Irecently purchased a Firebird Commander 2, mainly for its price (though I already want to upgrade to a 3-channel system). On the first day, it flew amazing even in pretty strong wind - I was flying in a sports arena composed of several soccer fields, so Ihad more space than Iknew what to do with. The next day, the arena was in use, so Iflew it in an area a bit too small, and ended up crashing it a few times into trees and the ground before Igave up. When I went out to fly today, I discovered that Icould not get it airborn! It wasn't any windier today, but hand launches resulted in it slamming into the ground, and runway takeoffs didn't work either. I've included some picture of the damage, and was wondering what needs to be repaired for it to fly right again. There's a chunk out of the wing, but Ipatched it with duct tape, so Idon't think that's the problem. The only other damages are a decent dent in the side of the cockpit and (more suspiciously), a dent in the bottom of the fuselage right in front of the tail boom that appears to noticably change the angle of the boom...thoughts? and how hard do you think it would be to repair - should Igo to a shop, or can Ido it myself?

I'm guessing you have crunched enough of the wing to change the angle of incedence. You may need to shim the front of the wing up 1/8" or so. Possible you have altered the tail boom. I'm not sure how you gan mend that other than a heat gun and great care while trying to lift out the dent.

I have a Fighterbird and it is the most cantankerous and most difficult r/c model I have ever flown. It is impossible to maneuver any better than +/- 60 feet of a mark and it needs about 300 feet to make a full turn. If yours is anything like mine take heart. You'll be able to fly about ANYTHING better and easier in the future.

do you think that there's a good chance it'll fly if Iget a new wing? the shim didn't seem to help...
or should I send it in for repair? or would that cost basically enough to buy a new one...?

I have a friend that "had" one. I agree with Charlie, that has to be about the hardest "plane" to control. instead of wasting money on that, I'd go buy a Super Cub. they actually will go where you want them. besides you said it yourself you already want a 3ch.

ya, Iwish Ihad the money. If Ican't easily or cheaply repair this thing, I won't be able to fly anything for months (although Imight be able to turn this into a cool hovercraft

start with a new wing and if it doesn't fly right, adjust the incidence of the stab as described in the manual

think that'll be enough, with the bend in the boom shown in the picture?

the biggest problem I saw with them, was once it had been damaged the tail was not rigid enough anymore, making the V-tail almost ineffective. but looking at the pictures, your wing is pretty hammered. but it's only $15 to replace the wing so go for it.

http://secure.hobbyzone.com/catalog/...s/HBZ4060.html
http://secure.hobbyzone.com/catalog/...s/HBZ2521.html

ok. I'll try that - thank goodness for a hobby shop open 7 days a week! *fingers crossed*!