After the FT Airliner (which is still a ton of fun!)

[dylanbeaudette]

The FT Airliner has been so much fun for my son and I. I don't think that we would have been able to get into the hobby without it. Crash after crash the thing can still fly. Landing gear sheared off, props replaced, wing chewed by little sister, and an elevator flap partially detached--no problem! It is hard to describe how much fun we have had with it.

While we still enjoying flying this beat up old plane, I think that we are ready for the next stage of flying. We have an FT Simple Cub (elevator/rudder only), but so far there have been some issues: I'm not a great pilot, and more importantly, I can't get the TX/RX to consistently connect.

https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/simple-cub-flight-3.68007/

Any suggestions on a plane that might span the gap between FT Airliner and FT Simple Cub?

 

[Bo123]

You could wait a couple days, as Flite Test are releasing their new trainer, the FT tutor, which is supposed to be easier to fly than the simple cub.

 

[The Fopster]

The FT Airliner has been so much fun for my son and I. I don't think that we would have been able to get into the hobby without it. Crash after crash the thing can still fly. Landing gear sheared off, props replaced, wing chewed by little sister, and an elevator flap partially detached--no problem! It is hard to describe how much fun we have had with it.

While we still enjoying flying this beat up old plane, I think that we are ready for the next stage of flying. We have an FT Simple Cub (elevator/rudder only), but so far there have been some issues: I'm not a great pilot, and more importantly, I can't get the TX/RX to consistently connect.

https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/simple-cub-flight-3.68007/

Any suggestions on a plane that might span the gap between FT Airliner and FT Simple Cub?

I built the cub, and found it quite hard to fly. The old FT Flyer, however, was MUCH easier for me. I managed to fly that myself without any help from any experienced pilots. Good luck whatever you decide to do!

 

[Bo123]

When I built the FT flyer, I found it really hard to control for a little while, but after some getting used to, It was ok. I might have been using too big of a motor and battery though. I think you should wait for the ft tutor.

 

[Bo123]

Wow ok. It might have been becuase mine was overweight, and over powered. And Becuase I was flying in a really small space.

 

[dylanbeaudette]

Well, the FT Airliner now lives 100ft up a ponderosa pine tree. So long old buddy.

We just ordered the Tiny Trainer and look forward to building it!

 

[Droneflyer200]

Well, the FT Airliner now lives 100ft up a ponderosa pine tree. So long old buddy.

We just ordered the Tiny Trainer and look forward to building it!

I would highly recommend the Tiny Trainer Mr Bixler really hit on the mark with this design its a great little plane that can grow with your skills with the sport wing and an F size motor is a little rocket and very nimble!

Well, the FT Airliner now lives 100ft up a ponderosa pine tree. So long old buddy.

We just ordered the Tiny Trainer and look forward to building it!

 

[dylanbeaudette]

I'm happy to report that the Tiny Trainer was strong / stable enough for us to get past crashing every single flight. We even painted it!

I'd highly recommend the Tiny Trainer or DR1 to new flyers. Some important lessons learned:

• reduce elevator and rudder throw and set ~30% exponential, this made a huge difference
• get a couple more batteries
• get a better battery charger
• set a throttle timer
• learn how to customize control surface ranges and subtrim in the transmitter
• fly high
• purchase many, many extra props: our early flights went through at least 5
• don't be afraid to wreck the plane
• use a simple receiver, we like the FrSky RX4R