Does anyone have the Great Planes Extra 330L? Is it a good plane?

Hey Woops,

I have just recently (in the last 3 weeks) completed and started flying this plane. It was my first Giant Scale kit, and it was a good choice for ease of building. A lot of people are taking the time to enlarge the tail surfaces for better 3d performance, but I did not do this as I do not fly a lot of 3d.
So far it has been a very stable and good flying plane, the high alpha knife edge that this plane will do is amazing!
I only have about 1.5 gallons of fuel through the motor and am only running a 24" prop, but it is pulling like a horse.

I built everything stock and it came out a little under 25 lbs. Dick Hansen has been known to put this airplane on a diet and get it down to around 21-22 pounds.

Here is what I used on the airplane:
Engine: ZDZ 80 (currently using a 24x10 prop for break in, will be switching to a 26x10 prop shortly)
Exhaust: Side Mount Pitts
Radio: Futaba 9C
Receiver: 9 Channel PCM
Servos: 2 on each wing half & 1 on each elevator: Hitec 5625's, 1 on rudder setup using pull-pull: Hitec 5735
32 oz Fuel Tank

It does stall off to the left side, but I have to completely stop the airplane before it stalls. I have not had any problem with it tip stalling on landing.

When building the airplane make sure to plan for what type of muffler you will be using when cutting the firewall to length (if using the ZDZ 80). If you will be using a wrap around muffler witht his motor, you may need to mount the motor on standoffs for firewall clearance. I mounted the motor directly to the firewall, and there is not enough clearance between the cylinder head and the firewall to install the wrap around style muffler.

I recently started a post for my plane, here is the link to it:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_28...tm.htm#2820294

-- Kevod

WOW! Kevod can't be the only one on RCU to build the GP 330L.

I have the plane but have not still flown it. It is a good kit and it makes a beautifil light plane. Mine will weight around 22 or 23 lbs. Be sure to put only one 1/4" 5-ply firewall. The kit calls for 2, that is unnecessary weight !!!

I modified mine for 3D and put a canister inside for the ZDZ 80 RV. Digital servos all around with carbon gear, tail wheel and wing tube. Carbon stab tube would have saved only 1 oz so decided to pass on this one ($$$)...

I should maiden a few weeks from now as I have some minors "things" to get done.

Just did the first flight on mine to day not really good weather cold and windy but I went anyway. This is my second 330 and this one flys better than the first straight and true right out of the box. Great IMAC machine, I have a BME 110 and all up weight is 20lbs 9oz anything above 1/4 throtle is just crazy. I can recomende this kit to anyone as a starter or a seasoned flyer, it just flys good

Thanks for the info. I might get one!

"R/C Report" published a product test on this kit in the February 2001 issue. It is by Dick Pettit and very complete. If you can find a copy it will be worth looking at.

The "Cheers" were: "Great plans and instructions; good quality materials; nicely done fiberglass cowl and wheel pants; quick and easy to build; excellent flight characteristics.

The "Jeers" were: "Minimal hardware; several discrepancies in parts cutting instructions; wing area less than indicated, they measured it at 1607.25 sq. in; wing and tail bolts may loosen after several flights.

The summation was - he really like the plane.

Thanks Laserdude!

If you really intend to persue this plane I think you can still get copies of the article from "R/C Report" Another kit you might want to consider is the CA 31% from Aeroworks.

Thanks again Laserdude.

I recently acuired one of these planes that was in the process of being built. I inserted the wings into the fuse, and believe that the sheeting on the fuse was trimmed a little to much, what would be the best way to fix this problem? Any ideas would be great. Thanks

I've got one of these planes and it flies great. There will be a gap at the fuse to cater for the wing taper. What I did was I used Pro Film for covering and left a 1/4 inch over hang. When the wing is in, the over hang hides the gap completely.

I just recently completed and flew my GP330L. What a nice plane!

The gap on the bottom of the wing where it goes into the fuse is UGLY. The wing just clears it on insertion, but the gap is pretty large when the panels are fitted. Fortunately it is on the bottom.

Mine is running a CH modified GT80 with gutted & modified stock mufflers, swinging a Bambula 24x10 @ 6400 static. I am using Fut S9303 servos on ailerons (dual), elevators (each) and a S5050 pull-pull on rudder. The throttle and choke are on S3004's. All up dry weight is 25 lb.

I am at approx 150 ft elevation. The flight performance is very, very good. Very nice slow speed performance. I don't do 3D, only pattern style flying. Very good and accurate flying is the norm.

Safe Flying!

would a 3w75 be enough motor for this plane? Im not into the whole 3D thing but want enough power to go vertical a long ways. Thanks for any help.

I have a 3W75iUS on a 23lb Giles and the motor has no more than a gallon of fuel through it. Even on the break-in prop (3W 24x10) and running a little rich it has unlimited vertical performance. It will accelerate straight up no problem and will only get stronger. I'll be using a 3W75 on this plane too.

I'm gonna build this plane this winter and have a question. What leading edge taper are you guys putting on the wing?? I know that there are two templates, one is sharp and one that is more blunt. I'd like it to snap well and use the sharper taper, but I don't want a nasty snap when the plane stalls, just a nice drop off to one side that I can follow with rudder and ele. for those nice spins

So what did ya'll use?

Shawn

Use the sharp jig, the plane is light enough for good stalls anyways.

I have about 35 flights on mine and I start to get confident with the plane. I modified the tail surfaces for 3D and 3D it does. The plane can waterfall from upright !! I mean in upright flight, I simply push full down and it can waterfall right there. I brought the plane today on a torque roll to about 1-2 feet from the ground.

I use the ZDZ80 on a JMB canister. Power is really good. Flying weight less fuel is 24.2 lbs. I have carbon-everything less stab tube but a big canister.

What would be a good smoke system for this plane? I want to cover mine(when I get it ) in clear Monokote so you can see the smoke through the plane.