65in Aviator 40 PNP (Balsa)

Product Rating:

Product Review (submitted on August 2, 2016):

I found the instructions quite poor for the amount of assembly needed to make this plane airworthy. No ESC data/programming sheet to set up motor parameters. Overall:

1) Loose parts were laying inside the fuse. Small threaded knurled nuts fell out from somewhere?????
2) Installing the pushrods was difficult as they needed a shallow "Z" bend where they exited the fuselage to align the ELE & RUD clevises for smooth travel.
3) Had to break the nosewheel pushrod tube & redrill the nosewheel tube location to align the steering arm as the installed tube was 1/4" off proper location. Luckily, I got the pushrod tube to reposition & hot glued into correct location. Installation of the nosewheel is a chore that takes a lot of patience.
4) Having to remove & reinstall (2) screws to the battery hatch to change batteries is ridiculous. I modified the hatch with neodymium magnets for quick off/on use.
5) The ESC power leads are too short & make it difficult to plug the battery to. I added 3" more 10ga wire for better movement.
6) The left AIL servo was DOA. Luckily, I took it out & removed the cover to see a motor wire loose & resoldered it back on. Working now.

This plane would be extremely difficult with a new flyer or one with minimal experience. A more seasoned pilot with some building experience can manage, although careful overall examination is required. Mine is ready for maiden & I hope my patience & effort will culminate into a great flight with many more to follow.