aerobird challenger

i like eggs

I started on an Aerobird. Today you would get an Aerobird Challenger. Ready
to fly! Nothing to build, balance or set-up! Nothing to do wrong in
building, balancing and setting up! $150 at your local hobby store.

Here is a review from Backyard Flyer:
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Disco...ID=1289#Page01

No you can't move the electronics stuff to other planes, but who cares? I
have 17 planes and I still enjoy flying my Aerobird so I wouldn't want to
move the equipment anyway. Plus this is the plane I let friends fly to try
out RC flying because it is so easy to fly and so rugged.

Flying loops
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_videos/a...nger_loops.wmv

Low cost entry on a very rugged three channel plane that flies well. If you
like RC flying, then you can invest in more costly equipment and then go for
the 4 channel plane. If you don't like it, you only dropped $150.

Of course if you like it, you can go back and get the air to air combat module
and the bomb/parachute drop module for the Aerobird Challenger Then get a
friend to get one and have a ball with air to air combat, precison bombing
runs and parachute drops.

I have flown the plane in winds of 10-15 mph on many occasions. It also makes
a pretty good first thermal glider so that you can get a taste of what
sailplanes are all about.

Prepare for the purists to groan at this, but it really is hard to beat it for
a low cost entry plane that can really take a beating!

I like mine. It's a good beginner plane.


Ray out.

I have a great time flying mine.

Joe

i think it is a great beggier plane, but mine if the aerobird can live to be 100, mine is at 65. You really have to keep them in good shape if you want them to last.

I like the ABC. I am not too sure why though, as I have yet to get it to fly properly. I think this is due to poor flying ability (those crashes were spectacular). I flew The firebird outlaw for about 6 months, but they aren't even comparable. I will keep trying to get it up into the air [:@]. I found that after one of the crashes the tail boom had come unsnapped from it's holder in the fuse (may be why it went wild right after launch, tee hee). It was easy to repair all the damage I had done to it, and cheaply. Once I get this thing flying properly I will have fun with it. Let me know if you have repair questions, as I have repaired most of it already with 3 flights under my belt

OK, let's see if we can help you. Below are some tips. Tell us about your problems and whether any of this helps.


I have been flying my original Aerobird since March 2003. I added an Aerobird
Challenger a few months ago. Between them I have over 300 flights. I love
them both!

Today my fleet consists of 2 Aerobirds, 3 other electrics, 7 thermal
duration sailplanes, two discus launched gliders and three slope gliders.

I recently added lights to the original Aerobird for night flight. That was
weird. It was like flying a ghost. You can't see the plane, only the lights.
They now have a night module for the challenger. I have that too.

I pounded the original Aerobird into the ground, destroyed three wings,
and two tails. I had to build a new motor mount because I destroyed that too.
All this, and the plane still flies, but it has taken a real beating. That is
what makes it such a great three channel beginner plane. Along the way I have
had to solve many problems because I was so reckless with it while I was
learning to fly it. So, I pass on what I have learned.

Fortunately the newer Challenger has had a somewhat easier life, but it still
gets banged around a bit because I will take risks with it that I would not
expose my other planes to, because I know it can take it, and if I destroy the
fuse, for $45 I get a new body, and all the electronics. So I can afford to
take chances with my challenger.

First - RTFM - If you lost your manual, you can download it here:
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Produ...BZ3500#manuals

Respect Wind

This plane can definitely fly in 12-15 mph winds. However wait till you have
mastered it. Most of my crashes came from flying in too much wind before I was
ready. Make your early flights in under 5 mph winds.

Always launch into the wind and land into the wind. And, fly with the wind
blowing toward you so the wind will not carry your plane away, it will tend to
bring it to you.

Motor Mount

This is the first thing you should do. Before you take a hard nose hit,
reinforce the motor mount. I will not elaborate here, visit this thread to
find the information. It contains advice from other pilots and what I finally
did to reinforce the mount. You should do this before you need it.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...5&pagenumber=1
This thread was posted by someone did an excellent job using photos to show
how to do the motor mount modification. I encourage you to make this
modification.
http://www.rc-forums.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1173

Here are also some shots of the control board out of the plane which can be
helpful.
http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=...21b325c2c38435


Plane Does Not Fly Straight - what could cause this?

Assuming you have not displaced the motor, and you are having
problems with the plane not flying straight, check the following:

a) is the wing crooked or too damaged - try a new wing.

b) Check the trim adjustments. They may have been moved from center. Set
them to center and make all adjustments assuming you will fly with the trim
set in the center.

c) Check the tail. The foam is attached to the center plastic brace by small
pieces that punch through the foam. These can loosen up and the tail fin can
move slightly away from the plastic brace in the air which can cause the plane
to turn.

Tape or glue the tail fins to the center plastic brace. Also, look for creases
in the foam. If there is a weak spot, the tail will flex causing the plane to
turn. mine was creased at the
meeting point where the plastic support meets the tail. Looked fine on the
ground, but it was flexing in the air causing a hard right turn leading to
crashes. Replace the tail.

d) Make sure the moveable surfaces are even with the fixed surfaces on the
tail when the stick is centered and the trim levers are centered. You MUST
check this with the transmitter on and the battery attached. If they are not
even, adjust them with the screws on the control horns. The procedure is in
the manual. RTFM

Note, there is a tiny Phillips head screw on the back of the control horn on
the tail. Tighten it or the spool could unwind while the plane is in the
air, causing a crash. (Guess how I know this!)

e) Check to see that the boom is solidly attached at the body. If this comes
loose, it can move around while the plane is flying causing all kinds of
problems. It can also
twist so that the tail is no longer aligned.

If you look at where the boom is attached inside there is a pinched area. I
drilled a small hole through the top of that area and through the boom. Then
I put a 4" nylon tie through to help secure the boom. I also put packing tape
around the boom and the back of the body where the boom exits. Between the
two, the boom is well secured.

The Porpoise

When you apply power the plane starts to climb then noses up, then the nose
drops and it does it all over again. This is called a stall. The problem is
that the tail needs to be trimmed, the front is too low or the back is too
high. This causes an up elevator effect. Adjust the orange screws on the
tail. The procedure is in your instruction book. RTFM You might have to slip
a piece of thin cardboard under the front if the front is too low, to shim it
up slightly.

Longer flights

Back off on the power. Both the 6 and 7 cell battery will last six to
seven minutes at full power. However, if you back off to half power, your
flights can last 12-15 minutes depending on how you fly. You can even
catch thermals with the Aerobird and riding them for long long flights with
the motor off. I also slope soar mine. On the slope you can stay up for over
an hour with the motor off.

If you charged your batteries a few days ago, top them up just before
flying. They lose charge just sitting around.

Neck Strap for the Transmitter

If you look at the high priced Futaba, Hitec and other radios, they have a
place where you can clip a cord so that the radio can hang from a neck strap,
leaving your hands free to make adjustments on the plane. This is very
convenient.

Take a large paper clip and bend up the center piece in the middle to make a
place where you can clip a neck strap to it. Now take some sand paper and
sand a spot in the center of the radio. Epoxy the paperclip to the radio. Use
plenty so you can really embed the clip in the epoxy.

Reinforce the Wing

Got to Office Depot, or one of the other storea and get some glass reinforced
tape. The type that has a cross
pattern is best.
http://www.officedepot.com/ddMain.do...5001_FM_171926
Put a piece on either side of trailing edge where the prop wants to bite the
wing if a landing is a little rough. Also centered in the front 6" on either
side of the body to help resist damage from the rubber bands. The newer wings
may come reinforced but you may wish to do this anyway.

Make sure you have a spare prop, they're cheap. Since the prop is less likely
to cut the reinforced wing, if it hits the wing, it might pop the prop off, or
break it. However normally this does not happen.

If you get a crease or a fold in the wing from a rough landing, this will be a
weak area. The foam is compressed and the wing will tend to fold up under
stress. I have a procedure for fixing wings. Post if you need it and I will
post it for you.

Learn to Glide in for a Landing

If you run the battery too long, the speed control will cut the power to the
motor while preserving power for the control surfaces. This is good! If you
learn to land with the power off, if you get caught in the air with no motor,
you will have no problem landing. Gliding in, even from 500 feet, in 15 mph
winds is my standard way of landing. In calmer air, the plane pretty much
lands itself from 10 feet in the air.

Parts

These planes have a great distribution system. Parts are very readily found
in most hobby stores. However if you can't get what you need, look here:
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Support/


HobbyZoneSports Frequently Asked Questions - Couldn't hurt to look!
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Support/FAQ.aspx

Plane Locator

When I was learning, or today if I fly strong winds, I use one of these on the
plane and one stays in my pocket.
If I put the plane down in very tall grass, or in the woods ( don't ask ) it
can be hard to find. If I am looking for the plane, I click the one in my
hand and the one on the plane answers. If you fly near woods, swamps, tall
grass, etc., get one of these. I mount it under the rubber bands that holds
on the wing. Doesn't seem to hurt the lift much at all.
www.keyringer.com

Summary

Here are a few tips to help you live happily with your Aerobird and
help it survive your poor piloting skills. With a little luck, the plane will
make it through the tough part of your training as you pound it into the
ground trying to learn to fly. Don't give up! Avoid the wind, take your time
and you will get it!

New Electric Flyer FAQs
http://www.ezonemag.com/pages/faq/a105.shtml

Oh, and RTFM ..... read the friendly manual!!!! :-)


------------------
Best regards
AEAJR
www.lisf.org
www.rcezine.com

Aerjr,
I have read the manual extensively, as I was a Helicopter mechanic in the Airforce I am pretty much manual retentive. After my first flight the tail boom came loose and I made many adjustments before I realized my error. I also think that the "v" tail was off kilter from the factory slightly. The plane behaved differentlyevery flight and I thought it was because of the adjustments. I have not had a good day to fly yet. We are in the windy period of the year. I also strengthened the circuit board mounts with a design of my own and the Motor mount with zip ties. I was exagerating on my lack of flying ability for comedic purposes. I did save it from the road and busy traffic by ramming some power lines (don't ask). Thank you for the information though. I did not know about the wing strengthening thingy. I still do think I need more pilot learning as I see the curve is steep.

Thanks again

Maybe some of this will be helpful.

The New Flyer's Handbook
by Ed Anderson - AEAJR on the Forums

If you are new to RC Flying, this series of articles may be helpful in your
training. Consider them part of a beginners handbook. They are written with
the new flyer in mind.

How RC Planes Differ from RC Cars
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=17

Stall
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=31

Take Off and Land into the Wind
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=43

Parts of the Plane
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=54

The Radio - The Pilots Cockpit
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=59

Why Join a Club
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=64

Club Locator
http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubmai...7446CCCB618C00

Lost Model Locators
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=67

Radio Systems Part 1 - Standard Radios
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=44

Radio Systems Part 2 - Computer Radios - A Better Investment
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=65

The AMA, the Academy of Model Aeronautics, is an outstanding resource to the
new
and experienced flyer. I encourage you to become a member. Here is an
outstanding series of articles published by the AMA that will be really useful
to new pilots. It is called, "From the Ground Up" by Bob Aberle. I highly
recommend
it.
http://www.modelaircraft.org/mag/FTGU/Part1/index.html

RC Clubs in the United States:
http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubmai...5E31DE4FA6F552

International RC Clubs
http://www.fai.org/fai_members/addresses.asp

New Electric Flyer FAQs
http://www.ezonemag.com/pages/faq/a105.shtml



Good luck new pilot and welcome to RC flying!