I have the Aerobird by Hobbiezone and I haven't flown it yet. I want to hear from someone who has experience with with this plane as to the turning radius with the stock V-tail. The manufacturer recommends an open area of at least 300' diameter to fly this plane. Does it take this much room to maneuver it?

The book says it will fly at about 20mph. Can the plane stay airborne flying slower than this? If so, at about which throttle, a 1/4 or 1/2?

Near my house is a field about 150' wide and about 300' to 400' long. Is this room enough to fly this plane?

Yes, it's big enough. You could probaly get a lt-40 out of that field

I just flew the Aerobird for the first time this weekend. I fly glow sized planes already. Let me start by saying I needed a lot more room than I thought I would need to fly this plane. The control surfaces on the vtail are not very big and therefore turns are not that sharp unless the wind turns it for you. I moved the control horn on the vtail to the lowest hole to gain more throw.

This plane is very sensitive to wind. It was a little windy this weekend (12-15 mph) but I decided to try it anyway. If you decide to fly in anything more than 5-7mph then you will need more room and altitude to make your turns.

This plane can fly slower than 20mph if you point it into the wind and "hover" with 1/2 to 3/4 throttle (stock battery) but once you make the turn it will speed up considerably.

I was surprised at how durable these planes are. They come crashing down nose first, cart wheels, etc. with little to no damage.

I just ordered the hop-kit from Horizon. It includes a 7 cell battery and new vtail with bigger control surfaces which will provide better maneuverability.

I think the trick with this plane is to learn how to work the throttle to make tighter turns. I will have to try again when it is calmer outside.

On a calm day you should be able to keep the plane inside your size field without any problems. Just watch for power lines, etc.

Well, I tried it and you're right about it not having much maneuverability. The small control surfaces and their little movement makes it more difficult to control with a little wind. The larger tail should be stock in my opinion.

It didn't take long for the wind to catch it and escort it into a small tree. The result of the meeting was a small chunk (plum size) of the back side of the left wing removed. I'll probably carve out a similar notch on the other side to equal it out and see what happens. I understand it's only $20-$30 for a new wing and the same for the larger tail.

I find this plane very hard to fly since it has no ailerons. Sorry to here about the run in with the tree. A new wing should only cost around $15 bucks. I would just use some clear packing tape for the repair. I have about 5 pieces on mine already.

If I can find the piece that broke out then that's what I'll do. I'm glad you mentioned it because I forgot to put some packing tape in my flight-box.

well i just started flying with my aerobird i dont like it much at all though it cant turn i mean i push the stick all the way and the nose turns about 1 inch in that direction one time i took off and it wasnt too windy at all and sudenly a my plane tilts to the right and turns right back at me after a few seconds it goes nose first in the ground you shoud have seen this 2 chunks out of the wing the landing gear flew out the rubber bands holding the wings all flew off the wing was 2 yards away the battery pack flew out and the litle black cockpit thing that covers the fron was only attached with plastic and a rubber band to keep it down and the plastic broke the rubber band flew off now i am going to drill a hole in the place it used to be attached and attach it back on with some wire i dont like it at all i dont even want to fly it anymore after i crashed it 6 times with no sucsesfull landings i realy hate it

This is true. I have more tape than wing left on my Fighterbird. (basically the same bird). A couple of weeks ago, I decided to fly despite the 15mph breeze. Made three 15 minute flights without a problem. Guess I should have quit while I was ahead. Took off for the fourth time and made my downwind turn. The wind pushed it faster than it's climb rate. My signature tells the rest of the story.

I havent had much luck with the aerobird myself. A friend of mine has one and its a real handfull. I agree the control surfaces are not big enough and turning is an all day event unless the wind helps you out (and it will!). Basically its a park flyer and will always have the "park flyer" charactoristics. One thing I do stress is to be off the gas when crashing or landing, b/c the wing gets pushed back and the prop acts like a blender on the back part of the wing. The hop up kit may help the turning issue, but sounds like it will be flying alot faster, and you will be back in the same boat. Ive flown the Aerobird, Fighterbird, and the Firebird 2, and all fly pretty much the same. I like my Wingo best, so theres my 2 cents, FWIW.

Good news, I upgraded my Aerobird with the Xtreme tail option and it flies much better now. I was even able to do a loop, it wasn't the prettiest thing but it definately looped. The Xtreme tail upgrade includes a larger v-tail with bigger control surfaces and a 7 cell (8.4V) battery. I like to use the lowest hole on the control horn so I get the most control surface movement.

In winds of 8mph or less it is a real pleasure to fly now.

-Gregg

I have a Fighterbird and it is MUCH harder to fly than my .46 glo-powered trainer. I have found that facial tissue soaked with a bit of water-thinned white glue will make good patches. Ususally just clear packing tape works well. The prop does much more damage than the obstacles. Seems I always connect when I am fighting for altitude and the throttle is maxed out.

A collection of spare wings is nice, too.

Hey All,

I would like to put my 2 cents in also. I own two Aerobirds, one Fighterbird, and one Firebird Commander. Let me tell you. I have had my ups and DOWNS (excuse the pun) With these airplanes.

However, I must say after trials and tribulations I have suceeded in flying these BIRDS very sucessfuly.

I have accomplished severe manuevers without crashing as well as LOOPING my Aerobirds.

The only thing that I can't seem to cure is an adequate hinge for the canopy on my Fighter bird. any suggestions?

For everyones information these BIRDS are mfg.'d by Horrizon Hobby. I must say they have been a real help.

My first experience was with one of my Aerobirds. I couldn't keep it up very well at all. Matter of fact I crashed it so severely that it cracked the fuse right down the center from the nose back toward the tail shaft.

I mended it with 5 min epoxy and a peice of vacumed formed plastic from a package I had lying around.

The receiver went bad after that crash and I would loose controll of the aircraft.

Those great guys at Horrizon Hobby replaced my entire plane for free. Now how can you beat that for backing a product?

I also experienced electronic problems with my Fighterbird. Once again after receiving severe damages due to crashes Horrizon replaced my plane again for free.

Now I have four planes in the BIRD series and I have no complaints. They all perform very well.

I must add that relocating the control lines closer to the elevon surfaces does help immensly in the control of the aircraft.

Be patient you will eventually have alot of fun with these inexpensive planes.

Jerry07_58

Don't mean to put down the Aerobird or any in that series, but if they fly so poorly, why don't you guys spend the $150 for a GWS Pico Cub, Tiger Moth, or for something bigger, a Slow Stick?

These are all proven park flyers that actually fly and are very manueverable. All easily loop (from a slight dive) and they'll roll with some practice. AND the equipment is usable on other RC planes.

I've flown mainly glow stuff for the past eight years, just tried electrics last year. I've flown the Cub, Moth and a Simple 400 (which flys at least 35 mph, fast and quiet). Park flyers are okay if you have limited space, or don't want the social aspect of a club, but why the frustration of one that doesn't fly well?

Just my opinion,
Dennis-

Hey David,
Check out my website, it has lots of good stuff about all HobbyZone.
http://groups.msn.com/HobbyzoneRCPla...Clubunofficial




groups.msn.com/HobbyzoneRCPlaneCrashClubunofficial

The AEROBIRD SERIES IS THE ONLY PLANE THAT I HAVE SEEN THAT YOU CAN STRAIGHT GRILL IT INTO THE GROUND FROM A 100 FOOT DIVE AND IT DOES NOT BECOME DUST!!! Most of the time you can chuck it right back into the air!!! BIG, BIG Difference! You can even leave it in a tree during a rain storm or crash it into a lake! Several case I have personally seen, where the only repair required was a dry off period. I know, I know..BALSA IS THE BEST...and I agree, once you get over the CRACK-em'-UP stage! that we must all go through.

i have to agree with procrast., ibought my 4th. in yhe series, another aero uz the kast one still hasnt fallen outa that poplar yet! its hard to get more bang for the buck since im still in the occasional crash n burn mode later

THIS IS A GREAT FLYER. I HAVE TWO OF THEM. I JUST MODIFIED THE TAIL(PROTAIL) CHECK
HOBBYZONE SITE AND OPEN "VIDEOS" CHECK OUT THE PRO TAIL VIDEO.MY FIRST R/C BIRD WAS A HOBBYHAWK 1976. BAD CHOICE FOR STARTING R/C FLYING.THE AERO BIRD A FINE R/C PLANE BUT DOES NOT LIKE TURNS AT SLOW SPEED CLOSE TO THE DECK. IT WILL SEND YOU BACK TO THE HOBBY SHOP FOR THE TAIL AND WING. THE PROP CHEWS UP THE TRAILING EDGE ON HARD LANDINGS OR CRASHES. THE BEST BUY FOR THE MONEY OUT THERE. WATCH WHAT YOU BUT ON E BAY. MOST OF THE R/C PLANES ARE JUNK. THE HOBBY SHOP IS STILL THE BEST PLACE FOR R/C ITEMS. JUST BOUGHT S TURBOHAWK AND IT DOES NOT WANT TO FLY!! ANY HELP ON THAT WILL BE WELCOME. GOOD FLYING

1 WING LOW[>:]

I have a commander. It's hit the ground in an adverse manner more times than a frog's butt, and it STILL flies...rather well, i might add.

All i have replaced is 1 propeller, and one wing (even though I learned how to fix the wings).

The wings will fold up- but they can be fixed. Cut a piece of coat-hanger wire about 8" long, place it across the crease, and tape it in place with some GOOD (i.e. 3m) packing tape. It adds some weight, but hey, it still flies ok (go figure).

Also, you can extend the control surfaces on the stock commander v-tail- just cut the control surfaces on out, and use a piece of packing tape on each side to join the pcs. together and act as a hinge. Works pretty good.

The prop damage is easy to fix- just put some packing tape over the damage. Or don't, since it don't make the plane fly any different (really!!). Yesterday my wing gave way and folded up during some of my acrobatic attempts and NOSEDIVED HARD from about 200 feet up....no damage. None. Unless you count the dirt wedged up in the nose

My canopy come off a long time ago. I just left it off (heck i dont even know where it is!) and rubber-banded the battery pack in, works just fine. Canopy or not, make sure the pack is rubber-banded in, because if it isn't, a hard nose crash will make it pop out (possibly taking the wires and circuit board with it).

I can fly my commander in a 100x 100 area at less than 10 feet of altitude, if i want. it's easy to control after you crash 1,239 times, and figure it out.

But for what it's worth, it IS harder to control than my PT40..

Since RCU moderator says "Please resist the urge to curse, flame, degrade, insult or embarrass someone in your post. "

Well, I guess I can't say ANYTHING about my Aerobird extreme [:'(] then.

I have been flying an Aerobird, and then an Aerobird Challenger since March 03 and hvae bot 250 flights between the two of them and I love them.

If you want more agressive manauvers, put the plane into pro mode. I will turn on a dime

As to beginners putting planes in trees, remember you are not supposed to be doing your first flights in wind in the first place.

I also have 6 other electrics, 6 thermal duration sailplanes and two slope gliders.

I recently added lights to it for night flight. That was weird. It was like
flying a ghost. You can't see the plane, only the lights.


I have pounded the poor Aerobird plane into the ground, destroyed three wings,
and two tails. I had to build a new motor mount because I destroyed that too.
All this, and the plane flies great, but it has taken a real beating. That is
what makes it such a great three channel beginner plane. Along the way I have
had to solve many problems because I was so reckless with it while I was
learning to fly it. So, I pass on what I have learned.

First - RTFM - If you lost your manual, you can download it here:
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Produ...BZ3500#manuals

Respect Wind

This plane can definitely fly in 10-12 mph winds. However wait till you have
mastered it. Most of my crashes came from flying in too much wind before I was
ready. Make your early flights in under 5 mph winds.

Always launch into the wind and land into the wind. And, fly with the wind
blowing toward you so the wind will not carry your plane away, it will tend to
bring it to you.

Motor Mount

This is the first thing you should do. Before you take a hard nose hit,
reinforce the motor mount. I will not elaborate here, visit this thread to
find the information. It contains advice from other pilots and what I finally
did to reinforce the mount. You should do this before you need it.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...&perpage=15&pa
genumber=1

http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=...21b325c2c38435
here are also some shots of the control board out of the plane which can be
helpful.


Plane Does Not Fly Straight - what could cause this?

Assuming you have not displaced the motor, and you are having
problems with the plane not flying straight, check the following:

a) is the wing crooked or too damaged - try a new wing.

b) Check the trim adjustments. They may have been moved from center. Set
them to center and make all adjustments assuming you will fly with the trim
set in the center.

c) Check the tail. The foam is attached to the center plastic brace by small
pieces that punch through the foam. These can loosen up and the tail fin can
move slightly away from the plastic brace in the air which can cause the plane
to turn.

Tape or glue the tail fins to the center plastic brace. Also, look for creases
in the foam. If there is a weak spot, the tail will flex causing the plane to
turn. mine was creased at the
meeting point where the plastic support meets the tail. Looked fine on the
ground, but it was flexing in the air causing a hard right turn leading to
crashes. Replace the tail.

d) Make sure the moveable surfaces are even with the fixed surfaces on the
tail when the stick is centered and the trim levers are centered. You MUST
check this with the transmitter on and the battery attached. If they are not
even, adjust them with the screws on the control horns. The procedure is in
the manual. RTFM

Note, there is a tiny Phillips head screw on the back of the control horn on
the tail. Tighten it or the spool could unwind while the plane is in the
air, causing a crash. (Guess how I know this!)

e) Check to see that the boom is solidly attached at the body. If this comes
loose, it can move around while the plane is flying causing all kinds of
problems. It can also
twist so that the tail is no longer aligned.

If you look at where the boom is attached inside there is a pinched area. I
drilled a small hole through the top of that area and through the boom. Then
I put a 4" nylon tie through to help secure the boom. I also put packing tape
around the boom and the back of the body where the boom exits. Between the
two, the boom is well secured.

The Porpoise

When you apply power the plane starts to climb then noses up, then the nose
drops and it does it all over again. This is called a stall. The problem is
that the tail needs to be trimmed, the front is too low or the back is too
high. This causes an up elevator effect. Adjust the orange screws on the
tail. The procedure is in your instruction book. RTFM

Center of Gravity

If you are using a 7 cell battery, you will get a faster plane and better
climb, however you will also shift the center of gravity forward slightly.
If you are an aggressive, full throttle flyer, you probably won't
notice. If you are more of a half throttle cruiser, like me, you will find
the plane needs up trim all the time. Here is how you fix it.

The foam that sits between the battery and the electronics puts the 6
cell exactly where it needs to be to balance the plane, but the 7 cell is
heavier. Remove the side pins and pull the foam out. Now, cut it from top to
bottom about 3/8", just in front of where the pins hold it
in-place. Now put the remaining piece back in the plane. Fly the 6 cell with
the foam to the rear and the 7 with the foam
to the front. This will shift the 7 cell back about 3/8" and put the CG right
where it should be.

Longer flights

Back off on the power. Both the 6 and 7 cell battery will last five to
six minutes at full power. However, if you back off to half power, your
flights can last 12-15 minutes depending on the wind. You can even
catch thermals with the Aerobird and riding them for long long flights with
the motor off.

If you charged your batteries a few days ago, top them up just before
flying. They lose charge just sitting around.

Neck Strap for the Transmitter

If you look at the high priced Futaba, Hitec and other radios, they have a
place where you can clip a cord so that the radio can hang from a neck strap,
leaving your
hands free to make adjustments on the plane. This is very convenient.

Take a large paper clip and bend up the center piece in the middle to make a
place where you can clip a neck strap to it. Now take some sand paper and
sand a spot in the center of the radio. Epoxy the paperclip to the radio. Use
plenty so you can really embed the clip in the epoxy.

Reinforce the Wing

Got to staples and get some glass reinforced tape. The type that has a cross
pattern is best. Put a piece on either side of trailing edge where the prop
wants to bite the wing if a landing is a little rough. Also centered in the
front 6" on either side of
the body to help resist damage from the rubber bands. The newer wings may
come reinforced but you may wish to do this anyway.

Make sure you have a spare prop, they're cheap. Since the prop is less likely
to cut the reinforced wing, if it hits the wing, it might pop the prop off, or
break it. However normally this does not happen.

If you get a crease or a fold in the wing from a rough landing, this will be a
weak area. The foam is compressed and the wing will tend to fold up under
stress. Tape can not stop this. Take a strip of plastic or wood, about 1/16"
and cut a piece about 1" wide and 30" or longer and reinforce the whole wing.
Attach the support to the wing with
double sided carpet tape, not the foam type, the really thin stuff. Make sure
you center it on the wing so that it does not through the wing out of balance.

To finish off the reinforcement, cover it with clear packing tape. Stretch it
for and aft to create a smooth flow
path for the air passing over the wing. Many planes of similar design, like
the T-Hawk or the Firebird XL have
these strips, or rods on the wings when they are new. It won't fly as well as
a new wing, but it will fly.


Learn to Glide in for a Landing

If you run the battery too long, the speed control will cut the power to the
motor while preserving power for the control surfaces. This is good! If you
learn to land with the power off, if you get caught in the air with no motor,
you will have
no problem landing. Gliding in, even from 500 feet, is my standard way of
landing.

Parts

These planes have a great distribution system. Parts are very readily found
in most hobby stores. However if you can't get what you need, look here:
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Support/


HobbyZoneSports Frequently Asked Questions - Couldn't hurt to look!
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Support/FAQ.aspx

Plane Locator

When I was learning, or today if I fly strong winds, I use one of these on the
plane and one stays in my pocket.
If I put the plane down in very tall grass, or in the woods ( don't ask ) it
can be hard to find. If I am looking for the plane, I click the one in my
hand and the one on the plane answers. If you fly near woods, swamps, tall
grass, etc., get one of these. I mount it under the rubber bands that holds
on the wing. Doesn't seem to hurt the lift much at all.
www.keyringer.com

Summary

Here are a few tips to help you live happily with your Aerobird and
help it survive your poor piloting skills. With a little luck, the plane will
make it through the tough part of your training as you pound it into the
ground trying to learn to fly. Don't give up! Avoid the wind, take your time
and you will get it!

Oh, and RTFM ..... read the friendly manual!!!! :-)
------------------
Best regards
AEAJR
www.lisf.org
www.rcezine.com