After many months of building, I finally flew my PL Partner today. First impressions are very positive. Although I don't have much time on it, and it was a very gusty, windy day for trim flights, I can tell this is an outstanding airplane.

The kit that PL makes is superb, and it would be hard for me to imagine how to make it better. When I opened the kit for the first time, the lightweight fuselage's beauty and size stunned me. But I have to say that their sheeting work is even more impressive. There was not a flaw on any sheeted surface, not a gap, not a seam, not a dent. No way could I sheet a foam surface that well. I spend a lot of time when I build to do a good job, so when I see a kit of this quality, I really appreciate it. They did not just slap this thing together. Somebody spent hours of labor and meticulous care to craft this kit.

The final weight is 4.445 kg, or 9.8 pounds. It is powered by a YS DZ140. The Hyde 140 ARA handles this engine very well. Exhaust is an ES composite carbon fiber pipe, and a Central Hobbies high performance header. I used all digital JR servos -- 9411 on each aileron, 9411 mounted in each stab half, 8411sa on the rudder, and a 3421 for the throttle. Tank setup is a 460cc Tetra tank, and a 4 oz Dubro header tank, both mounted over the CG. Each tank has a foam clunk, although I think this is unnecessary for the main tank. Nevertheless, the header tank setup works flawlessly. I suspect that I will get a little better flight duration with this setup.

Wow, the DZ140 is awesome. The amount of excess power is incredible -- it feels like it is going to pull the firewall out. At half throttle, the Dingo pulls the Partner straight up with authority.

Here are some pictures.

Regards,

David

How much is this kit? It looks like it is going to be a great competition plane, especially with the DZ in the Nose. Have lots of fun with it.
Chris

When I purchased it in March 2003, I think that I paid around $1100.00 from Central Hobbies, plus $100 shipping fee. The prices have increased since then. The weak dollar is not helping. Central Hobbies gets whatever kits they can get when they become available, which is not many or often -- about once a year is what it appears. This year, they are not importing any PL Products kits, which is unfortunate. If you want to purchase one direct from PL, I have heard of people paying $500 in air freight charges, and waiting six to nine months.

I used to pay $250 for Dick Hansen pattern kits. I love his kits, and I really did not think any other manufacturer had better quality than Dick. But that was then. The PL and ZNline kits are better, far better. The price is fair for what you get IMO.

David

Here are some more pictures. The last two show the wing root and the nylon thumb screw that I use to fasten the wing to the fuse.

Congrats on the maidens with that beautiful model. I just posted the results from my first flights of the electric Partner and I'm also very pleased. It sure seems like a great design, just wish I could get another.

Thanks Tony. I just read your Electrified post, and it sounds like you are as exhilarated as I am. I'll have to get down to Lancaster soon, and compare notes with you (unfortunately, I'll be away on business for the next two weeks, and I will just miss Jerry's contest).

Regards,

David