I got a Hobbico Speed Pilot for Christmas and I'm just learning how to fly. The plane is a standard elevator/rudder plane. It has an auto shutoff switch that cuts motor (it's electric) power when the batteries run low so you can have enough power to move the servos for a safe landing. Now the plane will not stay started. You can push the start button and the motor will start but as soon as you let go off the button, the motor stops. I thought it might be low batteries but I installed a new battery pack and it still does this. The battery shows 9volt (8.4 volt 1300mah pack) with a volt/ohm meter but when the motor is running, it drops to 4.5volts. If that is not enough, now when I first start the motor, the servos start jerking wildly. The plane has taken a few hits (since it is my first plane) but it has always went back together and ran just fine until the other day. What could the problem be? Sorry this is so long.

"The plane has taken a few hits "

If it happens with 2 different batteries it sounds like you may have bent the motor shaft at some point and now it is binding and taking far too much current so dragging the battery voltage down too low.

Steve

You have too much voltage drop when the engine is running. Check cell connections, battery leads and battery-switch-motor connections.

What motor and prop do you have on that plane? Give us some indication as to what currents the motor is drawing.

You say the plane has taken some beating? Check the capacitors on the motor that block interference.

As for the push button type motor control: if you plan on sticking to the hobby, get yourself a real radio and a speed control (ESC). You won't regret it.

Thanks for the replies. The motor is a 380 electric. I checked the current and it is around 15 amps. This seems VERY high to me. The motor shaft seems to be straight but I'm going to take the motor apart and clean it with electrical cleaner and check the shaft then. The motor does sound bad so this may be the problem. Any other advice?

uh,get gas

Yes,

While you have the motor out, and prop off, take a pair of pliers, and GENTLY pull the shaft out. You should have 1mm of free play, or less, but you should have a tiny amout of play.

Jetts

Well you all were right. It was the motor. I guess it took one too many hits in the nose and bent the shaft. I'm going to order a new motor and have it flying again.