GP Tutor?
 

Does anyone have experince with a Great Planes Tutor?

I have experience with glow models but not with E-power. My dad was talking about trying out a park flyer and i think he would like something along the lines of the tutor. Any other suggestions on airplanes if not the tutor?

Thanks

GP Tutor?
 

I have one that I framed up months ago. I just brought it out today and will start covering it soon. I built it with ailerons. Also built the wing with no dihedral and full width spars for strength.
I got tired of breaking the the small 1/8" sticks used to build the tail feathers so I scratched my own from 1/8" sheet and after cutting lightening holes weighs only a few grams more. Will power it with a ball bearing 280 motor and 4:1 ball bearing gearbox with 8x800 nimh cells. Hopefully it'll be semi-aerobatic. I'm still looking at alternative landing gear setups as the stock idea sucks. I fly from asphalt so landing gear is a must.
A couple more airplane suggestions would be the GWS "Slow Stick" or the Mountain Models "Switch Back". Both excellent planes.

GP Tutor?
 

I just noticed you're also from Mesa. If you haven't already been there come on out to D&D Hobbies on Main street at 63rd. We fly park flyers on Thursday nights and Sunday mornings. Just look for my gold P.T. Cruiser. I'll be glad to let you try my Slow Stick.

GP Tutor?
 

I test flew a Tutor the other day. It was set up for ailerons but they weren't installed yet so I flew it with rudder/elevator. I'd recommend going with ailerons, as the rudder control is a little sluggish (especially when trying to level the wings). The tail surfaces are quite fragile, we managed to bend the LE of the stab while at the field.

In comparison, the switchback is a little pocket rocket and looks like great fun. I haven't flown one but our current club prez has one with GWS retracts, and it is quite aerobatic with Lithium Polymers. If you fly glow already you'd probably enjoy the switchback. Also check out the Tiny-X from www.toddsmodels.com as it looks like a real kick too.

GP Tutor?
 

Badmeat,

I've been to D&D hobbies quite a few times since i moved back here in Feb. I think i may have actually seen that PT cruiser there come to think of it. I'll try and stop by when you guys are flying the park flyers and i'm not working. Where do you fly, in the parking lot?

That switchback looks pretty cool, I may have to get one for myself. I think my dad would prefer something more docile though so i may end up with a tutor or a slow stick for him. He was into glow YEARS ago in pre-aileron days and would enjoy just putting around. It certainly sounds like the tutor could use a little strength in the tail feathers.

Thanks for the info guys

GP Tutor?
 

Jet,
Unless it's raining or high wind I'll be there tomorrow. I went out to the Jr.High and flew today. Don't discount the SwitchBack. It's a teddy bear if you want it to be. Now that I have the right prop it's a joy to fly at any speed whether it's flat out or low and slow. I don't see how any plane could fly any better than this thing. This is the "one plane fits all" plane. I'll have it there tomorrow as well.
Oh yeah... we do fly in the parking lot. The owner Dave usually brings cookies or doughnuts to feed us too. Be there around 10:00. :D

GP Tutor?
 

gotta work all day :(

i am off next thursday though i may be able to get there then

GP Tutor?
 

You should have called in sick. It was a beautiful day for flying. Lots of people showed up. :cool: