I am new to EDF jets, and crashed my Ef 16 on the first flight, hate that. I let it get directly overhead and in an attempt to get it back in front of me I turned sharply and stalled the lower wing. At first I thought I had gotten away with such a tight turn; it flew for maybe 20' then the nose dropped and it went into a fast spin straight down. I know it was my fault; I've read that EDF jets require smooth large radius turns and just don't like being yanked about. However, I'm using a 2500 MAH Enerquest battery that weighs 209 grm, total weight of plane 23.7 oz. I balanced it right at the foward edge of the CG range. The crash was late in the flight and the launch and rest of the flight went great, though I am going to have to remember to make wider turns. Looking back I remember the plane slowing way down on turns, caused by my horsing it around. I've already replaced the airframe,$49.00 @ Hobbypeople great deal by the way,comes with everything except the motor,fan,ESC,decals,and instructions. Is my battery, all up weight too heavy. Should I get a lighter battery?

Thanks,
Oscar

Sorry to hear that Oscar.

Your battery isn't really that heavy considering many have flown higher power (and heavier) setups well over 2 lbs. If you're on the stock power system, all you're getting is more flight time, but that may be what you want. It's always a trade off.

Here's what I use and they're only listed at 173g:

http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...idProduct=7636

In general, I like to keep things as light as possible for powered planes, but you need to decide what you want most.

You also might try moving the CG back and maybe squeeze a little tighter radius. I have mine a little behind the front edge of the cheater opening. I don't like to push too hard for inverted. I also put some expo on the elevator, not too much, about 35%.

Joe

Hey Oscar, thought I would share my 1st flight experience with you. It was today. I have had this plane sitting for probably 8 months. Today I figured I would go ahead and get a maiden flight on her and have some fun. All checked out well on the stand. My CG was a little forward but within the range stated that I had already marked on the fuse. Radio check - good. Battery fully charged before coming out - check.

I gave her a toss and away she went. A few minor corrections on the elevator for my forward CG (3 beeps, maybe 4) and she was flying level and smooth. I was flying for about 4 minutes, about 2/3 throttle and taking advantage of the wind on the downward leg to conserve a little battery. I had done rolls, inverted flight, etc up this point with no issue. A roll on the downward leg looked strange about 3/4 of the way through it and I could see the right elevon was flapping in the breeze. The ball link came disconnected. I fought with her but it was tough. In the end I had her flat and level about 3 1/2 feet off the ground but with no air speed. She pancaked in. No real damage other than the front of the fuse at the intake broke off.

Real easy fix with some carbon fiber rods and some epoxy. It fits together so smoothly you can hardly see a seam. My problem is I don't trust the linkage but I am not certain how to change it out to something better.

If there is anyone out there with some thoughts please let me know.

Had a blast today anyway. My E-flite SU-26 maiden went off without a hitch after this one.

if the link fits ok, all the way into the socket. you can use plummers teflon tape to tighten it up .put a peice over the ball and snap it in. this takes up any play,then trim off the rest around the link. make sure it moves free. this comes from fly r/c mag...................RON

The plastic links do appear to have a slightly larger hole on one side, the tighter side should be pushed down over the steel ball. Even at 140mph I have not had an issue with the stock connections.