RCU Forums - Maiden Flight of my PC9!!! (Pic)

http://www.bobbykokinos.com/pc9.jpg

Sorry for the poor image.. It was from my camera phone.

The wind finally died down to nothing so I thought I would take my Seagull PC9 up for its first flight.. I was so excited that I accidently left my fuel at home, but I had a full take so I took it up a couple times.

Let me say, even though it was an ARF, it was absolutely exciting to see something fly that I quasi-put together. It was definantly a rush.

I started on my Nexstar, so going to the PC9 I expect a totally different animal off the bat. But, being a low wing, it wasnt as bad as I percieved after reading some peoples opinions about low wings. I loaded it with a Thunder Tiger .46 and APC 11x6 prop.. Take off was smooth, nothing unexpected. The climb rate was way more than I am use to, which was a pleasant suprise. Being that I have more balls than brains, the first thing I did after leveling off was trying a roll. With the Nexstar, rolls were almost impossible. The PC9 did it quite easily.

I took it around a couple more times. I took my time building it and aligning things on the ground, which I believe is the reason why I didnt have to adjust the trim at all in the air.

Now for the landing. I'll be honest, I was kind of scared of landing. The last time I landed, well, let say the Nexstar was sent to Hobbico. Landing was suprisingly gentle with this aircraft. Everyone told me "Its a low wing, so you'll want to keep on the throttle until you are ready to put her down". Well, maybe I was keeping on the throttle too much, but I found it to be the total opposite. This booger didnt want to come down. After a couple touch and goes I brought her around. Easy landing..

This aircraft looks great in the air.. I did add a couple blue strips to the bottom because the bottom and top of the wing are identical.. I more than likely will put checker on the bottom though because the blue strips were a bit hard to see.

I'm not saying this is the best aircraft, I know there are some mixed opinions about this aircraft. But for $135, you cant beat it. Its a great 2nd plane!!!

P.S. Also, this was the first time using my new Futaba 6EXA computer radio..