Hello! I have a completed Contender 60 that has yet to fly. It is my second plane and I have mastered my Kadet LT-40. I used practically the smallest engine in the recomended range (OS .46 LA). I built it with the functioning flap. I do not know what to expect. Has anyone flown this plane with this engine or a similar one? How does the plane behave? I am very good wit hmy trainer (inverted passes, etc.) Should I land it like my Kadet? What will be differant? Thanks.

I flew on of the original Contenders back around 1980 and was a lot of fun. Of course that was back before dual rates and expo. I didn't have any trouble landing the plane, but if memory serves never quit got the hang of using the flap on landings. But, had fun with the flap doing loops. It flies great inverted. But didn't handle a mid air with a bi-plane very well.

Don't think you will have any problems flying/landing it. It was my first glow plane after flying almost exclusively sailplanes.

I had an OS46FX in mine and that was plenty of power - don't imagine you'd have any problems with your engine.

As for the flap, just be ready for some nose pitch-up if you have any speed on her. I found the best way to land was with about 30 degrees of flap, level and using throttle to control the descent.

Unfortunately, I lost my Contender just a few months ago. Got into the sun and thought it was baked away from me--actually it was banked toward and when I corrected, I ended up inverted =-)

Hope this helps
- Allan