I’M TAKING A detour this month and not
discussing wiring, ESCs, etc. I’m writing
this the day before Christmas and feeling
like a kid with a new toy, a couple days
early.
I’ve known about FMA Direct’s
products and used them for many years—
mostly ESCs, batteries, receivers, and
chargers. The company recently introduced
a line of airplanes that comes ready to fly or
ready for your receiver, and the models have
the newest version of the Co-Pilot system
installed.
The old version was impressive, but the
Co-Pilot II absolutely blew me away. There,
the cat’s out of the bag.
I’ll start with a disclaimer. I do not work
for FMA Direct. I am not sponsored by the
company or anyone else. I told MA Editor
Michael Ramsey that it was going to be
tough writing about this product without
sounding as if I worked for the
manufacturer.
FMA Direct’s new “Model Shop” features
two designs right now: a Cessna 182 and the
FunJet. Mine, shown in a photo, has
“SkyFun” stickers on it, but it is now a
“FunJet.”
The Cessna and FunJet are constructed
from sturdy foam, allowing for those lessthan-
perfect landings, and are available in RTF or ARF form. If you
don’t have a radio, the RTF is a great choice. But since I have my
Spektrum DX7 system, it made sense for me to buy the ARF.
Each model comes with servos installed, along with the new Co-
Pilot II that I’ll cover later. Both airplanes are suitable for beginners,
depending on how you set up your throws, etc.
Each aircraft takes roughly an hour to put together with a bit of
epoxy. They arrive with manuals and nicely done DVDs showing
videos of construction and flying.
The FunJet and the Cessna are suitable for skill levels ranging
from beginner to advanced, but the latter is the better option for a
beginner because of its inherent stability. I chose the FunJet because
I wanted something a little more “sporty.”
The FunJet has a 34.4-inch wingspan, an overall length of 27.5
inches, and a tested flying weight of 19 ounces. It uses a BL250-
1800Kv brushless motor and a BMC 18-amp ESC. The battery is an
1100 mAh, 11.1-volt Li-Poly, and the charger is an AC-powered
two- to three-cell Li-Poly balancing type.
Construction is simple. Glue on the wings, glue on the vertical
stabilizers, and install your receiver. How was that? Honestly, that’s
all there is to it.
The thing that takes longer is charging the included 1100 mAh
Li-Poly battery and balancing charger with AC adapter. To complete
the package, the Co-Pilot II system’s programmer and IRNet Router
are in the box.
The only thing you need to work out is the balance. There are
finger holes under each wing, for launching grips, and to balance it,
you simply hold those and slide the Li-Poly pack back and forth
until the airplane sits level on your fingers. Mark the spot and
Velcro your pack in place.
I made the first flight with the battery a bit too far aft, but the
model was manageable even with that. Now that I’ve slid it forward
FMA Direct’s FunJet ARF and Co-Pilot II
April 2010 97
Greg Gimlick | maelectrics@Electrics gimlick.com
The BL250-1800Kv brushless motor and BMC 18A ESC are already
installed. The 1100 mAh 3S Li-Poly offers plenty of power and a
good amount of flight time.
The ARF version of FMA Direct’s FunJet as it shakes out of the box looking much like
an RTF. It includes everything but the receiver and transmitter.
The FMA Direct Co-Pilot II computer has servo wires plugged
into one side, and its leads are plugged into the receiver. The
system is plug-and-play.
04sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 2/23/10 8:37 AM Page 97
to where it belongs, the FunJet is rock solid. With an
aft CG, it will bob its nose a bit but remain
controllable.
Co-Pilot II Infrared Flight Stabilization System: This
system consists of a CPII computer, Main Sensor,
Vertical Sensor, IRNet Programmer, and IRNet
Router. The computer mounts inside the model. You
plug your servos into that, and then connect the
corresponding wires from the computer to your
receiver.
The IRNet Router can be mounted in the aircraft
and left there or plugged in only for programming and
preflight tasks. The IRNet Programmer is a simple
four-button device with menus to run through simple
setup and preflight or to set preferences such as unit
calibration, stick priority, 3-D modes, etc.
The Vertical Sensor is installed on the airplane so it
has a view of the sky and ground. This allows for
constant updating and recovery from inverted flight.
The Main Sensor can be mounted on top of the
model or underneath it and can be oriented straight
forward or diagonal. That depends on which will give
it a clear view without landing gear, etc. obstructing
one of the sensors.
If you order the FunJet or the Cessna, all of this will
come installed for you. There are videos on FMA
Direct’s Web site to help you if you’re installing it on something
different. Accessories are available to mount the sensors on helicopters
too.
The Co-Pilot II Computer Module measures 1.754 inches long,
1.115 inches wide, 0.460 inch high, and weighs 0.61 ounce. The Main
Sensor is 0.965 inch long, 0.965 inch wide, 0.360 inch high, and
weighs 0.23 ounce.
The system’s Vertical Sensor is 0.965 inch long, 0.701 inch wide,
0.360 inch high, and weighs 0.16 ounce. The IRNet Router is 1.205
inches long, 1.005 inches wide, 0.532 inch high (not including mount
tabs), and weighs 0.26 ounce.
The technology behind how this system manages to do what it does
is beyond the scope of any short article and would require far more
electronic expertise than I have. The down-and-dirty explanation of
how it works involves the sensors and the data they send to the
computer mounted onboard.
The Main Sensor offers accuracy to 1° of the horizon by sensing
the temperature variation between earth and the sky. The Vertical
Sensor constantly updates its readings to the computer, keeping track
of which side is up. Once that is determined (within milliseconds of
98 MODEL AVIATION
IRNet Programmer and router are used to program the Co-
Pilot II before flying. The system can be used for either
airplanes or helicopters.
Once the wires are tucked into the channels, tape neatly covers
them. On the right, tape will need to be trimmed so it doesn’t
interfere with the Vertical Sensor. Plastic servo covers are glued
over the servos.
A close-in flyby shows the location of the sensors relative to flight attitude. No
matter how difficult the condition, the Co-Pilot II returned the model to level
flight every time.
The FunJet is made from durable foam similar to EPP, so it can
take some damage. The package of airplane and flight stabilizer is
a great-flying system.
04sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 2/23/10 8:38 AM Page 98
booting up), the sensor will allow for
immediate recovery from inverted conditions.
If you fly 3-D or hope to, you can install
the Co-Pilot II on a 3-D airplane and program
it for 3-D flight. Once programmed, you can
practice maneuvers and the system will help
stabilize even your worst hover attempts. If
you get into trouble, you can let the system
recover.
Helicopter pilots are not left out of this
either. There are videos and printed
instructions showing how to mount and
program the Co-Pilot II for rotary-wing flight.
Accessories are available to help mount
sensors on tailbooms, etc. The same principles
of infrared detection apply in all modes.
The True Test Is Flying: I set up my Co-Pilot
II so I can turn it on or off from a switch on
my radio. I did the test flight with the system
turned off, because I wanted to trim the model
and be sure it was flying well before trying the
stabilization. The test flight went so well that I
turned on the system within a few minutes of
launch.
I have my airplane set up to be very agile,
and the roll rate is far beyond what I suggest
for a beginner. But hey, I wanted to test the
system. Call me a skeptic—which I was—but
I wanted to see exactly what this system was
capable of performing.
To say that I was surprised by the Co-Pilot
II’s performance is a gross understatement.
Even though I had flown the earlier versions
and knew it was good, I was unprepared for
what this edition would do.
With a flip of the switch, the system was
monitoring everything I did. If I released the
sticks, allowing them to center, the Co-Pilot II
instantly returned the aircraft to level flight.
The more I tested it, the more it impressed me.
Wayne Parrish is an extremely
experienced pilot in my club, and we took
turns trying to put the system in some attitude
in which it would not recover and never found
one. Not only does it recover, but it does it so
fast that it takes you by surprise.
After being somewhat awed by how well
this system performed, I decided that there
would be one final test: landing—hands off.
Yes, I’m aware of the AMA Safety Code;
please don’t send me mail. The flight area was
closed while testing and as safe as we could
make it.
I set up the airplane on approach, reducing
throttle to establish a steady rate of descent.
Once that was done, I flipped on the system
and released everything, leaving the throttle
set as before.
The model did the most beautiful landing
we could hope for. We were stunned.
To prove that it wasn’t a fluke, we
repeated this test four times. The last time, we
videoed it so people would believe us.
Check out my blog for flight videos and
more information about this model and
system. I can’t get over how impressed I am
with the Co-Pilot II. I will be ordering a
second one, to install on one of my
helicopters. MA
Sources:
FMA Direct
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
Greg Gimlick’s blog:
www.gimlick.com/maelectricsblog
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/04
Page Numbers: 97,98,99
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/04
Page Numbers: 97,98,99
I’M TAKING A detour this month and not
discussing wiring, ESCs, etc. I’m writing
this the day before Christmas and feeling
like a kid with a new toy, a couple days
early.
I’ve known about FMA Direct’s
products and used them for many years—
mostly ESCs, batteries, receivers, and
chargers. The company recently introduced
a line of airplanes that comes ready to fly or
ready for your receiver, and the models have
the newest version of the Co-Pilot system
installed.
The old version was impressive, but the
Co-Pilot II absolutely blew me away. There,
the cat’s out of the bag.
I’ll start with a disclaimer. I do not work
for FMA Direct. I am not sponsored by the
company or anyone else. I told MA Editor
Michael Ramsey that it was going to be
tough writing about this product without
sounding as if I worked for the
manufacturer.
FMA Direct’s new “Model Shop” features
two designs right now: a Cessna 182 and the
FunJet. Mine, shown in a photo, has
“SkyFun” stickers on it, but it is now a
“FunJet.”
The Cessna and FunJet are constructed
from sturdy foam, allowing for those lessthan-
perfect landings, and are available in RTF or ARF form. If you
don’t have a radio, the RTF is a great choice. But since I have my
Spektrum DX7 system, it made sense for me to buy the ARF.
Each model comes with servos installed, along with the new Co-
Pilot II that I’ll cover later. Both airplanes are suitable for beginners,
depending on how you set up your throws, etc.
Each aircraft takes roughly an hour to put together with a bit of
epoxy. They arrive with manuals and nicely done DVDs showing
videos of construction and flying.
The FunJet and the Cessna are suitable for skill levels ranging
from beginner to advanced, but the latter is the better option for a
beginner because of its inherent stability. I chose the FunJet because
I wanted something a little more “sporty.”
The FunJet has a 34.4-inch wingspan, an overall length of 27.5
inches, and a tested flying weight of 19 ounces. It uses a BL250-
1800Kv brushless motor and a BMC 18-amp ESC. The battery is an
1100 mAh, 11.1-volt Li-Poly, and the charger is an AC-powered
two- to three-cell Li-Poly balancing type.
Construction is simple. Glue on the wings, glue on the vertical
stabilizers, and install your receiver. How was that? Honestly, that’s
all there is to it.
The thing that takes longer is charging the included 1100 mAh
Li-Poly battery and balancing charger with AC adapter. To complete
the package, the Co-Pilot II system’s programmer and IRNet Router
are in the box.
The only thing you need to work out is the balance. There are
finger holes under each wing, for launching grips, and to balance it,
you simply hold those and slide the Li-Poly pack back and forth
until the airplane sits level on your fingers. Mark the spot and
Velcro your pack in place.
I made the first flight with the battery a bit too far aft, but the
model was manageable even with that. Now that I’ve slid it forward
FMA Direct’s FunJet ARF and Co-Pilot II
April 2010 97
Greg Gimlick | maelectrics@Electrics gimlick.com
The BL250-1800Kv brushless motor and BMC 18A ESC are already
installed. The 1100 mAh 3S Li-Poly offers plenty of power and a
good amount of flight time.
The ARF version of FMA Direct’s FunJet as it shakes out of the box looking much like
an RTF. It includes everything but the receiver and transmitter.
The FMA Direct Co-Pilot II computer has servo wires plugged
into one side, and its leads are plugged into the receiver. The
system is plug-and-play.
04sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 2/23/10 8:37 AM Page 97
to where it belongs, the FunJet is rock solid. With an
aft CG, it will bob its nose a bit but remain
controllable.
Co-Pilot II Infrared Flight Stabilization System: This
system consists of a CPII computer, Main Sensor,
Vertical Sensor, IRNet Programmer, and IRNet
Router. The computer mounts inside the model. You
plug your servos into that, and then connect the
corresponding wires from the computer to your
receiver.
The IRNet Router can be mounted in the aircraft
and left there or plugged in only for programming and
preflight tasks. The IRNet Programmer is a simple
four-button device with menus to run through simple
setup and preflight or to set preferences such as unit
calibration, stick priority, 3-D modes, etc.
The Vertical Sensor is installed on the airplane so it
has a view of the sky and ground. This allows for
constant updating and recovery from inverted flight.
The Main Sensor can be mounted on top of the
model or underneath it and can be oriented straight
forward or diagonal. That depends on which will give
it a clear view without landing gear, etc. obstructing
one of the sensors.
If you order the FunJet or the Cessna, all of this will
come installed for you. There are videos on FMA
Direct’s Web site to help you if you’re installing it on something
different. Accessories are available to mount the sensors on helicopters
too.
The Co-Pilot II Computer Module measures 1.754 inches long,
1.115 inches wide, 0.460 inch high, and weighs 0.61 ounce. The Main
Sensor is 0.965 inch long, 0.965 inch wide, 0.360 inch high, and
weighs 0.23 ounce.
The system’s Vertical Sensor is 0.965 inch long, 0.701 inch wide,
0.360 inch high, and weighs 0.16 ounce. The IRNet Router is 1.205
inches long, 1.005 inches wide, 0.532 inch high (not including mount
tabs), and weighs 0.26 ounce.
The technology behind how this system manages to do what it does
is beyond the scope of any short article and would require far more
electronic expertise than I have. The down-and-dirty explanation of
how it works involves the sensors and the data they send to the
computer mounted onboard.
The Main Sensor offers accuracy to 1° of the horizon by sensing
the temperature variation between earth and the sky. The Vertical
Sensor constantly updates its readings to the computer, keeping track
of which side is up. Once that is determined (within milliseconds of
98 MODEL AVIATION
IRNet Programmer and router are used to program the Co-
Pilot II before flying. The system can be used for either
airplanes or helicopters.
Once the wires are tucked into the channels, tape neatly covers
them. On the right, tape will need to be trimmed so it doesn’t
interfere with the Vertical Sensor. Plastic servo covers are glued
over the servos.
A close-in flyby shows the location of the sensors relative to flight attitude. No
matter how difficult the condition, the Co-Pilot II returned the model to level
flight every time.
The FunJet is made from durable foam similar to EPP, so it can
take some damage. The package of airplane and flight stabilizer is
a great-flying system.
04sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 2/23/10 8:38 AM Page 98
booting up), the sensor will allow for
immediate recovery from inverted conditions.
If you fly 3-D or hope to, you can install
the Co-Pilot II on a 3-D airplane and program
it for 3-D flight. Once programmed, you can
practice maneuvers and the system will help
stabilize even your worst hover attempts. If
you get into trouble, you can let the system
recover.
Helicopter pilots are not left out of this
either. There are videos and printed
instructions showing how to mount and
program the Co-Pilot II for rotary-wing flight.
Accessories are available to help mount
sensors on tailbooms, etc. The same principles
of infrared detection apply in all modes.
The True Test Is Flying: I set up my Co-Pilot
II so I can turn it on or off from a switch on
my radio. I did the test flight with the system
turned off, because I wanted to trim the model
and be sure it was flying well before trying the
stabilization. The test flight went so well that I
turned on the system within a few minutes of
launch.
I have my airplane set up to be very agile,
and the roll rate is far beyond what I suggest
for a beginner. But hey, I wanted to test the
system. Call me a skeptic—which I was—but
I wanted to see exactly what this system was
capable of performing.
To say that I was surprised by the Co-Pilot
II’s performance is a gross understatement.
Even though I had flown the earlier versions
and knew it was good, I was unprepared for
what this edition would do.
With a flip of the switch, the system was
monitoring everything I did. If I released the
sticks, allowing them to center, the Co-Pilot II
instantly returned the aircraft to level flight.
The more I tested it, the more it impressed me.
Wayne Parrish is an extremely
experienced pilot in my club, and we took
turns trying to put the system in some attitude
in which it would not recover and never found
one. Not only does it recover, but it does it so
fast that it takes you by surprise.
After being somewhat awed by how well
this system performed, I decided that there
would be one final test: landing—hands off.
Yes, I’m aware of the AMA Safety Code;
please don’t send me mail. The flight area was
closed while testing and as safe as we could
make it.
I set up the airplane on approach, reducing
throttle to establish a steady rate of descent.
Once that was done, I flipped on the system
and released everything, leaving the throttle
set as before.
The model did the most beautiful landing
we could hope for. We were stunned.
To prove that it wasn’t a fluke, we
repeated this test four times. The last time, we
videoed it so people would believe us.
Check out my blog for flight videos and
more information about this model and
system. I can’t get over how impressed I am
with the Co-Pilot II. I will be ordering a
second one, to install on one of my
helicopters. MA
Sources:
FMA Direct
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
Greg Gimlick’s blog:
www.gimlick.com/maelectricsblog
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/04
Page Numbers: 97,98,99
I’M TAKING A detour this month and not
discussing wiring, ESCs, etc. I’m writing
this the day before Christmas and feeling
like a kid with a new toy, a couple days
early.
I’ve known about FMA Direct’s
products and used them for many years—
mostly ESCs, batteries, receivers, and
chargers. The company recently introduced
a line of airplanes that comes ready to fly or
ready for your receiver, and the models have
the newest version of the Co-Pilot system
installed.
The old version was impressive, but the
Co-Pilot II absolutely blew me away. There,
the cat’s out of the bag.
I’ll start with a disclaimer. I do not work
for FMA Direct. I am not sponsored by the
company or anyone else. I told MA Editor
Michael Ramsey that it was going to be
tough writing about this product without
sounding as if I worked for the
manufacturer.
FMA Direct’s new “Model Shop” features
two designs right now: a Cessna 182 and the
FunJet. Mine, shown in a photo, has
“SkyFun” stickers on it, but it is now a
“FunJet.”
The Cessna and FunJet are constructed
from sturdy foam, allowing for those lessthan-
perfect landings, and are available in RTF or ARF form. If you
don’t have a radio, the RTF is a great choice. But since I have my
Spektrum DX7 system, it made sense for me to buy the ARF.
Each model comes with servos installed, along with the new Co-
Pilot II that I’ll cover later. Both airplanes are suitable for beginners,
depending on how you set up your throws, etc.
Each aircraft takes roughly an hour to put together with a bit of
epoxy. They arrive with manuals and nicely done DVDs showing
videos of construction and flying.
The FunJet and the Cessna are suitable for skill levels ranging
from beginner to advanced, but the latter is the better option for a
beginner because of its inherent stability. I chose the FunJet because
I wanted something a little more “sporty.”
The FunJet has a 34.4-inch wingspan, an overall length of 27.5
inches, and a tested flying weight of 19 ounces. It uses a BL250-
1800Kv brushless motor and a BMC 18-amp ESC. The battery is an
1100 mAh, 11.1-volt Li-Poly, and the charger is an AC-powered
two- to three-cell Li-Poly balancing type.
Construction is simple. Glue on the wings, glue on the vertical
stabilizers, and install your receiver. How was that? Honestly, that’s
all there is to it.
The thing that takes longer is charging the included 1100 mAh
Li-Poly battery and balancing charger with AC adapter. To complete
the package, the Co-Pilot II system’s programmer and IRNet Router
are in the box.
The only thing you need to work out is the balance. There are
finger holes under each wing, for launching grips, and to balance it,
you simply hold those and slide the Li-Poly pack back and forth
until the airplane sits level on your fingers. Mark the spot and
Velcro your pack in place.
I made the first flight with the battery a bit too far aft, but the
model was manageable even with that. Now that I’ve slid it forward
FMA Direct’s FunJet ARF and Co-Pilot II
April 2010 97
Greg Gimlick | maelectrics@Electrics gimlick.com
The BL250-1800Kv brushless motor and BMC 18A ESC are already
installed. The 1100 mAh 3S Li-Poly offers plenty of power and a
good amount of flight time.
The ARF version of FMA Direct’s FunJet as it shakes out of the box looking much like
an RTF. It includes everything but the receiver and transmitter.
The FMA Direct Co-Pilot II computer has servo wires plugged
into one side, and its leads are plugged into the receiver. The
system is plug-and-play.
04sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 2/23/10 8:37 AM Page 97
to where it belongs, the FunJet is rock solid. With an
aft CG, it will bob its nose a bit but remain
controllable.
Co-Pilot II Infrared Flight Stabilization System: This
system consists of a CPII computer, Main Sensor,
Vertical Sensor, IRNet Programmer, and IRNet
Router. The computer mounts inside the model. You
plug your servos into that, and then connect the
corresponding wires from the computer to your
receiver.
The IRNet Router can be mounted in the aircraft
and left there or plugged in only for programming and
preflight tasks. The IRNet Programmer is a simple
four-button device with menus to run through simple
setup and preflight or to set preferences such as unit
calibration, stick priority, 3-D modes, etc.
The Vertical Sensor is installed on the airplane so it
has a view of the sky and ground. This allows for
constant updating and recovery from inverted flight.
The Main Sensor can be mounted on top of the
model or underneath it and can be oriented straight
forward or diagonal. That depends on which will give
it a clear view without landing gear, etc. obstructing
one of the sensors.
If you order the FunJet or the Cessna, all of this will
come installed for you. There are videos on FMA
Direct’s Web site to help you if you’re installing it on something
different. Accessories are available to mount the sensors on helicopters
too.
The Co-Pilot II Computer Module measures 1.754 inches long,
1.115 inches wide, 0.460 inch high, and weighs 0.61 ounce. The Main
Sensor is 0.965 inch long, 0.965 inch wide, 0.360 inch high, and
weighs 0.23 ounce.
The system’s Vertical Sensor is 0.965 inch long, 0.701 inch wide,
0.360 inch high, and weighs 0.16 ounce. The IRNet Router is 1.205
inches long, 1.005 inches wide, 0.532 inch high (not including mount
tabs), and weighs 0.26 ounce.
The technology behind how this system manages to do what it does
is beyond the scope of any short article and would require far more
electronic expertise than I have. The down-and-dirty explanation of
how it works involves the sensors and the data they send to the
computer mounted onboard.
The Main Sensor offers accuracy to 1° of the horizon by sensing
the temperature variation between earth and the sky. The Vertical
Sensor constantly updates its readings to the computer, keeping track
of which side is up. Once that is determined (within milliseconds of
98 MODEL AVIATION
IRNet Programmer and router are used to program the Co-
Pilot II before flying. The system can be used for either
airplanes or helicopters.
Once the wires are tucked into the channels, tape neatly covers
them. On the right, tape will need to be trimmed so it doesn’t
interfere with the Vertical Sensor. Plastic servo covers are glued
over the servos.
A close-in flyby shows the location of the sensors relative to flight attitude. No
matter how difficult the condition, the Co-Pilot II returned the model to level
flight every time.
The FunJet is made from durable foam similar to EPP, so it can
take some damage. The package of airplane and flight stabilizer is
a great-flying system.
04sig4.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 2/23/10 8:38 AM Page 98
booting up), the sensor will allow for
immediate recovery from inverted conditions.
If you fly 3-D or hope to, you can install
the Co-Pilot II on a 3-D airplane and program
it for 3-D flight. Once programmed, you can
practice maneuvers and the system will help
stabilize even your worst hover attempts. If
you get into trouble, you can let the system
recover.
Helicopter pilots are not left out of this
either. There are videos and printed
instructions showing how to mount and
program the Co-Pilot II for rotary-wing flight.
Accessories are available to help mount
sensors on tailbooms, etc. The same principles
of infrared detection apply in all modes.
The True Test Is Flying: I set up my Co-Pilot
II so I can turn it on or off from a switch on
my radio. I did the test flight with the system
turned off, because I wanted to trim the model
and be sure it was flying well before trying the
stabilization. The test flight went so well that I
turned on the system within a few minutes of
launch.
I have my airplane set up to be very agile,
and the roll rate is far beyond what I suggest
for a beginner. But hey, I wanted to test the
system. Call me a skeptic—which I was—but
I wanted to see exactly what this system was
capable of performing.
To say that I was surprised by the Co-Pilot
II’s performance is a gross understatement.
Even though I had flown the earlier versions
and knew it was good, I was unprepared for
what this edition would do.
With a flip of the switch, the system was
monitoring everything I did. If I released the
sticks, allowing them to center, the Co-Pilot II
instantly returned the aircraft to level flight.
The more I tested it, the more it impressed me.
Wayne Parrish is an extremely
experienced pilot in my club, and we took
turns trying to put the system in some attitude
in which it would not recover and never found
one. Not only does it recover, but it does it so
fast that it takes you by surprise.
After being somewhat awed by how well
this system performed, I decided that there
would be one final test: landing—hands off.
Yes, I’m aware of the AMA Safety Code;
please don’t send me mail. The flight area was
closed while testing and as safe as we could
make it.
I set up the airplane on approach, reducing
throttle to establish a steady rate of descent.
Once that was done, I flipped on the system
and released everything, leaving the throttle
set as before.
The model did the most beautiful landing
we could hope for. We were stunned.
To prove that it wasn’t a fluke, we
repeated this test four times. The last time, we
videoed it so people would believe us.
Check out my blog for flight videos and
more information about this model and
system. I can’t get over how impressed I am
with the Co-Pilot II. I will be ordering a
second one, to install on one of my
helicopters. MA
Sources:
FMA Direct
(800) 343-2934
www.fmadirect.com
Greg Gimlick’s blog:
www.gimlick.com/maelectricsblog