Here’s a picture of my Great Planes Big Stik right before its first flight with a Magnum .52 engine and Airtronics radio. I received the plane from my good friends at the Valley View Flyers a few years back and it’s been on the “Finish Building” list way too long. Before dusk I was able to get in about 6 take-off and landings. It’s a fast, stable flyer and lands like a dream with 25% Flaperons set. The Magnum engine isn’t quite running at 100%, but it’s not running bad. I need to check the spray bar, glo-plug, head temp, etc. and also make sure the 11×6 prop I’m using isn’t causing problems. I have a vibration issue which shook apart my on-off switch housing (wasn’t on real tight to begin with) and I suspect a unbalanced prop. I’ll check it out tonight. What a great day flying. Tomorrow I hope to do more.
While flying last weekend my Stryker’s right vertical stabilizer decided to come off during a high speed fly by. From the noise I initially though I had a shattered prop but I was quickly relieved that I still had power. After trying to see how this thing would behave with only one vertical stabilizer I landed it just off the runway in some grass. No harm.
When the vertical stabilizer was found, we noticed it had a chunk of it missing from where the prop bit into it. The stryker had a mid-air collision with – itself. Too funny.
This plane has been heavily used all summer and it’s a great flyer. I’m currently using cheap Tenergy 25C 1800mah batteries and so far they work great!.
This crash happened at the Denver R/C Eagles site and was a result of a stuck right aileron. A simple check of the control surfaces before takeoff could have pointed out the aileron issue and a simple fix would have had the model up in the air in no time. A good lesson for all us who fly!
If you are interested in getting into to world of Remote Control Aircraft, there are plenty of great ways to go about doing it. One of the best ways is to come visit our Airfield! On any given weekend you’ll find MAS members willing and able to answer any questions you may have.
MAS allows visitors with the required AMA Membership to fly at the airfield up to 3 times before becoming a MAS member. Please be sure to read all the safety guidelines at the site and use the radio impound as necessary. For details on joining the club, go to the MAS Info link on the right.
Tower Hobbies has a great site suited just for you. It’s packed full of advice and shows how you can start. The site location is http://www.easyrc.com
If you are interested in getting into to world of Remote Control Aircraft, there are plenty of great ways to go about doing it. One of the best ways is to come visit our 
