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Bonus Content: The Fly RC Team reviewed the E-Flite Carbon-Z Scimitar for our November 2012 Issue. For the full review, including how the plane  performed in our test flight, what accessories and tools you’ll need (or want) to get …

There is always a question of which power system to outfit an electric model with. With so many options on the market, this can pose a real challenge. The folks at Precision Aerobatics have done the hard work for you, and their PA Thrust 40 brushless motor has been proven by their engineers and test pilots to be the optimal choice for this model. I totally agree; the power is incredible. I really like the carbon reinforced airframe because of its light weight, superb flying traits, and rigidity. The Bandit is a real 3D performer.

The ParkZone Icon A5 is an authentic, licensed reproduction of a soon to be in production amphibious aircraft designed by the Icon Aircraft Company. Though there is but a single full size prototype aircraft going through its final flight testing, ParkZone worked out an agreement with Icon that enabled them to use original design documents to come up with their Z Foam based model. With everything required to operate from either water or land based sites included in the box, the unique appearance of this latest offering from ParkZone is only surpassed by its operational versatility.

The Pawnee has a unique silhouette in the sky and is a rare plane to see at the field. You can really personalize this ARF to be one of a kind. Its light wing loading makes it a very predictable flyer and with large control surfaces, pilots with a wide range of competency levels can enjoy this plane.

The SIG Rascal EP-49 is a great flying model that is easy to assemble and looks awesome in the sky. The included power system has more than enough power to pull the model through most basic aerobatic maneuvers. It is a perfect sport plane that I would recommend as a great second model for someone advancing from a trainer or for an advanced pilot that is looking for something that can transport easy with sport-like flight characteristics. It is a fun, low-stress model to fly.

The Firebird Stratos is a well engineered model for a first-time modeler of any age. Its built-in stability (both electronic and aerodynamic) makes the model very easy to fly.

Wow! VTOL is the coolest! I served in a Marine Harrier Squadron in the 70’s, and nothing gets me as excited as a quality VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing)machine. This model does it all. It hovers well, it transitions well, and it is easy to fly in forward flight. It not only looks good, but it flies great too. I have flown all the ‘pogo-style’ look-a-likes, and the Hyper Taxi has by far the best performance. I attribute these great flight characteristics to the new AS3X stabilization system.

If you’re a modeler into the Cub-types and enjoy slow, gentle aerobatics and really cool slow fly-bys and touch and goes, this model will please you. The few annoying building alterations that must be made are worth the time spent, and other than those things, the model is a very good value for the dollars spent.

The Hansa-Brandenburg is, by far, one of the most unusual looking subjects I have ever seen as an RC model and one that I suspect will not be seen at your local flying site very often. With its banana-shaped fuselage, lack of vertical stabilizer, inverted rudder, exposed cylinders and complex under carriage supporting either skis or floats, it is clearly a one-of-a-kind that will surely attract attention wherever it is flown. As far as the kit is concerned, Maxford USA has done a nice job bringing this unusual plane to RC’ers in the form of a well made, quality ARF.

The Calypso is a very forgiving powered glider. It is great as a first electric sailplane but by adding flaps and using a programmable transmitter, the Calypso can be capable of many advanced maneuvers and keep experienced glider pilots happy. The brushless power system and folding prop have a ton of power and get the aircraft up to altitude quickly so you can enjoy seeking out those thermals.

Great Planes and the Southern Minnesota Model Aircraft Club put on another great show with WATTS over Owatonna 2012. Over 150 pilots came to Owatonna Minnesota for one of the best all electric RC flying events in the Midwest. Check out the video to see what the weekend was all about.

I feel like I was able to capture all the features I wanted in this particular design. It builds very fast. In my case in three days time! There is a chance that Aero Craft Ltd, will be making a kit of the PARK-PATTERN. If not a full kit then a short kit with laser cut ribs. The new Hitec AURORA Spread spectrum RC system provided perfectly smooth control at all times. It has an incredible amount of features. In fact that list of features keeps growing. A totally worthwhile project all the way around!

This month, I’m getting deeper into the Return of the TigerKitten story featured in the May 2012 issue of Fly RC. My old design is back in the form of a laser cut short kit from Premier Balsa Kits (www.premierbalsa kits.com) and I’m building a new one from one of their pre-release samples. Let’s head into the shop and pick up where I left off last time.