Hobbico Sky Pilot problems...

I bought the same Hobbico Sky Pilot last year and had a similar problem. Mine would always go to the right when hand launched. After four tries, I finally gave up.

The Sky Pilot, as sold by Hobbico, is too heavy for a hand launch if you use the battery pack that came with the plane. By the time I realized this, I had already broken a prop and bend the motor mount. Then I remembered the video. The plane was ALWAYS launched from a ground taxiway. It needs plenty air speed before lift-off.

One of my flying buddies also told me a plane of that nature should also be balanced 'side-to-side'. Hold the motor shaft and the tail. It should not tip repeatedly to one side.

If anyone wants to buy my Sky Pilot, You can have it for $50 Go to my website for contacting me.

Earl AMA-40329

EmmEff wrote:

What, if anything, did you replace yours with? Admittedly, I did not do much investigation before buying this, but even searching the group now, I see few good or bad references to this particular model.

I am looking for an electric park flyer (say less than 48" wingspan). I already have a Futaba 4ch radio, 2 x S3108 micro servos, 12A (brushed motor) speed control, and a couple of NiMH 1100/1200 batteries. The less I have to throw away, the better :)

I think if mine hadn't pulled to the left so hard, it probably could have been hand launched successfully. It briefly maintained altitude but banked hard left so it was impossible to save at that point.

Probably should have known...

Thanks for your insight.

Mike.

Mike,

I don't know enough about EP R/C planes to help in salvaging the remaining parts of your Sky Pilot. I'm going to try selling mine to a club member.

Take a look at Tower Hobbies ElectriFly Piper Cub, 41" Wingspan GPMA1153 Price? $80. You would have a better chance of flying this model because of the balsa wing construction and light weight of the (included) batter pack. This is the model I finally bought. It's a bit tricky to fit all the components in the fuselage. Follow instructions carefully and take your time. I have yet to fly mine.

1st Hint! Don't tighten the prop nut until you're SURE everything is in place and OK. Why? The back-plate for the prop is on a compression shaft. Once you tighten that nut, you need a small puller to get the back-plate off the shaft of the electric motor. Balance the plane before you tighten the prop nut.

2nd Hint! As the instructions note, don't glue the servos in their final position until you balance the plane. This plane is a delicate balance, side-to-side and front-to-rear, over the CG.

3rd Hint! If you 'secure' the motor with the zip-ties under the gear box as they instruct , it will tilt the motor and bind the reduction gears, causing a SEVERE drain on the battery. (if it would run at all)

Good Luck > >> I bought the same Hobbico Sky Pilot last year and had a similar problem.

I'm trying to avoid another go-'round with Tower this time... Costs me almost $20 for shipping and takes most of 2 weeks to receive anything. I'll buy locally so I can get started quicker.

Looking at the GWS Beaver right now, unless somebody has a different recommendation.