prop size
 

I have an avistarI just built. The manual calls for a 10x6 prop. Is 10 mean the prop is 10 inches long and is this a good prop to break in my engine? I live over seas and I don't speak the lingo so I will be doing this by myself. I hope I don't crash.

RE: prop size
 

Yes this prop is fine. It means 10 inches long with 6 degrees pitch. Good luck with the 1st flight. Remember make sure that you have loads of room for the test flight.

RE: prop size
 

You might want to get a Simulator and fly that for a few hours before trying the real thing. About 90% of those that try to fly on their own crash within 10 seconds.

Here's a link to a guy that makes an interface to go between a transmitter and your PC. He includes a copy of FMS which is a free flight simulator.
http://www.mattclement.freeservers.com/fms/fms.html

Good luck.
Dennis-

RE: prop size
 

Actually the "6" means 6 inches of pitch.

If you rotate the prop through one complete revolution it should try to "screw itself" forward 6 inches, in a perfect world.

Try to find an experienced modeler to assist you getting your plane into the air.

Your Avistar will thank you for it.

RE: prop size
 

A 10 by 6 is fine. A while back I built my Avistar and broke it in with that prop. She's still flying today:eek:.

RE: prop size
 

If your engine is a 40, the 10x6 will be fine.

If your have a 46, I suggest an 11x6 prop.

The Master Airscrew props (the black ones with the squared off tips) are usually best for a trainer as they are less efficient and will allow the plane to fly a little slower (they also are less susceptible to breaking if you hit a tip on the ground). As your skill improves, you may want to consider going to the APC brand of prop (gray with a tapered, rounded tip). The APC props are more efficient and will thus let the plane fly faster.

RE: prop size
 

The props are surprisingly sharp too [X(] Be careful, and use a chicken stick to start it with.
A simulator of some kind will help a great deal b4 you go it alone. I learned by myself (still learning), it can be expensive, at times frustrating, and time consuming. It also takes a great deal of patience. If you can find help somewhere, anywhere, even if you have to travel, it would be well worth it. I taught myself on an Aerobird, then moved on to my trainer. The Aerobird is a very sturdy plane, survives crashes well, you will crash. But its also very hard to handle in any kind of wind over 8 mph. I almost lost it (literally almost dissapeared into the horizon) one day, the gusts were up to 15 mph. It just doesn't have the power or weight for that kind of wind. Your trainer should be fine, but don't try to learn on windy/gusty days, until you start to get the hang of it. Anyway, be safe, do pre-flight checks b4 every flight, have fun, and let us know what happens. Sorry, one more time, Please try to find someone to help, you won't regret it.
Joe
edited: Also make sure you have plenty of space to fly, you'll need it.