*Unofficial* FT Tutor

[tetraodontoxin]

I finally got mine built! It took longer than I would care admit, but it’s finished. I added an internal tooth lock washer to the propeller nut, I found sudden throttle changes could collectively unthread the nut when throttling up. Also included in the photo is my MicroAces Scrappee Bipe, a really neat shop that makes micro scale historical aircraft as well as some nice trainers, my Scrappee took an unexpected flight and a gust caused a nose dive bending prop shaft, and a small crack in the wing. The pic made me want to try a buddy launch/parasite fighter thing. Anyway, enjoy the Tutor, and I’ve been able to pull some donuts with it on the ground!

 

[bisco]

great job! i love the look of the micro

 

[ogismycopilot]

What size wheel is recommended for the tail for the FT Tutor? I plan to land on fairly long grass so 4.3 inches for the main wheels.

FT Tutor

Design By: Josh Bixler

View attachment 210098
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Description:
The FT Tutor was designed to be a training aircraft modeled after classic trainers, like the Sig Kadet, Eagle 2, LT-40, and Freedom 20. This aircraft also follows the concept of the Simple Series using many of the same common build techniques. The desire is that the FT Tutor will not only be a great entry into the hobby for new pilots, but also a fantastic new training plane.

The FT Tutor can be built as a 3-channel (combined with our power pack B) to enjoy easy relaxing flights. You can also add ailerons for basic aerobatics and the increased control that a 4-channel set up can give. The configuration can be set up as a taildragger, tricycle gear or even FT Simple Cub floats. If you want to turn things up to the extreme, add in the power pack C and the Turbo Tutor wing kit for insane aerobatics and 3D maneuvers.

Speed Build Kit:

FT Tutor Speed Build Kit​

FT Tutor Turbo Wing​

FT Tutor Value Bundle B​

FT Tutor Value Bundle C​

FT Tutor Total Package​

Power Pack Compatibility:

Power Pack B​

Power Pack C​

Options:

Large 4.3" Foam Wheels​

FT Simple Series Float Set​

Specs:

• Center Of Gravity: 2.25-2.5 inches (57-63mm) from leading edge of wing
• Wingspan: 41.5 inches (1055mm) Standard Wing
• Wingspan: 37.25 inches (946mm) Sport Wing
• Recommended Motor: 2212B-1050kv Standard, 2218B-1180kv Sport/Floats
• Recommended Prop: 10x4.5 3s, 9x4.5 4s
• Recommended ESC: 30-40 amp
• Recommended Battery: 1300 mAh 3s or 4s with 9x4.5 prop
• Recommended Servos: (2-4) 9 gram servos

Videos:

Build Playlist:
FT Tutor Build Playlist

 

[dmco]

Newbie here, just finished the Tutor and it flies great: only needed a little rudder trim. I found taxi-ing impossible so added a steerable tail wheel. It will fly dead level around half throttle. But at full throttle it really wants to climb. I have to hold elevator down at full throttle to keep it level. Is that behavior consistent with your experience? Any tips or suggestions?

 

[bisco]

beautiful work, well done!

 

[Foamforce]

It will fly dead level around half throttle. But at full throttle it really wants to climb.

That indicates that you need more downthrust. It’s possible that your power pod is too low in the back. I believe the back is supposed to be pushed as high as it will go. If that’s not it, then you can just a two small washers below your top motor mount screw, and one small washer under the left and right screw. That should give you the downthrust you need.

Good luck, and great paint job!

 

[dmco]

Mostly fixed my downthrust problem by building a fresh new power pod. Realized I had crunched the initial pod during a taxi mishap and that had slightly influenced my firewall orientation.

I also built the turbo wing and power pack C and gave it a whirl last night. What a spicy meatball! It was tough for me to control and I eventually lost orientation and ended up in a tree. Got lucky and the plane is unscathed.

Needed a lot of aileron trim to fly level at anything above half-throttle. But maybe that was just torque roll when using the Power Pack C motor (2218/1180Kv) with a 4 cell battery? I will experiment with different combinations (wing, power pack, battery) to determine for sure.

Also think my turbo wing control throws are probably way too much. But did not see a foam guide or any dimensions mentioned during the wing build. Maybe I just missed it? What is a good baseline to shoot for so I don't get in over my head again.

Thanks for helping this newb!