Holy Beans... I just discovered FliteTest!

DaveJaVu

New member
This may come as a surprise to all you aficionados, but can you believe there are actually people out there, makers even, that have not as yet discovered the awesome world of FliteTest - I hadn't a few short weeks ago. :eek:

We're fully locked down still here in the U.K and, for long-winded reasons, I ended up in lockdown with almost no tools and no materials. I recently watched the BBC documentary on the recreation of the Colditz glider (on YT - dream watching for anyone on here!) and slowly but surely a plan began to form. I've flown fixed wing Cubs (a long time ago) and have a couple of quads I regularly chuck around. I'm a fairly competent maker but had never attempted to built anything with the ability to beat gravity. The initial intention was to build a glider, until I found the motor / servos and radio gear from a long dead Trek 450 then it all got rapidly out of hand!

original_try.jpg

Starting completely from the school of 'making stuff up as we go along' I began... and the results were... predictable. There's a full thread on Twitter, for those who are interested, here: 'Escape From Castle Covid' -
I had *so* much fun but so much frustration too, until I was introduced to FliteTest by a buddy from work. What a revelation! The quality of the plans, the effort that's gone into all of this, the community etc. - all just goddamn awesome. :cool: So my mad mashup creation rapidly morphed into a fully functional Tiny Trainer that flies like as absolute dream.

tt_fail.jpg tt1.jpg

Maiden flight video here:

I also got totally carried away and designed a really simple parachute drop mod that actually worked like a charm and then spent a fun few hours mucking around putting this together:

tt_para_drop.jpg

In short, can't thank the FliteTest family enough for an amazing introduction to the world of home built flight, it's certainly helped keep me together in these weirdest of times!

Thanks loads to everyone! (y)
 

Hoomi

Master member
Welcome! I stumbled onto the Flitetest videos less than two years ago, and bought my first Speed Build Kit on a whim, while visiting a hobby shop on a trip to Utah. I, also, can't believe I waited that long.

It's a bonus that FT also has a great group of people over here in the forums, too. I think you'll fit right in.
 

sundown57

Legendary member
Welcome to the forum. Glad you found us and that is a great build. but I would have planted the beans instead.