Room Flyers - 2009/03

ROOM FLYING IS a fairly new RC
category that stems from the success of indoor
and slow flyers. Two main virtues of the little
gems are that beginners will find some of
them easy to master and that dedicated experts
can indulge in a flight virtually anywhere at a
moment’s notice. There is no reason not to fly
everyday at home—unless you live in a closet.
This article will cover a broad range of
model types and costs. They are made from
balsa, plastic, foam, and carbon combinations
and range in price from less than $50 to
approximately $300.
These airplanes were first flown from an
armory-gym drill floor with at least a 50 x 50-
foot space. Pylons were set in a 25 x 10-foot
rectangle, for measuring flight speed and
turning radius. On one visit, an Army
helicopter pilot who was there became
intrigued. He ordered a model that night.
I will report on the specifications of and
comments about each aircraft. Then I’ll add
my experiences with the group from the point
of view of an RC pilot with intermediate
skills.
Our Experiences: In all, working with,
flying, and reviewing these 11 aircraft has
been extraordinarily enjoyable. My use of the
words “we” and “our” refers to those who
joined me in the armory.
The biggest variation from my
expectations was that these models are not as
easy to fly in a household as implied in
literature and articles. The transition from a
gym or armory to a living room is a large step.
The Plantraco instruction booklets do suggest
practice in a larger space, and our experience
suggests that several sessions in a space that
is at least 25 x 25 feet is needed.
It is interesting that full-scale pilots don’t
seem to do any better with these models than
novice RC pilots. The skills do not transfer,
although cautions about stalls are present and
are helpful in the learning process.
Experienced RC pilots were able to fly all
the airplanes right away. Two from the local
electric club flew the Plantraco Carbon and
Butterfly and ParkZone Vapor in a roughly
10 x 10-foot space in a gym. The Plantraco P-
40, Revell Piloto, and ParkZone Citabria
required something closer to a 20 x 20-foot
area.
Depending on a pilot’s skill, several
aircraft can be used as room flyers. The
easiest to fly is the blimp, and then a
helicopter, and an airplane is the hardest. The
BP Hobbies Tomitech is easy to fly, but
control is limited to full tight turns. Straight
flight is a challenge and can be achieved by
applying rapid back-and-forth full rudder.
When flying these models, it is a good
idea to have on hand foam-safe cyanoacrylate
adhesive, Duco Cement, Scotch Tape, and
modeling clay. I put a roughly 1cc ball of clay
on each transmitter, to have handy for weight
and balance adjustments. I also carry a dab of
Vaseline to lube helicopter rotor-bearing
surfaces.
Learning Room Flying: The following
comments refer to airplanes. To learn about
aircraft you can fly immediately—not
necessarily well—in a living room, skip
down to the helicopters and the blimp.
If you have access to an RC simulator,
check it out and look for your type of aircraft.
Plantraco models come with an appropriate
simulator that uses your transmitter. Practice
until your skills level off. Plantraco’s Web site
and those of many other manufacturers have
useful videos and tips.
New to RC: You can start your RC career
with a room flyer, but it will probably be
easier and more fun to begin with a slow park
flyer and get help from an experienced friend
or club instructor.
Wherever you practice, use a model with
wheels so you can master small turns coming
toward you while taxiing. This is difficult;
turns away from you are natural, as in a car.
Intermediate and practiced pilots should find a
good indoor space, such as a gym or armory,
and practice progressively tighter turns and
exceedingly slow flight until they get the flight
space down to room size.
The following aircraft are suitable for room
flying and are presented in the order of ease of
flying, from easiest to most difficult.
• Plantraco Carbon: It has a somewhat
delicate covering. Be careful with the
magnetic battery; it can easily drop off when
the model strikes something, as it will in
training. This applies to all of the company’s
room flyers.
This brand uses 900 MHz radios. It is
advisable to glue the propeller hub as
suggested in the instructions.
44 MODEL AVIATION
Above: The Revell Fire Strike withstands
drops and crashes quite well. A fun
activity is to carry little weights such as
clay balls.
Left: An Army helicopter pilot gives the
Fire Strike a go. This model lives up to
the ads; it’s relatively easy to fly and fun
for beginners.
The Carbon is the easiest Plantraco model to fly in a room at 2.5
mph. I like wheel takeoffs and landings. I use a large dining room
table (at one end of a long living room) for the Carbon (and the
Kolibri) and can sometimes even land on the table.
The fact that my wife does not mind seeing these airplanes land
next to the china table objects is a testimonial to their lightness. Check
the adjustable-wing feature if you have trouble attaining level flight.
• Plantraco Butterfly: The lightest of the group, its adjustable-wingand-
fuselage-length feature is handy. Consult the supplied CD and
instructions to learn how to make modifications. The fuselage stick
behind the length-adjustment tube is delicate and likely to break if
bent.
When gluing during repairs, be careful not to seal the tube. Since
this flyer has no wheels, you need to master hand launches and roomsize
turns in a larger space.
• Plantraco Kolibri: This cute little airplane comes apart to fit in a
slim box that you can transport in your jacket pocket. The transmitter
is also small enough to put in a pocket, so you can carry the means of
room flight anywhere.
This model—especially the fuselage stick—is somewhat delicate
out of the box. It flies like the Carbon and the Butterfly.
• ParkZone Vapor: Although it is not as light as the Plantraco models,
the Vapor is an extremely slow flyer because of its large wing area. As
do the Carbon and the Butterfly, it has a delicate covering. We fixed
covering on both brands of airplanes with Duco Cement—but
inelegantly. The manufacturers were asked to include repair covering
and instructions for our use.
The elevator permits level speed control. I learned that it takes
awhile to master the elevator setting for hand-launch flight. Taking off
from a smooth surface is easier but not always available in the typical
room with furniture.
The Vapor’s 3-foot turn radius makes small-room flight a snap
with some practice. With the Bind-N-Fly version, the use of dual rate
on the transmitter is handy for beginners.
• BP Hobbies Tomitech Aero Soarer: Instructions are mainly in oriental
glyphs, but pictures and the few words of English are adequate. This
little airplane is essentially a toy but is fun for several flights and can
be handed to kids and bystanders for their initiation to room flying.
The rudder gives large swings left and right for circles that measure
7-8 feet in diameter, and it is an interesting challenge to go a distance
straight by flicking the rudder control back and forth. The only cat I
flew the Tomitech over became skittish under it.
After charging, run the motor for a few seconds and then charge it
again to boost the battery output. I was getting flights that lasted
roughly 10 seconds before I saw this tip on the BP Hobbies Web site.
Optimum charge gives approximately 45 seconds of flight duration.
There is no battery in the airplane; a capacitor stores the power, and it
cannot be overcharged.
The Tomitech climbs slightly under full power and will porpoise
unless you have the right throttle setting. We’ve found that it is easier
to fly if you put a tiny lump of modeling clay on the nose.
According to an ad, two of these aircraft can be flown together. We
tried, but one infrared control ran both motors.
The remainder of the models are the fastest and hardest to fly in a
small room. As the P-40 Classroom Fighter’s name suggests, it is
designed for a larger space—an intermediate area that is a size between
a room and a gym. At nearly 6.0 mph, room flight is quite tricky but
ultimately doable.
• Plantraco P-40 Classroom Fighter: This is a relatively fast model,
which typically flies at 6-7 mph, and is difficult to fly in a room. It has
a nearly 4-foot turn radius and is fun to fly in a gym or outdoors.
The thin profile permits easy bending. At one time, the P-40 was
making sharp, uncorrectable right turns until we noticed a bend in the
fuselage behind the motor. That was easy to correct.
We flew the Classroom Fighter with 30 mAh batteries that came
with the Plantraco Carbon and Butterfly; 20 or 30 mAh seemed
optional. These cells have the same magnetic connector spacing, while
the blimp cell has wider spacing and is heavier. Tape on the battery to
prevent the risk of loss.
• Revell Piloto: This is a good compromise for a beginner who
could train in a large yard or a gym and ultimately try room flight.
Its 2.6-minute flight time is short but adequate for fun flights.
Charge time is 22 minutes.
03sig2.QXD 1/26/09 11:50 AM Page 44
March 2009 45
Plantraco Carbon Butterfly RTF: For $299.99 + S&H, it
features:
• 7.5-inch wingspan
• .38-gram, two-channel receiver
• GB05 4mm 5:1 gearbox
• Carbon-fiber construction
• Mylar covering
• .22-gram HingeAct actuator
• Built-in low-voltage cutoff
• Aluminum carrying case
Plantraco Butterfly Livingroom Flyer RTF: For $179 +
S&H, it features:
• 6.5-inch wingspan
• .4-gram, two-channel receiver
• GB05 4mm 5:1 gearbox
• Balsawood stick construction
• .22-gram HingeAct actuator
• Colorful tissue covering
• Built-in low-voltage cutoff
Plantraco Kolibri Pocket Plane: For $79.99 + S&H, it
features:
• 8.6-inch wingspan
• .38-gram, two-channel receiver
• GB05 4mm 5:1 gearbox
• Balsa-and-foam construction
• .22-gram HingeAct actuator
• Availability of multiple color schemes
• Built-in low-voltage cutoff
Plantraco P-40 Classroom Fighter: For $89.99 + S&H, it
features:
• 10-inch wingspan
• 1/48 semiscale profile foam construction
• Screen-printing with graphic detail
• .38-gram Micro9 two-channel receiver
• GB05 gearbox
• .22-gram hinge actuator
• Strong paperboard box for portability and storage
ParkZone Vapor: For $129 + S&H with transmitter and $99
+ S&H without transmitter, this model features:
• 14.75-inch wingspan
• Overall length of 15.25 inches
• 0.5-ounce flying weight
• Three-channel 2.4 GHz Spektrum DSM2 technology
• 3.7-volt, 70 mAh Li-Poly battery
• DC charger
BP Hobbies Tomitech Aero Soarer: For $34.95 + S&H,
this aircraft requires three AA alkaline batteries and features:
• 7.75-inch wingspan
• 6.5-inch length
• 3.8-gram weight
• Capacitor power
• Flight times of up to 30 seconds
• Infrared control
• Geared 4mm pager-motor propulsion
• Proportional throttle, magnetic turn actuator
• Charger built into the transmitter
Revell Piloto: For $69.99 + S&H, it requires six AA batteries
and features:
• 8.5-inch wingspan
• 10.75-inch length
• 3.7-volt Li-Poly battery
• Two-channel controller with built-in charger
• .25-ounce flying weight
Tested Models’ Specifications
ParkZone Micro Citabria: For $119.99 + S&H, features
include:
• 16.5-inch wingspan
• 13.25-inch length
• 0.7-ounce flying weight
• 2.4 GHz three-channel transmitter and receiver
• Micro 3.7-volt, 70 mAh Li-Poly battery pack
• 5.28:1 motor gear ratio
• Display stand
• Charger (15- to 20-minute charge time)
Revell Fire Strike Pro RTF: For $79.99 + S&H, this
helicopter requires six AA batteries for the controller and
features:
• 9.0-inch length
• 2.7-inch width
• 4.7-inch height
• Three-channel controller, charger, battery
• Choice of two color schemes
E-flite Blade mCX RTF: For $129 with transmitter and $99
Bind-N-Fly + S&H, this helicopter features:
• Micro size, weight (1 ounce)
• Coaxial, counter-rotating rotor-head design
• Four-channel 2.4 GHz DSM2 transmitter with digital trims, dual
rates
• 5-in-1 control unit
• Fully proportional servos
• 7.5-inch rotor span
Plantraco Blimp: For $129.99 + S&H, this craft requires
helium gas and four AA batteries for the transmitter. It features:
• Micro blimp gondola
• 900 MHz transmitter with Li-Poly charger
• Li-Poly battery
• Balloon
• Ballast
• 20-inch diameter
• 10- to 12-gram weight
Plantraco Notes
All of this company’s model packages featured in this article
include:
• HFX900 four-channel transmitter that has six user-selectable
frequencies
• Built-in Li-Poly Bahoma charger (22-minute charge time)
• Ability to connect to FMS flight simulator
• 900 MHz ISM band USA, 868 MHz Europe
• Requirement of four AA cells
• CD-ROM with freeware for FMS flight simulator
• Instructional videos and manual
• 30 mAh, 0.9-gram Li-Poly Bahoma battery
• FMS computer interface cable
Additional aircraft can be purchased and are compatible with
the HFX900 transmitter. Spare batteries are $14.99 each. The
transmitter and battery are compatible with many of the airplanes
and work with the Carbon Butterfly, Butterfly, Kolibri, and P-40.
The blimp requires a different charger or a transmitter that is
equipped to charge the larger 90 mAh battery.
The airplanes can be purchased without the case, and the
transmitter and batteries can be purchased separately. The carrying
case is handy. Since its interiors are versatile and the models can be
synchronized to a transmitter, a flier who wants variety can
purchase several aircraft and carry the one of his or her choice.
The HFX Air Model 2 Transmitter is built for Plantraco 900
MHz airplane receivers. A 5mm Bahoma charger connector is
available for $59.99. Replacement LP30 (30 mAh) batteries are
$14.99. MA
—Frank Mandriota
03sig2.QXD 1/26/09 11:42 AM Page 45
The Piloto is a good, versatile
flyer that is easy to adjust (with clay
and/or elevator bending) for level
flying. Full throttle is required to
maintain level flight. With its
roughly 4.5-foot turn radius, be
careful in smaller rooms.
The instructions are clear
with good pictures, but there is
no indication of the airplane’s
on switch direction. A dim green
light comes on when you move
the switch to the right. I marked the
on position as a reminder.
• ParkZone Micro Citabria RTF: Available
in a choice of three trim schemes, this is a
micro-size yet powerful version of the
classic that is renowned for its aerobatic
capabilities.
The Micro Citabria’s compact design
makes it a natural for flying indoors, and
its three-channel, 2.4 GHz radio
technology allows multiple airplanes to be
flown at the same time. Because of this
model’s oversized horizontal stabilizer, it is
also a relatively slow-flying aircraft (at
roughly 4.5 mph), so flying in smaller spaces
can be done.
A 5.5-foot turn radius makes flying
difficult in less than huge rooms. The Micro
Citabria is the only scale aircraft in the
group besides the Revell helicopter; since
the charger doubles as a display stand, it is a
good centerpiece for dinner with flying
buddies.
• Revell Fire Strike Pro RTF Helicopter:
Because of their agility, helicopters can be
challenging for beginners. This model might
take awhile to learn to fly gracefully. A
queen-size bed makes a good beginner’s
landing zone.
An early and valuable step with this
helicopter is trimming for nonaxial-rotation
flight. Once you have that done, learn to
hover a few inches above a table using slow
throttle advance. Make note of that throttle
position, because it will be the one to use for
most of your flight time. It is easy to goof
on that early on, but this aircraft withstands
drops and crashes quite well.
A fun activity is carrying little weights
such as clay balls with your Fire Strike. The
provided batteries get low after 10 flights. It
is difficult to fly and trim for straight flight,
and the forward or backward speeds we
achieved were much lower than shown in
the manufacturer’s videos.
• E-flite Blade mCX RTF: As does the
ParkZone Vapor, this model uses DSM2
radio technology and can be purchased with
or without a four-channel transmitter. The
3.7-volt, 110 mAh battery’s charge time was
roughly 20 minutes, with a five-minute
flight time.
The mCX is relatively maneuverable,
thanks to its variable swashplate mixing, but
it proved to be somewhat more delicate. On
an inadvertent power-off drop, a little arm
off the rotor stabilizer hub broke. I secured
it with cyanoacrylate and put a thin layer of
epoxy around the base of the hub. It has
been flown since.
On a smooth floor, the mCX can sort of
taxi and slide around upright. It will tip
over on a rug unless powered fairly high to
take off quickly. Then adjust power for a
hover.
I was able to trim the model to achieve
a hands-off hover that lasted 10 seconds. It
was difficult to forward-trim it enough for
hover, but the tiny piece of clay I added to
the nose did the trick. Be sure to push the
battery all the way forward in its holder.
This aircraft lives up to the ads that
describe it as relatively easy to fly and
quite a bit of fun for beginners.
The dry-cell charger batteries run down
sooner than the four AA transmitter
batteries. When I saw the charger voltage
at 1.38 volts per cell and the transmitter’s
four batteries at 1.52 volts each, I swapped
them. I detected no noticeable change in
transmitter range with the weaker AA cells.
• Plantraco Blimp: Once set up, filled, and
balanced, this model is ready to fly. Initial
flight is awkward, and it takes two or three
attempts to get the hang of control up and
down, forward and back, and proper graceful
flight.
The helium is not included, but party
stores sell disposable tanks for approximately
$30. The little blimp loses enough helium in
three days to need more.
In the meantime, you can adjust the weight
by adding or removing tiny rod magnets from
a provided washer. I suggest that you fill this
flyer amply, balance it with coins (dimes or
pennies) taped on, and remove them as
needed as helium is lost.
This aircraft’s flight duration varies from
roughly 5-8 minutes, depending on
configuration (gondola cover on or off) and
how well it is adjusted for weight. If it is not
properly buoyant to stay at a constant altitude,
the vertical motor run will reduce flight time.
You can prolong flight time with slow
movement and rests.
I agree with Plantraco that this makes a
practical RC trainer. It is useful for conveying
some flying concepts and getting newcomers
interested in radio-controlled flight.
Helium tanks have a turn-off valve and a
valve in the rubber filling tip that must be bent
to open and fill. However, it is not a complete
seal. Remember to turn off the valve or
helium will be lost.
Room flyers are well worth thorough
investigation. They seem to appeal to
nonfliers more than other airplanes do.
I just returned from my dentist, who
noticed my notebook computer that was on
standby from working on this article in the
waiting room. Upon learning what I was
doing, he asked to see the pictures and
requested a link to the model dealers’ Web
sites. It is great to see continuous evolution in
RC aviation. MA
Frank J. Mandriota
[email protected]
Sources:
E-flite
(800) 338-4639
www.e-fliterc.com
BP Hobbies
(732) 287-3933
www.bphobbies.com
Plantraco
(306) 955-1836
www.plantraco.com
ParkZone (distributed by Horizon Hobby)
(800) 338-4639
www.parkzone.com
Revell (distributed by Hobbico)
(800) 833-3570
www.revell.com

ROOM FLYING IS a fairly new RC
category that stems from the success of indoor
and slow flyers. Two main virtues of the little
gems are that beginners will find some of
them easy to master and that dedicated experts
can indulge in a flight virtually anywhere at a
moment’s notice. There is no reason not to fly
everyday at home—unless you live in a closet.
This article will cover a broad range of
model types and costs. They are made from
balsa, plastic, foam, and carbon combinations
and range in price from less than $50 to
approximately $300.
These airplanes were first flown from an
armory-gym drill floor with at least a 50 x 50-
foot space. Pylons were set in a 25 x 10-foot
rectangle, for measuring flight speed and
turning radius. On one visit, an Army
helicopter pilot who was there became
intrigued. He ordered a model that night.
I will report on the specifications of and
comments about each aircraft. Then I’ll add
my experiences with the group from the point
of view of an RC pilot with intermediate
skills.
Our Experiences: In all, working with,
flying, and reviewing these 11 aircraft has
been extraordinarily enjoyable. My use of the
words “we” and “our” refers to those who
joined me in the armory.
The biggest variation from my
expectations was that these models are not as
easy to fly in a household as implied in
literature and articles. The transition from a
gym or armory to a living room is a large step.
The Plantraco instruction booklets do suggest
practice in a larger space, and our experience
suggests that several sessions in a space that
is at least 25 x 25 feet is needed.
It is interesting that full-scale pilots don’t
seem to do any better with these models than
novice RC pilots. The skills do not transfer,
although cautions about stalls are present and
are helpful in the learning process.
Experienced RC pilots were able to fly all
the airplanes right away. Two from the local
electric club flew the Plantraco Carbon and
Butterfly and ParkZone Vapor in a roughly
10 x 10-foot space in a gym. The Plantraco P-
40, Revell Piloto, and ParkZone Citabria
required something closer to a 20 x 20-foot
area.
Depending on a pilot’s skill, several
aircraft can be used as room flyers. The
easiest to fly is the blimp, and then a
helicopter, and an airplane is the hardest. The
BP Hobbies Tomitech is easy to fly, but
control is limited to full tight turns. Straight
flight is a challenge and can be achieved by
applying rapid back-and-forth full rudder.
When flying these models, it is a good
idea to have on hand foam-safe cyanoacrylate
adhesive, Duco Cement, Scotch Tape, and
modeling clay. I put a roughly 1cc ball of clay
on each transmitter, to have handy for weight
and balance adjustments. I also carry a dab of
Vaseline to lube helicopter rotor-bearing
surfaces.
Learning Room Flying: The following
comments refer to airplanes. To learn about
aircraft you can fly immediately—not
necessarily well—in a living room, skip
down to the helicopters and the blimp.
If you have access to an RC simulator,
check it out and look for your type of aircraft.
Plantraco models come with an appropriate
simulator that uses your transmitter. Practice
until your skills level off. Plantraco’s Web site
and those of many other manufacturers have
useful videos and tips.
New to RC: You can start your RC career
with a room flyer, but it will probably be
easier and more fun to begin with a slow park
flyer and get help from an experienced friend
or club instructor.
Wherever you practice, use a model with
wheels so you can master small turns coming
toward you while taxiing. This is difficult;
turns away from you are natural, as in a car.
Intermediate and practiced pilots should find a
good indoor space, such as a gym or armory,
and practice progressively tighter turns and
exceedingly slow flight until they get the flight
space down to room size.
The following aircraft are suitable for room
flying and are presented in the order of ease of
flying, from easiest to most difficult.
• Plantraco Carbon: It has a somewhat
delicate covering. Be careful with the
magnetic battery; it can easily drop off when
the model strikes something, as it will in
training. This applies to all of the company’s
room flyers.
This brand uses 900 MHz radios. It is
advisable to glue the propeller hub as
suggested in the instructions.
44 MODEL AVIATION
Above: The Revell Fire Strike withstands
drops and crashes quite well. A fun
activity is to carry little weights such as
clay balls.
Left: An Army helicopter pilot gives the
Fire Strike a go. This model lives up to
the ads; it’s relatively easy to fly and fun
for beginners.
The Carbon is the easiest Plantraco model to fly in a room at 2.5
mph. I like wheel takeoffs and landings. I use a large dining room
table (at one end of a long living room) for the Carbon (and the
Kolibri) and can sometimes even land on the table.
The fact that my wife does not mind seeing these airplanes land
next to the china table objects is a testimonial to their lightness. Check
the adjustable-wing feature if you have trouble attaining level flight.
• Plantraco Butterfly: The lightest of the group, its adjustable-wingand-
fuselage-length feature is handy. Consult the supplied CD and
instructions to learn how to make modifications. The fuselage stick
behind the length-adjustment tube is delicate and likely to break if
bent.
When gluing during repairs, be careful not to seal the tube. Since
this flyer has no wheels, you need to master hand launches and roomsize
turns in a larger space.
• Plantraco Kolibri: This cute little airplane comes apart to fit in a
slim box that you can transport in your jacket pocket. The transmitter
is also small enough to put in a pocket, so you can carry the means of
room flight anywhere.
This model—especially the fuselage stick—is somewhat delicate
out of the box. It flies like the Carbon and the Butterfly.
• ParkZone Vapor: Although it is not as light as the Plantraco models,
the Vapor is an extremely slow flyer because of its large wing area. As
do the Carbon and the Butterfly, it has a delicate covering. We fixed
covering on both brands of airplanes with Duco Cement—but
inelegantly. The manufacturers were asked to include repair covering
and instructions for our use.
The elevator permits level speed control. I learned that it takes
awhile to master the elevator setting for hand-launch flight. Taking off
from a smooth surface is easier but not always available in the typical
room with furniture.
The Vapor’s 3-foot turn radius makes small-room flight a snap
with some practice. With the Bind-N-Fly version, the use of dual rate
on the transmitter is handy for beginners.
• BP Hobbies Tomitech Aero Soarer: Instructions are mainly in oriental
glyphs, but pictures and the few words of English are adequate. This
little airplane is essentially a toy but is fun for several flights and can
be handed to kids and bystanders for their initiation to room flying.
The rudder gives large swings left and right for circles that measure
7-8 feet in diameter, and it is an interesting challenge to go a distance
straight by flicking the rudder control back and forth. The only cat I
flew the Tomitech over became skittish under it.
After charging, run the motor for a few seconds and then charge it
again to boost the battery output. I was getting flights that lasted
roughly 10 seconds before I saw this tip on the BP Hobbies Web site.
Optimum charge gives approximately 45 seconds of flight duration.
There is no battery in the airplane; a capacitor stores the power, and it
cannot be overcharged.
The Tomitech climbs slightly under full power and will porpoise
unless you have the right throttle setting. We’ve found that it is easier
to fly if you put a tiny lump of modeling clay on the nose.
According to an ad, two of these aircraft can be flown together. We
tried, but one infrared control ran both motors.
The remainder of the models are the fastest and hardest to fly in a
small room. As the P-40 Classroom Fighter’s name suggests, it is
designed for a larger space—an intermediate area that is a size between
a room and a gym. At nearly 6.0 mph, room flight is quite tricky but
ultimately doable.
• Plantraco P-40 Classroom Fighter: This is a relatively fast model,
which typically flies at 6-7 mph, and is difficult to fly in a room. It has
a nearly 4-foot turn radius and is fun to fly in a gym or outdoors.
The thin profile permits easy bending. At one time, the P-40 was
making sharp, uncorrectable right turns until we noticed a bend in the
fuselage behind the motor. That was easy to correct.
We flew the Classroom Fighter with 30 mAh batteries that came
with the Plantraco Carbon and Butterfly; 20 or 30 mAh seemed
optional. These cells have the same magnetic connector spacing, while
the blimp cell has wider spacing and is heavier. Tape on the battery to
prevent the risk of loss.
• Revell Piloto: This is a good compromise for a beginner who
could train in a large yard or a gym and ultimately try room flight.
Its 2.6-minute flight time is short but adequate for fun flights.
Charge time is 22 minutes.
03sig2.QXD 1/26/09 11:50 AM Page 44
March 2009 45
Plantraco Carbon Butterfly RTF: For $299.99 + S&H, it
features:
• 7.5-inch wingspan
• .38-gram, two-channel receiver
• GB05 4mm 5:1 gearbox
• Carbon-fiber construction
• Mylar covering
• .22-gram HingeAct actuator
• Built-in low-voltage cutoff
• Aluminum carrying case
Plantraco Butterfly Livingroom Flyer RTF: For $179 +
S&H, it features:
• 6.5-inch wingspan
• .4-gram, two-channel receiver
• GB05 4mm 5:1 gearbox
• Balsawood stick construction
• .22-gram HingeAct actuator
• Colorful tissue covering
• Built-in low-voltage cutoff
Plantraco Kolibri Pocket Plane: For $79.99 + S&H, it
features:
• 8.6-inch wingspan
• .38-gram, two-channel receiver
• GB05 4mm 5:1 gearbox
• Balsa-and-foam construction
• .22-gram HingeAct actuator
• Availability of multiple color schemes
• Built-in low-voltage cutoff
Plantraco P-40 Classroom Fighter: For $89.99 + S&H, it
features:
• 10-inch wingspan
• 1/48 semiscale profile foam construction
• Screen-printing with graphic detail
• .38-gram Micro9 two-channel receiver
• GB05 gearbox
• .22-gram hinge actuator
• Strong paperboard box for portability and storage
ParkZone Vapor: For $129 + S&H with transmitter and $99
+ S&H without transmitter, this model features:
• 14.75-inch wingspan
• Overall length of 15.25 inches
• 0.5-ounce flying weight
• Three-channel 2.4 GHz Spektrum DSM2 technology
• 3.7-volt, 70 mAh Li-Poly battery
• DC charger
BP Hobbies Tomitech Aero Soarer: For $34.95 + S&H,
this aircraft requires three AA alkaline batteries and features:
• 7.75-inch wingspan
• 6.5-inch length
• 3.8-gram weight
• Capacitor power
• Flight times of up to 30 seconds
• Infrared control
• Geared 4mm pager-motor propulsion
• Proportional throttle, magnetic turn actuator
• Charger built into the transmitter
Revell Piloto: For $69.99 + S&H, it requires six AA batteries
and features:
• 8.5-inch wingspan
• 10.75-inch length
• 3.7-volt Li-Poly battery
• Two-channel controller with built-in charger
• .25-ounce flying weight
Tested Models’ Specifications
ParkZone Micro Citabria: For $119.99 + S&H, features
include:
• 16.5-inch wingspan
• 13.25-inch length
• 0.7-ounce flying weight
• 2.4 GHz three-channel transmitter and receiver
• Micro 3.7-volt, 70 mAh Li-Poly battery pack
• 5.28:1 motor gear ratio
• Display stand
• Charger (15- to 20-minute charge time)
Revell Fire Strike Pro RTF: For $79.99 + S&H, this
helicopter requires six AA batteries for the controller and
features:
• 9.0-inch length
• 2.7-inch width
• 4.7-inch height
• Three-channel controller, charger, battery
• Choice of two color schemes
E-flite Blade mCX RTF: For $129 with transmitter and $99
Bind-N-Fly + S&H, this helicopter features:
• Micro size, weight (1 ounce)
• Coaxial, counter-rotating rotor-head design
• Four-channel 2.4 GHz DSM2 transmitter with digital trims, dual
rates
• 5-in-1 control unit
• Fully proportional servos
• 7.5-inch rotor span
Plantraco Blimp: For $129.99 + S&H, this craft requires
helium gas and four AA batteries for the transmitter. It features:
• Micro blimp gondola
• 900 MHz transmitter with Li-Poly charger
• Li-Poly battery
• Balloon
• Ballast
• 20-inch diameter
• 10- to 12-gram weight
Plantraco Notes
All of this company’s model packages featured in this article
include:
• HFX900 four-channel transmitter that has six user-selectable
frequencies
• Built-in Li-Poly Bahoma charger (22-minute charge time)
• Ability to connect to FMS flight simulator
• 900 MHz ISM band USA, 868 MHz Europe
• Requirement of four AA cells
• CD-ROM with freeware for FMS flight simulator
• Instructional videos and manual
• 30 mAh, 0.9-gram Li-Poly Bahoma battery
• FMS computer interface cable
Additional aircraft can be purchased and are compatible with
the HFX900 transmitter. Spare batteries are $14.99 each. The
transmitter and battery are compatible with many of the airplanes
and work with the Carbon Butterfly, Butterfly, Kolibri, and P-40.
The blimp requires a different charger or a transmitter that is
equipped to charge the larger 90 mAh battery.
The airplanes can be purchased without the case, and the
transmitter and batteries can be purchased separately. The carrying
case is handy. Since its interiors are versatile and the models can be
synchronized to a transmitter, a flier who wants variety can
purchase several aircraft and carry the one of his or her choice.
The HFX Air Model 2 Transmitter is built for Plantraco 900
MHz airplane receivers. A 5mm Bahoma charger connector is
available for $59.99. Replacement LP30 (30 mAh) batteries are
$14.99. MA
—Frank Mandriota
03sig2.QXD 1/26/09 11:42 AM Page 45
The Piloto is a good, versatile
flyer that is easy to adjust (with clay
and/or elevator bending) for level
flying. Full throttle is required to
maintain level flight. With its
roughly 4.5-foot turn radius, be
careful in smaller rooms.
The instructions are clear
with good pictures, but there is
no indication of the airplane’s
on switch direction. A dim green
light comes on when you move
the switch to the right. I marked the
on position as a reminder.
• ParkZone Micro Citabria RTF: Available
in a choice of three trim schemes, this is a
micro-size yet powerful version of the
classic that is renowned for its aerobatic
capabilities.
The Micro Citabria’s compact design
makes it a natural for flying indoors, and
its three-channel, 2.4 GHz radio
technology allows multiple airplanes to be
flown at the same time. Because of this
model’s oversized horizontal stabilizer, it is
also a relatively slow-flying aircraft (at
roughly 4.5 mph), so flying in smaller spaces
can be done.
A 5.5-foot turn radius makes flying
difficult in less than huge rooms. The Micro
Citabria is the only scale aircraft in the
group besides the Revell helicopter; since
the charger doubles as a display stand, it is a
good centerpiece for dinner with flying
buddies.
• Revell Fire Strike Pro RTF Helicopter:
Because of their agility, helicopters can be
challenging for beginners. This model might
take awhile to learn to fly gracefully. A
queen-size bed makes a good beginner’s
landing zone.
An early and valuable step with this
helicopter is trimming for nonaxial-rotation
flight. Once you have that done, learn to
hover a few inches above a table using slow
throttle advance. Make note of that throttle
position, because it will be the one to use for
most of your flight time. It is easy to goof
on that early on, but this aircraft withstands
drops and crashes quite well.
A fun activity is carrying little weights
such as clay balls with your Fire Strike. The
provided batteries get low after 10 flights. It
is difficult to fly and trim for straight flight,
and the forward or backward speeds we
achieved were much lower than shown in
the manufacturer’s videos.
• E-flite Blade mCX RTF: As does the
ParkZone Vapor, this model uses DSM2
radio technology and can be purchased with
or without a four-channel transmitter. The
3.7-volt, 110 mAh battery’s charge time was
roughly 20 minutes, with a five-minute
flight time.
The mCX is relatively maneuverable,
thanks to its variable swashplate mixing, but
it proved to be somewhat more delicate. On
an inadvertent power-off drop, a little arm
off the rotor stabilizer hub broke. I secured
it with cyanoacrylate and put a thin layer of
epoxy around the base of the hub. It has
been flown since.
On a smooth floor, the mCX can sort of
taxi and slide around upright. It will tip
over on a rug unless powered fairly high to
take off quickly. Then adjust power for a
hover.
I was able to trim the model to achieve
a hands-off hover that lasted 10 seconds. It
was difficult to forward-trim it enough for
hover, but the tiny piece of clay I added to
the nose did the trick. Be sure to push the
battery all the way forward in its holder.
This aircraft lives up to the ads that
describe it as relatively easy to fly and
quite a bit of fun for beginners.
The dry-cell charger batteries run down
sooner than the four AA transmitter
batteries. When I saw the charger voltage
at 1.38 volts per cell and the transmitter’s
four batteries at 1.52 volts each, I swapped
them. I detected no noticeable change in
transmitter range with the weaker AA cells.
• Plantraco Blimp: Once set up, filled, and
balanced, this model is ready to fly. Initial
flight is awkward, and it takes two or three
attempts to get the hang of control up and
down, forward and back, and proper graceful
flight.
The helium is not included, but party
stores sell disposable tanks for approximately
$30. The little blimp loses enough helium in
three days to need more.
In the meantime, you can adjust the weight
by adding or removing tiny rod magnets from
a provided washer. I suggest that you fill this
flyer amply, balance it with coins (dimes or
pennies) taped on, and remove them as
needed as helium is lost.
This aircraft’s flight duration varies from
roughly 5-8 minutes, depending on
configuration (gondola cover on or off) and
how well it is adjusted for weight. If it is not
properly buoyant to stay at a constant altitude,
the vertical motor run will reduce flight time.
You can prolong flight time with slow
movement and rests.
I agree with Plantraco that this makes a
practical RC trainer. It is useful for conveying
some flying concepts and getting newcomers
interested in radio-controlled flight.
Helium tanks have a turn-off valve and a
valve in the rubber filling tip that must be bent
to open and fill. However, it is not a complete
seal. Remember to turn off the valve or
helium will be lost.
Room flyers are well worth thorough
investigation. They seem to appeal to
nonfliers more than other airplanes do.
I just returned from my dentist, who
noticed my notebook computer that was on
standby from working on this article in the
waiting room. Upon learning what I was
doing, he asked to see the pictures and
requested a link to the model dealers’ Web
sites. It is great to see continuous evolution in
RC aviation. MA
Frank J. Mandriota
[email protected]
Sources:
E-flite
(800) 338-4639
www.e-fliterc.com
BP Hobbies
(732) 287-3933
www.bphobbies.com
Plantraco
(306) 955-1836
www.plantraco.com
ParkZone (distributed by Horizon Hobby)
(800) 338-4639
www.parkzone.com
Revell (distributed by Hobbico)
(800) 833-3570
www.revell.com

ROOM FLYING IS a fairly new RC
category that stems from the success of indoor
and slow flyers. Two main virtues of the little
gems are that beginners will find some of
them easy to master and that dedicated experts
can indulge in a flight virtually anywhere at a
moment’s notice. There is no reason not to fly
everyday at home—unless you live in a closet.
This article will cover a broad range of
model types and costs. They are made from
balsa, plastic, foam, and carbon combinations
and range in price from less than $50 to
approximately $300.
These airplanes were first flown from an
armory-gym drill floor with at least a 50 x 50-
foot space. Pylons were set in a 25 x 10-foot
rectangle, for measuring flight speed and
turning radius. On one visit, an Army
helicopter pilot who was there became
intrigued. He ordered a model that night.
I will report on the specifications of and
comments about each aircraft. Then I’ll add
my experiences with the group from the point
of view of an RC pilot with intermediate
skills.
Our Experiences: In all, working with,
flying, and reviewing these 11 aircraft has
been extraordinarily enjoyable. My use of the
words “we” and “our” refers to those who
joined me in the armory.
The biggest variation from my
expectations was that these models are not as
easy to fly in a household as implied in
literature and articles. The transition from a
gym or armory to a living room is a large step.
The Plantraco instruction booklets do suggest
practice in a larger space, and our experience
suggests that several sessions in a space that
is at least 25 x 25 feet is needed.
It is interesting that full-scale pilots don’t
seem to do any better with these models than
novice RC pilots. The skills do not transfer,
although cautions about stalls are present and
are helpful in the learning process.
Experienced RC pilots were able to fly all
the airplanes right away. Two from the local
electric club flew the Plantraco Carbon and
Butterfly and ParkZone Vapor in a roughly
10 x 10-foot space in a gym. The Plantraco P-
40, Revell Piloto, and ParkZone Citabria
required something closer to a 20 x 20-foot
area.
Depending on a pilot’s skill, several
aircraft can be used as room flyers. The
easiest to fly is the blimp, and then a
helicopter, and an airplane is the hardest. The
BP Hobbies Tomitech is easy to fly, but
control is limited to full tight turns. Straight
flight is a challenge and can be achieved by
applying rapid back-and-forth full rudder.
When flying these models, it is a good
idea to have on hand foam-safe cyanoacrylate
adhesive, Duco Cement, Scotch Tape, and
modeling clay. I put a roughly 1cc ball of clay
on each transmitter, to have handy for weight
and balance adjustments. I also carry a dab of
Vaseline to lube helicopter rotor-bearing
surfaces.
Learning Room Flying: The following
comments refer to airplanes. To learn about
aircraft you can fly immediately—not
necessarily well—in a living room, skip
down to the helicopters and the blimp.
If you have access to an RC simulator,
check it out and look for your type of aircraft.
Plantraco models come with an appropriate
simulator that uses your transmitter. Practice
until your skills level off. Plantraco’s Web site
and those of many other manufacturers have
useful videos and tips.
New to RC: You can start your RC career
with a room flyer, but it will probably be
easier and more fun to begin with a slow park
flyer and get help from an experienced friend
or club instructor.
Wherever you practice, use a model with
wheels so you can master small turns coming
toward you while taxiing. This is difficult;
turns away from you are natural, as in a car.
Intermediate and practiced pilots should find a
good indoor space, such as a gym or armory,
and practice progressively tighter turns and
exceedingly slow flight until they get the flight
space down to room size.
The following aircraft are suitable for room
flying and are presented in the order of ease of
flying, from easiest to most difficult.
• Plantraco Carbon: It has a somewhat
delicate covering. Be careful with the
magnetic battery; it can easily drop off when
the model strikes something, as it will in
training. This applies to all of the company’s
room flyers.
This brand uses 900 MHz radios. It is
advisable to glue the propeller hub as
suggested in the instructions.
44 MODEL AVIATION
Above: The Revell Fire Strike withstands
drops and crashes quite well. A fun
activity is to carry little weights such as
clay balls.
Left: An Army helicopter pilot gives the
Fire Strike a go. This model lives up to
the ads; it’s relatively easy to fly and fun
for beginners.
The Carbon is the easiest Plantraco model to fly in a room at 2.5
mph. I like wheel takeoffs and landings. I use a large dining room
table (at one end of a long living room) for the Carbon (and the
Kolibri) and can sometimes even land on the table.
The fact that my wife does not mind seeing these airplanes land
next to the china table objects is a testimonial to their lightness. Check
the adjustable-wing feature if you have trouble attaining level flight.
• Plantraco Butterfly: The lightest of the group, its adjustable-wingand-
fuselage-length feature is handy. Consult the supplied CD and
instructions to learn how to make modifications. The fuselage stick
behind the length-adjustment tube is delicate and likely to break if
bent.
When gluing during repairs, be careful not to seal the tube. Since
this flyer has no wheels, you need to master hand launches and roomsize
turns in a larger space.
• Plantraco Kolibri: This cute little airplane comes apart to fit in a
slim box that you can transport in your jacket pocket. The transmitter
is also small enough to put in a pocket, so you can carry the means of
room flight anywhere.
This model—especially the fuselage stick—is somewhat delicate
out of the box. It flies like the Carbon and the Butterfly.
• ParkZone Vapor: Although it is not as light as the Plantraco models,
the Vapor is an extremely slow flyer because of its large wing area. As
do the Carbon and the Butterfly, it has a delicate covering. We fixed
covering on both brands of airplanes with Duco Cement—but
inelegantly. The manufacturers were asked to include repair covering
and instructions for our use.
The elevator permits level speed control. I learned that it takes
awhile to master the elevator setting for hand-launch flight. Taking off
from a smooth surface is easier but not always available in the typical
room with furniture.
The Vapor’s 3-foot turn radius makes small-room flight a snap
with some practice. With the Bind-N-Fly version, the use of dual rate
on the transmitter is handy for beginners.
• BP Hobbies Tomitech Aero Soarer: Instructions are mainly in oriental
glyphs, but pictures and the few words of English are adequate. This
little airplane is essentially a toy but is fun for several flights and can
be handed to kids and bystanders for their initiation to room flying.
The rudder gives large swings left and right for circles that measure
7-8 feet in diameter, and it is an interesting challenge to go a distance
straight by flicking the rudder control back and forth. The only cat I
flew the Tomitech over became skittish under it.
After charging, run the motor for a few seconds and then charge it
again to boost the battery output. I was getting flights that lasted
roughly 10 seconds before I saw this tip on the BP Hobbies Web site.
Optimum charge gives approximately 45 seconds of flight duration.
There is no battery in the airplane; a capacitor stores the power, and it
cannot be overcharged.
The Tomitech climbs slightly under full power and will porpoise
unless you have the right throttle setting. We’ve found that it is easier
to fly if you put a tiny lump of modeling clay on the nose.
According to an ad, two of these aircraft can be flown together. We
tried, but one infrared control ran both motors.
The remainder of the models are the fastest and hardest to fly in a
small room. As the P-40 Classroom Fighter’s name suggests, it is
designed for a larger space—an intermediate area that is a size between
a room and a gym. At nearly 6.0 mph, room flight is quite tricky but
ultimately doable.
• Plantraco P-40 Classroom Fighter: This is a relatively fast model,
which typically flies at 6-7 mph, and is difficult to fly in a room. It has
a nearly 4-foot turn radius and is fun to fly in a gym or outdoors.
The thin profile permits easy bending. At one time, the P-40 was
making sharp, uncorrectable right turns until we noticed a bend in the
fuselage behind the motor. That was easy to correct.
We flew the Classroom Fighter with 30 mAh batteries that came
with the Plantraco Carbon and Butterfly; 20 or 30 mAh seemed
optional. These cells have the same magnetic connector spacing, while
the blimp cell has wider spacing and is heavier. Tape on the battery to
prevent the risk of loss.
• Revell Piloto: This is a good compromise for a beginner who
could train in a large yard or a gym and ultimately try room flight.
Its 2.6-minute flight time is short but adequate for fun flights.
Charge time is 22 minutes.
03sig2.QXD 1/26/09 11:50 AM Page 44
March 2009 45
Plantraco Carbon Butterfly RTF: For $299.99 + S&H, it
features:
• 7.5-inch wingspan
• .38-gram, two-channel receiver
• GB05 4mm 5:1 gearbox
• Carbon-fiber construction
• Mylar covering
• .22-gram HingeAct actuator
• Built-in low-voltage cutoff
• Aluminum carrying case
Plantraco Butterfly Livingroom Flyer RTF: For $179 +
S&H, it features:
• 6.5-inch wingspan
• .4-gram, two-channel receiver
• GB05 4mm 5:1 gearbox
• Balsawood stick construction
• .22-gram HingeAct actuator
• Colorful tissue covering
• Built-in low-voltage cutoff
Plantraco Kolibri Pocket Plane: For $79.99 + S&H, it
features:
• 8.6-inch wingspan
• .38-gram, two-channel receiver
• GB05 4mm 5:1 gearbox
• Balsa-and-foam construction
• .22-gram HingeAct actuator
• Availability of multiple color schemes
• Built-in low-voltage cutoff
Plantraco P-40 Classroom Fighter: For $89.99 + S&H, it
features:
• 10-inch wingspan
• 1/48 semiscale profile foam construction
• Screen-printing with graphic detail
• .38-gram Micro9 two-channel receiver
• GB05 gearbox
• .22-gram hinge actuator
• Strong paperboard box for portability and storage
ParkZone Vapor: For $129 + S&H with transmitter and $99
+ S&H without transmitter, this model features:
• 14.75-inch wingspan
• Overall length of 15.25 inches
• 0.5-ounce flying weight
• Three-channel 2.4 GHz Spektrum DSM2 technology
• 3.7-volt, 70 mAh Li-Poly battery
• DC charger
BP Hobbies Tomitech Aero Soarer: For $34.95 + S&H,
this aircraft requires three AA alkaline batteries and features:
• 7.75-inch wingspan
• 6.5-inch length
• 3.8-gram weight
• Capacitor power
• Flight times of up to 30 seconds
• Infrared control
• Geared 4mm pager-motor propulsion
• Proportional throttle, magnetic turn actuator
• Charger built into the transmitter
Revell Piloto: For $69.99 + S&H, it requires six AA batteries
and features:
• 8.5-inch wingspan
• 10.75-inch length
• 3.7-volt Li-Poly battery
• Two-channel controller with built-in charger
• .25-ounce flying weight
Tested Models’ Specifications
ParkZone Micro Citabria: For $119.99 + S&H, features
include:
• 16.5-inch wingspan
• 13.25-inch length
• 0.7-ounce flying weight
• 2.4 GHz three-channel transmitter and receiver
• Micro 3.7-volt, 70 mAh Li-Poly battery pack
• 5.28:1 motor gear ratio
• Display stand
• Charger (15- to 20-minute charge time)
Revell Fire Strike Pro RTF: For $79.99 + S&H, this
helicopter requires six AA batteries for the controller and
features:
• 9.0-inch length
• 2.7-inch width
• 4.7-inch height
• Three-channel controller, charger, battery
• Choice of two color schemes
E-flite Blade mCX RTF: For $129 with transmitter and $99
Bind-N-Fly + S&H, this helicopter features:
• Micro size, weight (1 ounce)
• Coaxial, counter-rotating rotor-head design
• Four-channel 2.4 GHz DSM2 transmitter with digital trims, dual
rates
• 5-in-1 control unit
• Fully proportional servos
• 7.5-inch rotor span
Plantraco Blimp: For $129.99 + S&H, this craft requires
helium gas and four AA batteries for the transmitter. It features:
• Micro blimp gondola
• 900 MHz transmitter with Li-Poly charger
• Li-Poly battery
• Balloon
• Ballast
• 20-inch diameter
• 10- to 12-gram weight
Plantraco Notes
All of this company’s model packages featured in this article
include:
• HFX900 four-channel transmitter that has six user-selectable
frequencies
• Built-in Li-Poly Bahoma charger (22-minute charge time)
• Ability to connect to FMS flight simulator
• 900 MHz ISM band USA, 868 MHz Europe
• Requirement of four AA cells
• CD-ROM with freeware for FMS flight simulator
• Instructional videos and manual
• 30 mAh, 0.9-gram Li-Poly Bahoma battery
• FMS computer interface cable
Additional aircraft can be purchased and are compatible with
the HFX900 transmitter. Spare batteries are $14.99 each. The
transmitter and battery are compatible with many of the airplanes
and work with the Carbon Butterfly, Butterfly, Kolibri, and P-40.
The blimp requires a different charger or a transmitter that is
equipped to charge the larger 90 mAh battery.
The airplanes can be purchased without the case, and the
transmitter and batteries can be purchased separately. The carrying
case is handy. Since its interiors are versatile and the models can be
synchronized to a transmitter, a flier who wants variety can
purchase several aircraft and carry the one of his or her choice.
The HFX Air Model 2 Transmitter is built for Plantraco 900
MHz airplane receivers. A 5mm Bahoma charger connector is
available for $59.99. Replacement LP30 (30 mAh) batteries are
$14.99. MA
—Frank Mandriota
03sig2.QXD 1/26/09 11:42 AM Page 45
The Piloto is a good, versatile
flyer that is easy to adjust (with clay
and/or elevator bending) for level
flying. Full throttle is required to
maintain level flight. With its
roughly 4.5-foot turn radius, be
careful in smaller rooms.
The instructions are clear
with good pictures, but there is
no indication of the airplane’s
on switch direction. A dim green
light comes on when you move
the switch to the right. I marked the
on position as a reminder.
• ParkZone Micro Citabria RTF: Available
in a choice of three trim schemes, this is a
micro-size yet powerful version of the
classic that is renowned for its aerobatic
capabilities.
The Micro Citabria’s compact design
makes it a natural for flying indoors, and
its three-channel, 2.4 GHz radio
technology allows multiple airplanes to be
flown at the same time. Because of this
model’s oversized horizontal stabilizer, it is
also a relatively slow-flying aircraft (at
roughly 4.5 mph), so flying in smaller spaces
can be done.
A 5.5-foot turn radius makes flying
difficult in less than huge rooms. The Micro
Citabria is the only scale aircraft in the
group besides the Revell helicopter; since
the charger doubles as a display stand, it is a
good centerpiece for dinner with flying
buddies.
• Revell Fire Strike Pro RTF Helicopter:
Because of their agility, helicopters can be
challenging for beginners. This model might
take awhile to learn to fly gracefully. A
queen-size bed makes a good beginner’s
landing zone.
An early and valuable step with this
helicopter is trimming for nonaxial-rotation
flight. Once you have that done, learn to
hover a few inches above a table using slow
throttle advance. Make note of that throttle
position, because it will be the one to use for
most of your flight time. It is easy to goof
on that early on, but this aircraft withstands
drops and crashes quite well.
A fun activity is carrying little weights
such as clay balls with your Fire Strike. The
provided batteries get low after 10 flights. It
is difficult to fly and trim for straight flight,
and the forward or backward speeds we
achieved were much lower than shown in
the manufacturer’s videos.
• E-flite Blade mCX RTF: As does the
ParkZone Vapor, this model uses DSM2
radio technology and can be purchased with
or without a four-channel transmitter. The
3.7-volt, 110 mAh battery’s charge time was
roughly 20 minutes, with a five-minute
flight time.
The mCX is relatively maneuverable,
thanks to its variable swashplate mixing, but
it proved to be somewhat more delicate. On
an inadvertent power-off drop, a little arm
off the rotor stabilizer hub broke. I secured
it with cyanoacrylate and put a thin layer of
epoxy around the base of the hub. It has
been flown since.
On a smooth floor, the mCX can sort of
taxi and slide around upright. It will tip
over on a rug unless powered fairly high to
take off quickly. Then adjust power for a
hover.
I was able to trim the model to achieve
a hands-off hover that lasted 10 seconds. It
was difficult to forward-trim it enough for
hover, but the tiny piece of clay I added to
the nose did the trick. Be sure to push the
battery all the way forward in its holder.
This aircraft lives up to the ads that
describe it as relatively easy to fly and
quite a bit of fun for beginners.
The dry-cell charger batteries run down
sooner than the four AA transmitter
batteries. When I saw the charger voltage
at 1.38 volts per cell and the transmitter’s
four batteries at 1.52 volts each, I swapped
them. I detected no noticeable change in
transmitter range with the weaker AA cells.
• Plantraco Blimp: Once set up, filled, and
balanced, this model is ready to fly. Initial
flight is awkward, and it takes two or three
attempts to get the hang of control up and
down, forward and back, and proper graceful
flight.
The helium is not included, but party
stores sell disposable tanks for approximately
$30. The little blimp loses enough helium in
three days to need more.
In the meantime, you can adjust the weight
by adding or removing tiny rod magnets from
a provided washer. I suggest that you fill this
flyer amply, balance it with coins (dimes or
pennies) taped on, and remove them as
needed as helium is lost.
This aircraft’s flight duration varies from
roughly 5-8 minutes, depending on
configuration (gondola cover on or off) and
how well it is adjusted for weight. If it is not
properly buoyant to stay at a constant altitude,
the vertical motor run will reduce flight time.
You can prolong flight time with slow
movement and rests.
I agree with Plantraco that this makes a
practical RC trainer. It is useful for conveying
some flying concepts and getting newcomers
interested in radio-controlled flight.
Helium tanks have a turn-off valve and a
valve in the rubber filling tip that must be bent
to open and fill. However, it is not a complete
seal. Remember to turn off the valve or
helium will be lost.
Room flyers are well worth thorough
investigation. They seem to appeal to
nonfliers more than other airplanes do.
I just returned from my dentist, who
noticed my notebook computer that was on
standby from working on this article in the
waiting room. Upon learning what I was
doing, he asked to see the pictures and
requested a link to the model dealers’ Web
sites. It is great to see continuous evolution in
RC aviation. MA
Frank J. Mandriota
[email protected]
Sources:
E-flite
(800) 338-4639
www.e-fliterc.com
BP Hobbies
(732) 287-3933
www.bphobbies.com
Plantraco
(306) 955-1836
www.plantraco.com
ParkZone (distributed by Horizon Hobby)
(800) 338-4639
www.parkzone.com
Revell (distributed by Hobbico)
(800) 833-3570
www.revell.com