I just ordered a Cox Giles 202, but probably won't plan on flying it this year because I may not be able to replace it should something happen. I am not 100% certain of my ability to handle a fast high wing-loading mid-wing sport plane like this just yet. For that reason, I would like to consider something that has similar characteristics, yet is more commonly available both in airframes and parts that would also offer a reasonable ease of repair. Although I am well versed on my Great Planes Rapture 40, I have read elsewhere that a Giles tends to be very demanding and unforgiving, with a wicked snap. And for that reason, requires expert-level skills to fly successfully. Has anybody here had experience with any make or version of the Giles 202? Which planes would you recommend as a prerequisite?

NorfolkSouthern

Don't worry about flying this plane. I was nervous when I took mine up the first time but I was amazed at how stable it flew. The only real problem is that it is a small plane and gets small in the air quick. But then I need new glasses.

Agreed. The Cox Giles 202 .40 ARF is more of a sport/scale ARF rather than a true scale aerobat. It's more forgiving and more stable than a number of other Giles 202 ARFs on the market.

If you are very comfortable flying a low wing sport plane like the Rapture .40, the Cox Giles 202 .40 ARF should be a very minor step up.

Thanks, pkevinb and bigedmustafa. I'm going to see if I can add a second Giles to the one I'm already purchasing, but that will depend on how well the stock holds out over the weekend. Wish me luck!

NorfolkSouthern

Couldn't have said it better myself.

Funds have shown a very slight improvement, so I ordered a second ARF to serve as a spare, should the first one suffer something unexpected, which I don't anticipate due to my habit of taking planes down for maintenance over minor issues. My airplanes are starting to breed like rabbits, and it seems they have taken over the apartment.

Another question: How does the Giles compare to an Edge, Extra, or Cap? How would it handle differently from a Cessna, and which of the two would likely need more speed to land?

NorfolkSouthern

I know nothing about the Cox Giles and from your replies it doesn't appear to be a giles 202 that I've had in past. To my knowlegde the Cox aircraft are small perhaps what I call toy aircraft? Anyway if the others you mention are similiar I am of no help. Those I am familiar with are 46 - 60 or larger size full pattern type planes all of which require a lot of skill/experience to fly. So guess what I need to know is what size/type planes are you inquiring about, and what experience do you have?

TedMo: I'm referring to the ARF that Cox had on sale, which an OS .46 AX engine would be compatible with. The wings are of a similar style to those of a pattern plane, except they're shorter and have a slightly longer cord. The wingloading is approximately 28 ounces. The link is here: http://www.coxmodels.com/prodinfo.asp?number=006101 .

NorfolkSouthern

I have a Cox giles 202 but haven't flown it yet. The book says the CG is 3and 5eights back form the leading edge but a lot of guys say they are going back as far as 5 inches any thoughts.