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Hobby Lobby Mini Piper ARF Electric
Author: Bob Aberle   |  Added: 1/4/2007
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The Graupner MINI-PIPER is an ARF electric powered model constructed entirely from molded foam. It has been on the market for at least the past four years and continues to be an excellent trainer and sport flying model aircraft. At the current price (December 2006) of $44.70, it is certainly very, very affordable. To give you an idea of the size, the MINI-PIPER has a 30 inch wing span, 167 square inches of wing area and an all-up weight (with battery) of less than 12 ounces.

You can see me in this photo hand launching my MINI-PIPER early in the morning, without anyone nearby aware that I was flying a model plane. Keep in mind that electric power is very QUIET!

The MINI-PIPER meets all the aircraft requirements of the Academy of Model Aeronautics’ (AMA) Park Pilot Program. The aircraft weighs less than 2 pounds (the Program’s upper weight limit) and has a level top speed under 60 mph (the Program’s upper speed limit). For complete Park Pilot aircraft details, follow this link.

The AMA Park Pilot Program offers non-AMA members the opportunity to become AMA members at a much reduced cost. Park Pilot membership includes a great magazine “Park Pilot”, $500,000 personal liability insurance, $2.5 million liability insurance for the flying field owner (see insurance details) and membership in the world’s largest sport aviation association – the AMA. For complete information and details about Park Pilot membership, just click here.

The completed Graupner MINI-PIPER, along with the recommended Hitec RCD NEON FM RC three-channel function RC system, is shown above with the transmitter to show its convenient size (website). This airplane can be flown about anywhere outside.

Two boxes comprise the airplane ARF kit and the radio system.

Besides the airplane and RC system, you will need several extra items. All of which can be purchased from the airplane’s USA distributor: Hobby Lobby International. I refer you to this exact website: (website). The extra items include a battery pack, electric motor and speed controller (ESC), a battery charger and several extra props just in case you break one. This is what the extra items look like.

   

The recommended charger is the Graupner No. 6419, Ultramat 5. This is what we call a “peak detect” charger. That means that this charger will operate up until the battery is fully charged (reaches its peak voltage) and then cuts off automatically. To operate this charger you must connect it to a 12-volt storage battery, like your car battery. This particular charger has an input cable terminating in an auto type cigarette lighter plug.

This would require you to plug it into the 12-volt accessory outlet inside your car. We don’t recommend that you charge any battery inside your car. So the best alternative is to buy an adapter cable from a local Radio Shack Store. It is called their Battery Terminal 12 volt DC Adapter Accessory Outlet (catalog number 270-1527) and it costs around $8.00. You open the hood of your auto and attach the alligator clips from the adapter cable to the battery terminals. Then you plug the Graupner charger plug into the other end of the adapter cable. By doing this, charging can take place outside the passenger compartment of your vehicle.

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