E-Flite Micro DRACO 800mm BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select - Model AV8R Review

[@BrotherAviator]

Thanks Adam. Been waiting for this all day. You are truly the best reviewer. I watched the earlier KZbin videos and they probably covered 10% (or less) than what you covered. I am a retired Aero Engineer and I appreciate the level of effort and technical detail you put into these reviews. If you want more than a sales pitch, this is the place to be.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Steve, thank you man. This made our day! That is exactly what we strive to provide, and we appreciate you noticing.

[@roninespiritu]

Great plane. Compliments to the camera operator. The best camera work of any KZbin channel I've ever seen.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Wow, thanks!

[@Retset]

Probably the best micro I have ever seen. 4S!! Love the hill flying! This should be top of the list for people looking for a 'real' model within the 250g weight limit.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

That was fun for sure! It really is impressive,

[@spidersugar_fpv]

I FINALLY got my hands on one of these XD, FPV of course

[@infinitesky-59]

Looks terrific, flies well too. Great review. My initial thought was its not slow enough but having watched your whole video, Ive changed my mind.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Same here, had my doubts...it way exceeded my expectations. I'll be flying this one a lot!

[@piermassimoaversano6140]

ciao! Ottimo video. Peccato che in Europa ancora non arriva e Horizon Germania mi ha appena annullato l'ordine..... Grazie di tutto!

[@JimKelly-s3r]

Excellent review. Since I am a beginner it helps a lot. One item I did not see was flight times for both batteries

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! In the top right hand of our set up info page we always post what our timer is set to. Flight times are similar on 3s and 4s, and that timer setting is flying like we did in the demo flights. Obviously just doing scale STOL/bush flying we got a lot more than that per flight.

[@ElijahHolmanRC]

Looks like a super fun plane! Congratulations on hitting 10k subs!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is a blast Elijah! Thanks very much.

[@robertnordeck9547]

Outstanding review and video Adam and Heidi. 5 👍's Up 🤠

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Robert!

[@DevilsCrown]

Wow, that 3s seems to do the job real well! Lovely flying there mate! I have the 2 meter Draco but still struggle with the batt weight. Im also going to try something lighter to get that alpha up. Now i just bounce to much 😂

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It really does fly well on 3s, thanks! 4s is a hoot though! With the 2m you're on the right track...light battery (I use 6s 3700 or 4000) all the way back as far as you can push it. Use a bit of throttle modulation and rudder to keep it sorted when the nose is up, not aileron. Get it up high and practice this before you get right on the deck and get cute with it...ask me how I know this is a good idea...Lol. It will get slow and it is a great scale STOL/bush plane, but it does take good technique.

[@FlankerTanker]

Never been keen on the DRACO - especially the price (of the large one ) - BUT THIS ONE - already on order at my local Hobby Shop, it is a bitter sweet pill for me - it is a shame that the FAA are driving down the size of our hobby Aircraft - and the Introduction of Remote ID for larger ones, and Remote ID will be here in the UK soon enough (too soon) . but never the less - the Mini Draco will be added to my Hanger once it arrives on these here shores .....

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is very impressive Martyn! You'll love it. The below 250g option is a great one for those of us that follow the law, and don't want to mess with a RID module that day.

[@TwoBrosRC]

Nice work, man. That's a great little model and you present it really well.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@gblyndensrandomreviews]

Awesome review Adam! You covered everything I was curious about in awesome detail 👊🏻💥👊🏻

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks GB!

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

We've all been waiting to see what HH would come up with to max out what a model can be within the 250g limit... and what a result! This Micro Draco is surely going to sell many times more than the big brother Draco. Superb review, Adam, and great filming from Heidi. Team Model AV8R - the best RC review team ever!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Aww Gina, thank you so much. We really appreciate that.

[@jacktregellas4355]

I went to my hobby shop to buy a 4s 300 for this Draco and by mistake they sold me a spectrum 4s 450 I thought what the heck try it. I found the canopy would not close to check the CG so I positioned the battery back until it would close and checked the CG, it was right on the spot. It flew just fine, and I landed after 5 minutes and the battery showed 50%. I flew for 3 more minutes and still had 20% so the 450 battery really extended my flight time. just wanted to share it. Thanks, AV8R

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Awesome man! Yep, with that much wing no doubt you can fly on a bigger battery. That said, you may find it handles better slow with the lighter pack.

[@jacktregellas4355]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Thanks Adam

[@FarmerFpv]

I'm a big fan of E-Flite planes, especially the Draco 2m. I'm not a fan of AS3X though. Once I flew the Flex Innovations Aura 8 and the 8 lite I couldn't go back to AS3X. Which is why I prefer their PNP kits. I hope there will be a PNP kit of this Micro? I would love to put an Aura 8 lite in it. I guess if it's only BNF I'm still going to buy it. I'll just have to put my own ESC and receiver in it to run the Aura 8 lite like I do to all my UMX. Adam, thanks for the awesome review. Liked & Subscribed.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much! I get it man, we all have our preferences. At this size I think you'll be pleased at how the AS3X is tuned.

[@TexRobNC]

I personally wish they'd make more ultra ultra UMX stuff, like the PT-17. I can fly that thing in my neighborhood and feel good about it, because it weighs less than a bird.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

They may. I think they eventually want to get away from the brushed pager motors. So maybe a really small light brushless at some point I hope.

[@kenjackson5938]

A Question sir, I’m looking for something with the lowest stall speed, and shortest take off and landing space. I’m guessing this is either the one, or dam close to it. But I’m also guessing that is with setting it up with maximum flap option/control. I always thought a biplane would be it, but this “looks” to be the winner. Thanks for a great video

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Quite a few of the ultra micro/micro planes can get really slow. probably the UMX Turbo Timber EVO would be the slowest.

[@terrordactyl4425]

By the way you said it was just under 250g with 3s it sounds like to go 4s be prepared to spend $120 for battery and RFID module to be legal

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

No, we simply compared the weights of the two planes with the same 3s battery to give an accurate comparison of the two airframes. It is RID exempt with both the recommended 3s and 4s packs. We mention the weight with the 4s pack during the specs portion of the video and then list both 3s and 4s RTF weights on the set-up info page. Watch/listen to the whole video...

[@vracan]

question: you set your cg balance to 47mm, but the manual says 40+/-4mm. Any reason for you setting it 47mm?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yep. The manual CG flew nose heavy to me. It slows down better with the CG I used. Most manuals are pretty conservative with the CG suggestion. Its good to move it around and see what you prefer.

[@twillison8824]

I figured with the remote id BS we'd be getting more of these smaller planes. I'm not adding remote id to any of the planes i own regardless of weight. The fun Karens can go pleasure themselves.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I get the sentiment, I really do. Recreational model airplane pilots shouldn't even be in the conversation. The thing is though...the FAA will eventually make an example of someone that doesn't follow the law, and I'm betting it will be someone who boasts about not complying in videos, forums, etc. Too much of what we do is on camera, so I'll be complying when I'm not flying at a FRIA. I don't know what the penalty/punishment will be if they catch someone, and I don't want to be the guy that finds out. I don't even think they'll go looking physically, but catching somebody not complying on the internet won't be hard. Many modelers will make it easy for them. Just a thought, and this is just my opinion, but if it were me and not complying was my intention...I don't think I'd be telling anyone and I sure wouldn't put it in writing or on video anywhere.

[@d.knudsen4135]

Adam, as always thanks for a great review! In your opinion, what are the characteristics/tendencies that make it more of an intermediate flyer?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks for the kind words. Not really intermediate so to speak, just not ideal as a first ever plane. Small, tail dragger, powerful, and too pretty to crash a lot, Lol. There are many better options as a first ever "trainer", but this could be handled by anyone with some trainer experience.

[@davidsnyder238]

Really good explanation of micro versus umx. Im sure many really didn't know that. As always terrific dem of the capabilities of the little draco. It looked like you had a blast with it.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks David! We did...you'd have a blast with one in your yard...wait, that is way too much room for you...Lol.

[@dh-flies]

Trying to decide my 1st got at RC. This made the choice easy.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Great plane, but the AeroScout is a better 1st trainer.

[@austinrhubarb]

Can anyone help with regards to if I can operate this with the Spektrum DX6e? I'd rather not have to spend the extra money for an NX6 if I dont need to. I'm just getting into planes and am wanting to get a Conscendo 1.5m glider and this 800mm Draco and hopefully a DX6e will happily fly them both. Any advice would be gratefully received 👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Austin you can fly both with a DX6e, however...my best advise would be to get as much transmitter as you can right off the bat. It is easy to run out of channels and functions. You want something with forward programming, and 8 channels. The reason is you won't be limited when you decide to go with other planes...and you will. The NX8 is the transmitter I use most. You can fly and adjust pretty much anything on the HH website with it. You'll be able to adjust your gyro (AS3X/SAFE) and your ESC. If you get a plane with retracts, flaps, and reverse thrust you'll need the extra channels. The extra programmability means you can make the planes fly better as well. So, I know it is more expensive, but the NX8 is what I'd recommend. With a DX6e or even the NX6, you will run into situations where your TX can't fully operate many planes. If I had to choose between the NX6 and DX6e it would be the NX6 for sure. Much more, and much easier programmability...basically the same as the NX8 with less channels.

[@austinrhubarb]

@ModelAV8RChannel ... thanks for taking the time for that great response mate. Very helpful 👍

[@SlowFlyer85]

Good Job flying it and info Adam this will be my next plane for sure Thanks Adam kept channel coming 😊👍👍👍👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks brother Frank! Lol, I know what you mean...

[@AL-RCjunkie]

Mine should hit the front porch Thursday. (and the tree on Friday) My UMX Airtractor tends to pull up when in full throttle, otherwise trimmed up tight. Did you notice that with Baby Draco when you give it the Beans? Probably doesn't matter. I'm really going for low and slow with that beauty. I'm just curious if it's a Micro thing or pre programmed thing. Thanks for the breakdown. Love that Mike Patey hat, too! Great filming, Heidi!! 👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Hey Al! Bro you're gonna love it! So, often with a plane that has a high lift airfoil yes, they do tend to climb when you hammer them. You can do a throttle to elevator mix to counter that, so as you increase throttle it gives a tiny amount of down elevator. I tend to just counter it myself as with planes like that I only use bursts of WOT. No wrong or right way to do it...just whatever you prefer.

[@AL-RCjunkie]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Thanks Adam! Not really an issue. And not worth another mix for me. Like I said, I love it LOW and SLOW 😉. But I was curious. Had it with my UMX TimberX, too. Thanks Adam!! I’m so friggin excited for this plane!!!!!!! 👍🏼

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I'm excited for you bro!

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Adam and Heidi fantastic flying and video. Looking forward to getting mine soon, Thank you Jeff in LA USA

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jeff! You'll love it!

[@DimitriBisas]

Can i use a Spektrum 4S 450mah battery ? Will it handle it ? Greetings from Austria

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

You can, it will. I prefer the lighter packs for STOL, but it will be fine on the 450 for sport flying.

[@DimitriBisas]

Thank you very much for your answer. I wish you a Nice day! Greetings from Austria

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

You as well, have a great weekend!

[@beeawesome7140]

Can you put the UMX floats on this one?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Unfortunately not. I think those may be a tad too small for this one.

[@rhuffines13]

nice demo flight Adam, I could see myself flying full flaps around the front yard with this one Happy Flying ~~

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Yep, fun to slow fly.

[@TheBandit59]

I live at 6-7 thousand feet of altitude, do you believe this would have enough power for the thin air?Or for some reason the 2m Draco might be better?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

On 4s this should. Electric motors aren't affected by the altitude like an internal combustion engine is, but the prop doesn't make as much thrust. That said most models are grossly overpowered and I think you'd be good.

[@TheBandit59]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Thank you, the plane we tried to fly was much older technology , it was an electric plane called a Wingo, thank you for the fast reply. Would a Arrows Husky be a bad choice for a beginner?Would you you recommend another model, is the size and weight any more difficult , than lets say a micro draco or an aero scout?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

The Husky is a great airplane, probably a good 2nd. The Aeroscout is an excellent first trainer. After flying that you could go to the Husky or micro Draco with no trouble.

[@TheBandit59]

@@ModelAV8RChannel thank you

[@CliffHarveyRCPlanes]

Another great review Adam, I think this aeroplane is going to be very popular 👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Cliff! It is...

[@timmytfpv7316]

You think it could handle a 4s 750

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Probably, but adding that much weight isn't worth it.

[@timmytfpv7316]

@@ModelAV8RChannel ya probably i was looking at this or the waco also have a bunch of 300 3s

[@IansRCExploits]

Great review Adam and Heidi, what a fantastic micro Bush plane!! One of the best small scale planes I've ever had seen, I will have to start saving Lol 😀👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Ian! You'll enjoy it, and it may handle your grass if its cut?

[@SteffenRC]

Great review, I was surprised at the performance and features. HH really did a wonderful job on this. Gotta be honest.. I thought for sure I'd see the mini performing a short takeoff from the wing of its big brother... 🙂

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Will, it surprised me too! Dude, there is way to much stuff on the top of a Draco wing to be using it as a runway, lol.

[@vracan]

Normally your landings are very smooth wheel landings. Is this possible with the micro draco?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is sure. You'd just hold a bit of power and wheel land it. I did three points and drop ins (and a screw up or two) because it is a STOL plane and I wanted the landings short.

[@vracan]

@@ModelAV8RChannel will you be doing more videos on this plane maybe showing just that since I am concerned with its weight?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Weight has nothing to do with a wheel landing. It is a choice with any tail dragger regardless of the weight, you just choose the technique you want to use for either wheel landing or three point. Why are you concerned about its weight anyway? Did you watch the whole video? Clearly we proved it is floaty and slows down extremely well. Also at 10:05 in the video...wheel landing followed by bringing it up on one wheel. The answer to "Can it do a wheel landing?" as it pertains to any tail dragger out there...is yes. If you can, it can.

[@vracan]

@@ModelAV8RChannel thankyou for the explanaition much appreciated. its just that every video on utube of this plane shows awful bouncing landings compared to say umx turbo evo(which I owned already)

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@vracan unfortunately all the videos from influencers were in a rush, so we had little time to get used to it. It lands similar to the EVO.

[@JC-td4gg]

Not to forget to thanks Mike Paly for all of the research and design of this plane so we can fly and enjoy its great features!

[@ironmover5800]

Great review , I usually watch yours first , this time I saw 2 others before , you did a better job , tried to buy through your link but HH won’t let me use PP on a backorder or preorder

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! The PP part doesn't works for us sometimes either, we've had to use a credit card on in stock items.

[@mikessi]

Nice work Team AV8R. I think I like Little Draco better than Big Draco. Happy bush flying.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! It is easier to transport!

[@nickmoloney9820]

Brilliant! Fantastic review , great video thank you both. This is so cool to see , you were alluding to the great things to come sub 250g in your review of the Apprentice and this doesn't disappoint, ticks all the boxes and definitely my next purchase , I am having great fun flying the tiny Apprentice a fantastic plane bought purely because of your excellent review.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much! Great to hear you're enjoying your Apprentice STOL. You'll love Draco. Happy flying!

[@airhammer6203]

Excellent review of the little Draco, Adam n Heidi. Informative and fun!! I hope to get one soon, Thanks!!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Hammer! You'll enjoy it man.

[@jollyroger2226]

Great discussion of how it is just under 250 gr. Very logical engineering. I enjoyed your flying, and I was impressed by how tight you could operate it in small spaces.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much! It really handles well slow.

[@gazzabyerun8152]

Very cool! Nice flight.. I was wondering when they were going to come out with a micro of the great Draco. Semper Fi! It looks like it's a keeper!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! Yes sir...it is a keeper!

[@CR5rc]

Another great video Adam, plane looks great, I'll be grabbing one as soon as they're on the shelf here.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Chris! You'll enjoy it.

[@danielcox5849]

Great review. I just got my Draco and I’m looking forward to getting it in the air very soon.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Enjoy it, great airplane!

[@DadsRCHangar]

No end to your talent Adam, really great review. 👍🏻

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Chris!

[@douglashagey1579]

You have some of the best reviews out there, informative, to the point and you answer all the questions. Keep up the great work , Looking forward to the next one THANKS

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks very much, we appreciate that!

[@Bellairvideo]

Nothing but the best from Model AV8R. Q: Do you get the matching Tee with purchaser?😆Well explained regarding weight & size (not that it matters here) & great close ups Adam & Heidi. Due here end of March. Any thanks for all the detailed info guys.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Noel! I wonder how it will do with a tiny camera on board...

[@Bellairvideo]

I think it would go great, but not in the cockpit as too foggy. I would need to get the red tee with it as a set.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol...walmart.

[@simplyawsome918]

Now compare it to the best umx.... umx evo

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Which UMX is the best is a matter of opinion. I prefer Draco over the evo personally. It is a tiny bit harder to fly than the evo because it is heavier, but I'm a higher skill level pilot, so that isn't an issue for me. My personal favorite UMX isn't either one...it is the V2 UMX Pitts.

[@jetman899]

Thanks for the demo flights. I like it where you show different opticals for this plane.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks, glad you liked it!

[@payitfwdrcl6171]

Adam, Excellent review. At a moment of weakness I picked one up at the local hobby shop today. Half their inventory was gone when I got there. This one is definately a hit. 👍👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Brad! Yes sir...this one is a big hit.

[@payitfwdrcl6171]

@@ModelAV8RChannel ❤️

[@8poundquark]

Fun times for the hobby. The concept is sound. The plane is a great improvement over the red brick. Thanks!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is. So funny, so many people say that (red brick). Many that do say that have never flown one...which is interesting. I have, and I've also hung around scale competitors. Scale planes with lots of detail are heavier...that is the norm for a very scale plane. It's also interesting that we did a bush flying vid with Draco, and while I admit it takes more skill to slow down and get the nose up than if you're flying a Timber...it slowed down and we did some very impressive scale bush flying with it...and showed that it is repeatable. That simply means the plane is capable of it. Not every RC pilot is though, and rather than blame themselves...here we are with a plane that is called "The Red Brick" that actually flies the scale bush plane mission just fine. That said, yes...the Micro is easier to fly really slow. Lol.

[@8poundquark]

@@ModelAV8RChannel True statement! I did see your video and it's a fun plane. I flew the Draco on a maiden for my pal. I didn't have much time to really get crazy with it, just trim and a few touch and goes. That afternoon my pal who is a pretty good pilot totally wiped it out when a hard landing sheared off a wheel and cartwheeled. I did warn him about the weight and to fly it sedate until he got the feel but, it ended that day. You are correct. It's not a Timber.

[@old_coastie]

Heidi you did good.... (couldn't resist) First of all I NEVER believed that they would do this (A Micro Draco) Second If they did it would be a POS... Dang was I WRONG!!!!! 4S 200 W/lb be still my beating heart..... The prop sound changes completely on 4S... mine should be at the LHS any day (Sorry Adam but my LHS owner is way cuter than you are) Try to keep yours in one piece until GA in the Spring.... we are gonna have a blast with these... old_coastie

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Ha! Well Mark she did do good! Man, this thing is impressive. I really enjoyed flying it (freaking finally). Good slow, good fast, and stupid power if you want it. I'll bring it to SEFF...I smell a STOL contest in the works...

[@old_coastie]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Oh STOL Drag Races are on like Donkey Kong....

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I'm in.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I'm in!

[@Videolinquency]

As a functionality freak, I have very little patience with scale detail, but that model has a very interesting non-advertised use case that has nothing to do with scale: I fly FPV UMX Timbers touch-and-go from my drive to stay current in periods when I don't have time to go to the field, but their lading gear is a bit optimistically designed and will not survive hundreds and hundreds of landings. I suspect the Micro Draco will. I will certainly get one as soon as I wear out my current UMX Timber, which is likely to happen a lot sooner than I hope ...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I think you're probably right. The gear on Draco seems to be very strong. That said I haven't had an issue with the UMX Turbo Timber EVO's gear yet, but to be fair it is easier to grease the landings LOS than FPV. It sure is fun either way!

[@Videolinquency]

UMX Timber plastic gear details are OK in summer, but they get brittle in cold weather. Happy flying!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

@@Videolinquency Ahh, that makes sense. Happy flying to you!

[@JustEnoughRC]

Looks like fun guys! 😁👍🫡

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is bro!

[@gobarbless3871]

Great job showcasing what this airplane is capable of.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks!

[@Brestae]

I would dearly love to have one of these on floats. Enjoyed the video!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@scottelmore7928]

Great video and review Adam and Heidi! Yet another plane to add to my hangar!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Scott! I know right...this one is awesome. Great little plane.

[@rhysespeace]

Another flawless review, my friend. I know I'm not alone, when while watching the bush flying I laughingly yelled out "LOWER"

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Ha! That sounds like all my 3D flying buddies...LOWER!

[@rhysespeace]

@@ModelAV8RChannel those wheels should be touching grass! I just used the link, & can't wait. Gonna be a long 5 days!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Ha ha! I'll get it lower. Thanks very much, enjoy your Draco!

[@jcb6713]

looks like a fun time...nice flights...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It was, thanks man!

[@JC-td4gg]

In a credit to Horizon is that they did a complete digital scan of the original Draco plane before it crashed! So, they had all they needed to come up with this fantastic mini version with all of the detail of the earlier much larger Draco! Kudos to Horizon, as I had asked early on for them to do this and now they will be selling a lot of these Draco minis!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I agree!

[@JC-td4gg]

Mine came in today!@@ModelAV8RChannel

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Sweet!