A new entry (July 2008) to Hobbico’s Flyzone series of RTF (ready-to-fly) sport aircraft is their Beechcraft Staggerwing biplane (stock no. HCAA27). An attractive model of one of the most unique private airplanes ever built, Flyzone’s all-red Staggerwing is a true RTF that assembles in just about an hour or two and flies as well as did the original.

Of course, Flyzone’s Staggerwing can’t match the original’s near 200 mph top speed. But then it shouldn’t considering that most of these airplanes will be flying from small airfields and parks.

The Staggerwing 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. 

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This is a parking lot size model of approximately 17 ounces total weight and is powered by a geared Speed 300 (or Mabuchi RS-370, although the literature claims a Speed-280!) brushed motor and a 6-cell, 900-mAh Ni-MH battery pack. The airplane is made from molded foam and plastic parts and includes the complete motor, RC systems battery and charger.

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The only additional item you need to purchase is a set of eight (8) AA size alkaline batteries to power the RC transmitter.

The three-channel RC system supplied with this Beechcraft goes under the name “Tactic”. The receiver, two servos, Electronic Speed Control (ESC) with a Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC), switch and a geared brushed electric motor come already factory installed in the aircraft. The transmitter pictured here is an FM system that operates on the 72 MHz RC channels.

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A closer look at the transmitter indicates that it has a single, two-axis control stick on the right side that controls the rudder and elevator on the Beechcraft. You hold the transmitter case with your left hand and place the fingers of your right hand on the control stick.

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To install the eight battery cells in the transmitter you must remove a single screw at the bottom of the transmitter case. Flyzone supplies the Phillips head screwdriver for this purpose. With the battery compartment cover removed, pull out the battery cell holder and insert each cell while observing the proper polarity.

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In this photo, the battery holder is now filled with the cells and inserted back into the transmitter case, awaiting the cover replacement.

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In the lower front portion of the transmitter is a small control panel that contains the main power switch (on/off) and a servo reversing switch for each of the three channel functions. When you turn the power on, a GREEN LED lights up. As the batteries wear down, the LED changes color to a pale YELLOW. When the LED flashes RED, it is unsafe to fly and the batteries must be replaced.

This is a good system as the only other means for a pilot to know when the dry cell batteries have died is when the airplane is no longer controllable. When using dry cells to power a transmitter, it is always a good idea to have an extra set in your “field box” as dry cells often quit with little warning.

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The throttle control stick is located up on the top left corner of the transmitter case. Moving this lever all the way to the left will turn off the motor. Moving it all the way to the right will give you full or maximum motor power. Note that both control sticks have trim levers that can help level the aircraft attitude in flight.

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