350 replies to this topic

[BayAreaCrasher]

So unlike most peeps here, I have never flown a fixed wing and went straight to multis. I'm getting an itch to try it out. Any recommendations of where to start reading about intro models or is it good to jump straight to a wing like the ZII and just fly it carefully?

I know it's a noob question, so apologies but maybe someone has good tips.

[comster]

Standard recommendation is EasyStar / Bixler / SkySurfer, and I think it's a good one. Might as well start with ailerons, which the latter two have stock, I think.

I have a SkySurfer at my parents, who have more space. Maybe one day I'll have a nice flight with it.

[BayAreaCrasher]

thanks man. are those all the same model just different brands or the different alltogether??

[comster]

EasyStar is the original by Metroplex, and it's commonly modded. The others are cheaper clones that also have some common mods to start, like ailerons. I think Bixler is just a different branding for the SkySurfer v1 or something like that. It's named after the FliteTest guy. Don't recall the difference between SkySurfer v1 and v2.

[BayAreaCrasher]

cool thanks. will start exploring a bit more on those 3.

[xtrmtrk]

Hey LemaLife - I'm following in your footsteps. I did the multicopter thing first, and am very curious about fixed wings. I've been thinking I'll buy a Bixler as soon as the US HobbyKing warehouse has them in stock. I'd like to fly a ZII FPV before I die.

Please keep us posted on your progress.

[Reddog]

Don't start on the zephyr or any flying wing for that matter. Get a high wing slow flier and learn to fly by flying perfect squares.

The quickest way to learn to fly a fixed wing properly in the shortest amount of time is:

Fly 10 squares (circuits) one way then 10 squares (circuits) the other so you don't get used to flying one way. If you get confused while flying towards you, remember to move the stick towards the wing you want to bring up. Do the squares until you can get them to literally be perfect and then you are good to fly freestyle.

[BayAreaCrasher]

Hey LemaLife - I'm following in your footsteps. I did the multicopter thing first, and am very curious about fixed wings. I've been thinking I'll buy a Bixler as soon as the US HobbyKing warehouse has them in stock. I'd like to fly a ZII FPV before I die.

Please keep us posted on your progress.

sweet, is this the one you are talking about?

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__16545__Hobbyking_Bixler_EPO_1400mm_KIT_.html

[BayAreaCrasher]

Don't start on the zephyr or any flying wing for that matter. Get a high wing slow flier and learn to fly by flying perfect squares.

The quickest way to learn to fly a fixed wing properly in the shortest amount of time is:

Fly 10 squares (circuits) one way then 10 squares (circuits) the other so you don't get used to flying one way. If you get confused while flying towards you, remember to move the stick towards the wing you want to bring up. Do the squares until you can get them to literally be perfect and then you are good to fly freestyle.

thanks man...good tips!

[Maineiack]

yes thats the one,,or one of them,
im waiting for them to come into stock at the US warehouse

[xtrmtrk]

sweet, is this the one you are talking about?

http://www.hobbyking...400mm_KIT_.html

That's the one.

But I'm in no huge rush and it looks like they sell it from their US warehouse which is literally a few miles away from where I live. I'll wait until it's there and save $35 in shipping.

[xtrmtrk]

yes thats the one,,or one of them,
im waiting for them to come into stock at the US warehouse

Oh man, looks like they're going to sell out quickly when they get them in stock.

[comster]

FWIW, RMRC has SkySurfer in three forms in stock.

http://www.readymade...mfpkgj8a5406vm6

[Kenn Sebesta]

Standard recommendation is EasyStar / Bixler / SkySurfer, and I think it's a good one. Might as well start with ailerons, which the latter two have stock, I think.

EasyStar II has ailerons, and having had both, I can say that the improvements they've made put it in a different class from the Bixler.

[BayAreaCrasher]

thanks Kenn...any good sources for the EZII?

[Kenn Sebesta]

All over Europe, yeah. You find it in your local hobby shop. Not sure about the US. Don't buy an EasyStar, the differences are too stark for the same money.

[BayAreaCrasher]

what about this guy?

http://www.readymade...products_id=506

[Maineiack]

EasyStar II has ailerons, and having had both, I can say that the improvements they've made put it in a different class from the Bixler.

Different class as in ?

[Kenn Sebesta]

Different class as in ?

A lot of stuff thought out for better client-supplied equipment support. The ESC has been moved up to the motor pod, bringing the CG back, allowing for more weight in the nose. A cavity under the wing has been supplied, allowing for more storage space, and more weight without throwing the CG out. The servos for the tail are better covered, and have had an orientation change.

[Stigoe]

I'm in the same boat (plane...? ), so I have a Bixler ARF waiting at the post office right now, and various parts on the way for various recommended modifications. Now I just have to wait another 2+ weeks before I get home from work...