I have been flying for a while but have only been purchasing ARF's. I have assembled many ARF's and rebuilt crashed
planes but I have never put together a kit before. I am interested in building the Great Planes Ultimate 40 biplane kit and I wanted to know if I was tackling something to complex for my first kit build? Is this an easy building kit? Also how is the flight performance of this plane? I have heard it flies great and is an easy flier for a bipe. I have always liked the ulimate bipes so I thought I would give it a try this winter when flying time slows down.

Map

The Great Planes Ultimate is a fairly straightforward build (I've built 2) so you shouldn't have too much trouble. Like most GP kits it comes with clear plans and a comprehensive instruction manual.

It was my first biplane as well as the first plane that I maidened myself. 1st flight had a high pucker factor but I got through it!

The Ultimate is not hard to fly, but like most bipes it's no glider. It needs to be flown into a landing, trying to float it in is asking for disaster.

OS46FX or equivalent (TT, Irvine etc) is a good power option.

Good luck

Terry

70 4-stroke would be better [8D]

In either case, while this is not the best plane for a frist build, it is FAR from being the worst. But you gotta start somewhere.

Just take your time, but most importantly - Read the manual! Read it 2 or 3 times before you build, and make sure you UNDERSTAND why you are doing a particular step. If they tell you to glue Part# 3 to part# 27 and you don't know why, read ahead and find out why. It may help you to understand how to line it up etc.

Go 4 it.

And remember, we're here if you need us

I agree, go for it. I would only reccomend you buy an incidence meter. It will make setting up the wings and stab esier. It will also allow you to get the most out of the plane. Bipes really need to be in proper incidence to fly properly. Get the kit and enjoy the build. And welcome to the builders not just purchasers club!

Mark Shuman

I agree. There's a lot of satisfaction from flying a plane you actually built.

I would also warn you that you're in for a pretty long haul compared to an ARF. We're talking about as much as 200 hours compared to 20.

Best of luck, and enjoy the build.
Dennis-

thanks everyone for the input. I think I will go for it. This will make for a nice winter project

Map