for now, let the
plane just come down slowly.
You must land into the wind. MUST! So plan your circles so that you will end
up into the wind as you get close to the ground. When you are bout 10 feet
up, cut the throttle way back, but not off. and just line up for your
landing. Let the plane come down gently. A couple of seconds bufore you
land, turn the motor off and just let it glide in.
You are a pilot!
the range check and keep an eye on the plane.
1) RTFM - read the friendly manual - especially the launch sequence.
2) Watch the video - especially the launch sequence
3) When you get to the field, do a range check. Turn on the radio - antenna
DOWN. Connect the battery in the plane and place it where it can't move, or
have a friend hold it, but be clear of the prop and the tail.
Back away from the plane for about 30-40 feet, 15 -20 paces as you operate the
sticks. If the tail seems to work ok, turn the motor on - one quick rev to be
sure you have motor control, then off. Check the surface movements again.
Turn motor on about 1/3 and check surfaces once more.
The whole process should take a couple of minutes. This is called a range
check. If you have control of the plane with the antenna down at this range,
then your radio and the receiver are working properly. You can launch.
Things to think about prior to launch - you want to launch, fly around and
land. No tricks, no loops. Safe up and safe down.
1) Do your first flights in calm air. No more than 5 MPH wind. Dead calm is
better. You want to fly the plane, not fight the wind.
2) Altitude is your friend. Don't be afraid to get it up to about 200 feet on
the first flight. If you make a mistake, this will give you room to recover
3) slow easy stick movements, not big hard movements are best. Start your
turns early. Flying a plane is more like driving a boat than a car. You are
traveling in a fluid so it takes time for the plane to respond. And, it
steers from the back, not the front, like a car or a bicycle.
4) Speed is your enemy. The plane should fly nicely at half throttle. Once
you are at the right altitude, come back to half throttle and just cruise at
that setting as you get to know the plane. You will get much longer flights
this way.
5) bring a watch to time your flights. No more than 5 minutes for the first
few. You don't want to take a chance on running out of battery on your first
few flights. At full throttle you should have 6-7 minutes. at half throttle,
about 12-15 minutes. Who ever launches is also the timer.
OK to launch -
Fully extend the antenna. Make sure the wing is on straight and centered.
Make sure the trims are centered - the moveable surfaces should be even with
the stationary part of the tail. If they are not, follow the instructions in
the manual to adjust them. You MUST adjust them with the battery in and the
radio on with the trims centered.
I suggest you hand launch rather than rise off the ground.
You need a large open space - at least 600X600 with nothing in the way. Stand
in one corner of the space. You MUST launch into the wind. MUST! While you
are flying keep the plane in front of you, up wind.
If you have a friend with you, one should launch the plane and one should work
the controls.
The launch is a firm LEVEL throw from the shoulder straight out. NOT UP.
Pull the elevator trim back two to three clicks, no more. Full power to the
motor. Take two to three steps and throw the plane straight out at shoulder
height like you were throwing a spear or a javelin, but out level, not up.
The plane will go out, may lose a little height then rise up. Only use the
stick to keep it going straight., left and right.
Keep the power at full until the plane is about 75 feet up, about tree height.
then move it back to about 3/4. It should continue to climb. Move the trim
forward the 2-3 clicks to the middle. The plane should continue to climb, but
more slowly. Watch our space. If you are running out of room begin your
turn. You want to climb in a big big circle. Move the sticks only a little
bit and give the plane a chance to respond. Slow smooth movements of the
stick.
Make big lazy circles as you climb and keep the plane in front of you. Use
the whole field.
When you get to about 150 -200 feet, take it back to half throttle. It should
fly about level at this throttle setting. You can use the elevator to take it
up and down in small movements, but if you pull the stick back too far or too
fast it will stall and the nose will drop, just let the stick go to center and
it should recover on its own.
When you turn, don't hold the stick in the turn for more than about 2 seconds
then let it come back to center.
You are flying.
After about 3 minutes from launch, you want to prepare to come down. Bring
the throttle to about 1/3 or where the plane starts to desend. You can use
the elevator to control the attitude, nose up and down, but for now, let the
plane just come down slowly.
You must land into the wind. MUST! So plan your circles so that you will end
up into the wind as you get close to the ground. When you are bout 10 feet
up, cut the throttle way back, but not off. and just line up for your
landing. Let the plane come down gently. A couple of seconds bufore you
land, turn the motor off and just let it glide in.
You are a pilot!
12-25-2003, 09:56 PM
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Carrollton, KY
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Aerobird help
I learned on the Aerobird. I flew it for a couple of months last summer. First plane ever. The conversion from the Aerobird to an LT 40 was completely easy! The Aerobird is kinda cheaply made and sometimes unreliable, but it is perfect for learning because it is cheap and durable.
Actually, flying with ailerons is much easier than flying the aerobird. The aerobird will teach you the basics, and control reversal, you can't go wrong. If you want to learn on your own it is a great way to do it.
Wings
Actually, flying with ailerons is much easier than flying the aerobird. The aerobird will teach you the basics, and control reversal, you can't go wrong. If you want to learn on your own it is a great way to do it.
Wings
12-26-2003, 12:05 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Bakersfield,
CA
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Aerobird help
I have had the Aerobird for 2 weeks. The weather has not been the greatest for flight but I've managed about 5 hours of flight time so far between windy days. My first loops with it came just 45 minutes into my self training program. I realize this is an extremely friendly plane to fly but I wanted to use something nearly indestructible and easily repairable to learn the basic on before I move into glow plug engines. I have several chunks missing from the wing but they are easily repaired with a small piece of shipping tape. I too am hand launching for now but I practice belly landing it on soft grass. Wheels are going back on tomorrow and I will be attempting my first wheeled take off. Although I have been doing belly touch and goes. The man at the hobbyshop recommended this bird because most of the consumables parts (prop, wing, batts) were in stock and I see I was well advised. I can't wait for something with ailerons, probably a ARF AT-6.
12-26-2003, 08:39 AM
#9
My Feedback: (4)
RE: Aerobird help
HangerBum,
When you move up from the Aerobird to glow, do NOT go directly to an AT-6. The difference between that small, slow eletric and a glow plane will be dramatic, and you WILL find yourself in trouble pretty quickly if flying without an instructor.
I would highly recommend a trainer, but I doubt you'll take that advice, so please go to something more like a "second" glow plane. Maybe a Four Star Forty, or one of the others that have been mentioned on RCU. (Do a "SEARCH" for "Second Plane".)
Good Luck to both of you, and happy flying.
Dennis-
When you move up from the Aerobird to glow, do NOT go directly to an AT-6. The difference between that small, slow eletric and a glow plane will be dramatic, and you WILL find yourself in trouble pretty quickly if flying without an instructor.
I would highly recommend a trainer, but I doubt you'll take that advice, so please go to something more like a "second" glow plane. Maybe a Four Star Forty, or one of the others that have been mentioned on RCU. (Do a "SEARCH" for "Second Plane".)
Good Luck to both of you, and happy flying.
Dennis-
12-26-2003, 09:53 AM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Bakersfield,
CA
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Aerobird help
Thanks DBCherry.. There is my first piece of good advice. But I think from your tone I have given the impression this is going to be easy...far from it. Please don't misunderstand my confidence for arrogance and please keep those recommendations coming.
I probably have had a good experience thus far because of the plane, luck and a little past experience, albeit 20 years ago
I probably have had a good experience thus far because of the plane, luck and a little past experience, albeit 20 years ago
12-26-2003, 09:20 PM
#11
My Feedback: (4)
RE: Aerobird help
I didn't think you were arrogant, just possibly expecting too much from the Aeroburd as a trainer. 
I also may have read too much into the fact that you only have 3 posts, and an Aerobird. Knowing now that you had a bit of experience 20 years ago says a lot to me.
I think you have a pretty good handle on things, just don't try to jump too quickly.
Dennis-
I also may have read too much into the fact that you only have 3 posts, and an Aerobird. Knowing now that you had a bit of experience 20 years ago says a lot to me.
I think you have a pretty good handle on things, just don't try to jump too quickly.
Dennis-
12-26-2003, 10:19 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Bakersfield,
CA
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: Aerobird help
:-) well actually, I'm already pulling the wings off (not literally) this Aerobird and flying in breezy conditions ta boot. Got some quality flight time today with wheels on and in the wind. Made 15 landings into a 10 MPH breeze today without incident and I'm having a good time with it. I know I'm in for a few crashes flying in those conditions but I really want to push it with THIS plane because it takes the damage so well. Lord knows I can use the experience. This little electric is faster than I had expected as well.
I looked up the Four Star Forty and I like the low wing and the look of that plane over the other popular trainer, the Kadet LT40. I think the Forty is my next step. My goal however is the AT6. Thanks [8D]
I'm looking up my local club tomorrow also. ;-)
I looked up the Four Star Forty and I like the low wing and the look of that plane over the other popular trainer, the Kadet LT40. I think the Forty is my next step. My goal however is the AT6. Thanks [8D]
I'm looking up my local club tomorrow also. ;-)
12-27-2003, 08:00 AM
#13
My Feedback: (4)
RE: Aerobird help
Take a look at the Sportster. It has similar flying characteristics to the 4*, but I think it looks much better.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAVR1&P=0
Dennis-
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAVR1&P=0
Dennis-
01-05-2004, 08:25 PM
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: , OR
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
01-11-2004, 09:34 PM
#16
RE: <span class=
I have over 100 flights on my Aerobird. We use them ans intro planes in our club. They are generally easy to fly. Everyone who has tried has been able to fly it. BUT, a new flyer should avoid strong wind.
Once you get good with the plane, 10-15 MPH is no problem. When other parkflyers at our field are grounded, the Aerobirds come out to play!
Once you get good with the plane, 10-15 MPH is no problem. When other parkflyers at our field are grounded, the Aerobirds come out to play!
