One of the best beginner RC airplanes: The E-Flite Apprentice S 15E combines technology and stable aerodynamics to ensure complete success.
The assembly is very simple. Just follow the instructions in the detailed manual and you should be fine. I do like that the manual is available in separate languages and 3 or 4 translations are not contained in the one edition. Makes for a simple manual with not a lot of words I cannot understand!
Basically there are 3 steps -
I like to take a look at the manual, before I buy, to get an idea of what's involved. Take a look here to see a copy.
In theory everything is included. You might consider buying an extra Li-Po battery to double flight time between charges and a spare prop is always a good idea.
If at all possible, use a qualified instructor to help with that all- important first flight. Most clubs have a training system and using a "Buddy Chord", where the instructor has full control until control can be passed to the student, by pressing a button on the instructor's transmitter.
This is the best way to learn to fly but if you must go-it-alone, then once again, read the instructions in the manual and go over that first flight, in your head, as many times as possible.
If you have access to an RC flight simulator, then practice,practice,practice!
Keep stick movements as small as possible and gently turn and keep the nose pointed slightly down.
Always take off and land into wind and when the airplane is flying towards you, remember that yaw and roll directions are apparently reversed! When on the final approach to landing keep the wings level by moving the aileron stick "under" the low wing and if the model is drifting to say the left then gently "follow" the direction with the rudder stick.
Try to fly a "race track" pattern with the upwind leg over the center of the runway. Keep that beginner RC airplane flying in a gentle oval and practice landing at altitude. When it is time to land, reduce the throttle slightly and loose altitude. When over the end of the runway. reduce throttle a little more, keep those wings level and be prepared to "flare " ( slight "Up" elevator), just before touch down.
Notice the difference between the top and underside color scheme of the model. This helps in understanding orientation of the model.
Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope is the feature that makes a system that is most likely to result in a satisfied beginner RC flyer.
It consists of basically two parts. The first is a 3-level system that restricts control surface movements. As the pupil progresses, the maximum surface deflections are increased until at the third level surfaces are at full deflection.
A "Panic button" is provided that, when activated will return the beginner RC airplane to safe level flight, providing there is enough altitude ( See video below)
The other part is the AS3X technology. This is a 3-axes gyro system that stabilizes airplane movements. Any minor disturbance due to wind gusts etc are "flattened" out resulting in a smoother flight .
The combination of these two features results in a system that can contribute to a successful first flight and beyond, to a point where RC flight is fun!
Horizon Hobby is well known for the service it gives it's customers. Take advantage of this service! Any question regarding their products will be answered by an expert. Either phone or e-mail at this link.
The Apprentice is available in two versions, The RTF or Ready To Fly type includes the Spektrum DX 5e transmitter.
The BNF version is a Bind aNd Fly has no transmitter, A 5 channel minimum, DSMX compatible type is required.
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