A couple of weeks ago I picked up this cute little plane at Harbor Freight Hardware. They had it on sale for 30 bucks. I’d never flown any remote planes before, but always wanted to. It was the money that kept me from getting into it. So for 30 bucks, I could no longer justify not doing it. Of course, you’ll need to buy 8 AA batteries too (for the control unit). But the plane comes with a rechargeable pack and little charger – it’ll give you 20 minutes a charge (so says the instructions). I haven’t quite gotten my full 20 minutes, but that’s not the battery’s fault. It’s mine. I crashed it before it ran out of juice.

No experience, I expected to crash it. I’ve had it out twice now and both times. I crashed it. The first time was at dusk in a big parking lot. Two bad choices. The lot wasn’t big enough for my skill and dusk turned into pretty close to dark by the time we got it off the ground. It was fun though. I had a great time. It took off straight away from the ground. I was surprised by that. They suggest throwing it as a launch method. But, be careful if you do! Those little plastic propellers actually cut my girlfriend’s finger. But don’t blame her, even after she did it, I tried to launch it myself and got cut too. If you launch this way, hold it behind the propellers on the black stick part, not the yellow body.

Anyway, once it was up, it was great fun – if even for 40 seconds before loosing it in the trees. I got it down the next day with a boost from the park guy and a limb cutter. Almost in tact, too, but it cracked a wing when it fell to the ground. The wings, both front and back, are just cheap Styrofoam. They sell replacements for 10 bucks. But, I just taped them with clear postal tape.

The second time, I took it out to a much larger park in the day time. Two good ideas, but it wasn’t the calmest day. But, despite the wind, I gave it a second try. This time I had learned a few things. Don’t blast the throttle while trying to turn – that’ll make a huge turn and it’ll get away from you. Slow the throttle, then try the turn. Great, I kept it from the trees, but the wind made it soar or dive and I couldn’t counter. After another short stint, it dove to the ground and cracked the wing again.

I taped it up and again and am eager to give it ago this weekend. I know it was only a total of 80 seconds in the air. But remember the Wright Brother’s first flight was only 59 seconds. I’m having good clean, like a kid again, fun!

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