Flite Test - FT FLYER - SCRATCH BUILD

[@SirBoot32]

These planes are money. If you do not like the swappables, then get a simple motor mount and velcro all of your electronics to the wing. It will fly. The nice thing about the FT Flyer is just that, it will fly. I have crashed them, flown them into chain link fences, fractured the motor mounts so that the motor was at a 10 degree downward angle...guess what, it still flew. Josh and Chad and all of the FT guys are doing a great service for the R/C community and I thank them for it. I am going to go build some more planes now. Sorry for the rant.

[@terrypenner805]

FEFEFEFFEFRGRVRFDFRFDFEFS

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

FFETDSHKBFGFDFFTSDFUKNCNTDFR

[@rampanttricky17]

i have been doing something like this, but is a much more ham-fisted way. i have been swapping the parts rather than making a common fuse-base. thanks ever so much. now i can back up and have fun redesigning and building for a common platform, or for several platforms! you have a great presentation style. calm, encouraging, relaxed and relaxing--beautiful!

[@djn2400]

Thoroughly enjoy the swappable scratch builds. Working with my 3 grandkids together on all 3! Great show, keep up the good work Josh!

[@wwjoesr]

Maiden flight today on my FT Flyer. Had a great time, easy and fun to fly. Thanks Josh!

[@spokehedz]

Watching you make and explain while you make these models is so relaxing... I don't know what it is, but it just looks so easy and simple like anybody can do it.

[@danspratt2]

i discovered flitetest recently, and have since watched every single one of their videos. i agree with you 100%

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

That Flies much better than I thought!! Very Aerobatic and fun!!!

[@JCQuadcopters]

This is such a good, easy plane!

[@Dagfinn0702]

(500 letter limit) If the knife is not sharp, It is going to get flimsy and ugly and bad. So keep that in mind. Other than that, it flew great, and the depron clearly didn`t affect the flight characteristics. So, when you are finished building it, Its a very good plane. Thumbs up this so anyone planning to build this can see this and not make the same mistakes that I did.

[@Drunken_Hamster]

I think the swapable series was awesome I also think they should revive it and bring it back here's a few suggestions. 1. new wing/plane designs(the part that's not powerpod) 2. new powerpod designs small(current) medium large with 2-3 different power options for each 3. more detailed instructions on the setup/trimming side and other ways to do things(like landing gear electronics placement etc) Just saying, it could be a really cool series much better than the current concept if you did this.

[@Dave51262]

Thanks Josh. I was looking for this video. The other plans I saw first did not use the swappable fuselage design.

[@XCopter]

I have built this plane a long time ago. I have chewed through soo many batteries maybe a good twenty and had one minor crash-flew into tree but nothing happened so just kept flying. This plane flies soo well, it will 3D in wind and without. It is soo easy i am 14 and i have built it (I also have a homemade Funjet with a too big motor on it that i built too). Highly recommend you will have LOADS of fun so go grab your scalpel and start cutting...

[@raptor250gonecrazy]

they make it look so easy to make planes!!!!! love the videos keep it up.

[@paulrandallhicks6498]

Our club just finished building its first FT Flyer. What fun we had! Next, we will test fly it....after the 30 mph winter wind dies down. :0)

[@joshuamelvin]

I love the idea! We will see what we can do David

[@gingabeard]

Each to their own. I love the scratchbuild episodes best :)

[@Migueldeservantes]

Josh ! YOU ARE MY HERO!!! GREAT WORK!

[@Jon110334]

I went back and tried a 4s 1.3A with a Turnigy 1000 kv 200 watt motor. It was bearable. I tried it again with a 1.8A 4s (comparable to your 2.2 3s), and it was very heavy. (The wind had picked up a little, so to be 100% honest I can't be sure if it was the wind or the add wt, but it wasn't fun at all.) Under power the 1.3 4s landed perfectly. I lost the spinner on the 1.8A, and almost landed it (flared a bit too high, and without power to pull out of stall, bit it). Recommend 1.5A 3s orless

[@timothyrichards9611]

Thanks heaps i did what you said for the selecting poster on the printer and im now cutting out my foam pices for the plane. Thank you

[@Dagfinn0702]

For anyone planning to build this: Make sure you have the right material! Or else you are going to have a hard time building it. I built one out of depron, and it was quite a challenge. The depron does not have paper on both sides, and many of the steps take advantage of this paper. So I had to cut it all the way through, and then glue it back on. Also make sure its the proper thickness. Mine wasn`t, so The rear fuselage wouldnt fit, So I had to make a new one. Also make sure The knife is sharp

[@iamhtd23]

Can I use 5mm foamboard and what is the angle of motor ?

[@MyBigThing2010]

Just finished the FT FLYER about 5 minutes ago...something was off on the print of the plans...had to fine tune some of the cuts to make it all fit together properly. Off to build the power pod. ...I hope it's not "off" so that when my electronicals get here they actually fit. I'd HATE to have to rebuild the TINY Trainer (both wings n both noses) and this one after all the work I put in to scratch build.

[@MattacksRC]

oh i was just excited about getting it for 1.99. i havent been to a dollar tree store yet but one is nearby. the first time I bought it I paid about 6.50 a sheet from a CVS drugstore that was overpriced.

[@datalifter]

Great stuff FliteTest. I built the Nutball then off to the FT Flyer. The Nutball had a short life but got some loops in before the $2 foam board just couldn't take it. The FT Flyer is done and one test flight completed with heavy tail. I found some 20x30 sheets at BiMart. 5mm board for $4. OfficeDepot was 3mm and $5 - not very good. Our Dollar Store doesn't carry it. Michaels Craft store has the thicker 5mm for about $3. for a 20x30.

[@milford9799]

You can get colored foamboard in a rainbow of colors from Joann's Fabrics or Michaels craft stores. Its about $4 a sheet which is not bad because it usually only takes two sheets to make one of these. I'm gonna poly and paint mine.

[@MyBigThing2010]

Milford Hughes that is $3 more a sheet than the rediboard we all use from dollar General our dollar tree. Joann can eat a #!/$ at $4 a sheet!

[@FliteTestGremlin]

3mm is what we use. However it's backed with paper that makes it stronger. 5mm depron should be fine and it would not be too heavy.

[@larrybarrick]

To print "tiled" use Adobe Reader X and in the print dialog select "POSTER", select "Cut Marks" and make sure "Tile Scale" is 100%. Then overlap and tape as required (after trimming the top overlapping edge.

[@Dagfinn0702]

I did not know that! :D I actually thought about it but then i thought "Meh, that`s never gonna work" I trust you man!

[@Mike3D80]

Why did you not cover both sides of depron with newspaper and white glue? Works like a charm!!

[@FrostbiteUK]

Great little plane that, thanks, would like to build one myself someday.

[@jimcrunk]

I have 8 sheets of $ tree foam waiting for me now. I'll try this. Thanks!

[@bermuge1]

Who's still building this in 2019?!

[@justaramdomkid7404]

2020

[@keithhudspith5245]

2020, but adding a Vtail, because reasons... lol (I'll post video if I can)

[@jigitupas2556]

2020. Just finished. Test flight tommorow

[@jorgealcala3121]

2021, for my mechatronics final project!

[@astrodude834]

It's 2024 😂

[@chrisleech1565]

Essentially 1/4", good luck with it!

[@Jon110334]

I would say too heavy. I am flying a 24 gram with a 3s 850 nanotec. I am not a huge fan of the weight already. The FT Flyer doesn't have an airfoil, and already has a pretty horrible glide slope. You either land under power, or bite it. If you are bent on using that power supply I would recommend the FT Bloody Wonder. I haven't flown it yet, but from what I've heard it sounds like it should be able to handle that setup.

[@wrduckclub]

Great job guys! Keep up the good work!

[@chrisleech1565]

Did anyone get back to you? Well I would use your rudder seeing as how you will have to get the nerve pathways set up for using the thumb or finger work to control a particular control surface. One that you will always use to get that kind of attitude adjustment. Good luck, and keep on working at it and remember the only dumb question is the one that goes unasked.

[@Jonathan-xb5db]

Whos building in 2020? Teaching my family how to build and fly!

[@jigitupas2556]

Me

[@Derickandlannyfpv]

Would you suggest this as a beginner FW pilot for 1 acre backyard flying? Built a siiick wing.. but even with auto launch and gps , I crashed it into sewerage on maiden, on second flight I crashed it onto tjhe ground at 151kmh .

[@RCcrAzY1234]

I use the same servo horns! and it sounds like the crew is giving Josh a hard time while he's trying to talk, is this true? great vid.s guys!

[@hawkskyflier]

hey Josh great videos... one thing to watch with the Dollar Tree Black foam board... the paper on the black foam board is not as strong as the white... Just and FYI. HSF.

[@Moeisabeast12]

Hey I REALLY want to see your take on "The Twins" on RC groups, it would be a flitetest first twin engine plane scratchbuild. I personally can benefit from a video of The Twins, but I think it would be a good, more detailed scratchbuild :) Thanks -David

[@RobdroneMedia]

In den brico kan je wel zo van die 2cm isolatie kopen, wat ik ook wel gebruik

[@michaelbulzacchelli8887]

I have this plane and I am wondering what battery to use with this plane and the power plant in my other comment. I'm hoping to have my plane in the air by next spring. Thanks, Michael

[@twebster1948]

Hello Flite Test, My step son wants me to get into RC and said this was a great place to start. Is the FT FLYER a good trainer for me since I've never flown RC before? I've done a little simulater time but can't get the feel of controls on a computer. Very excited about the build, and the first flight. Thank you for the info. Flite Test is a really great Site and very informative. Wayne

[@CabbageFlix]

T Webster I'd say it is a descent 3-channel trainer. Just be sure to fly in zero wind!

[@twebster1948]

+CabbageFlix Thank you

[@wyliewisnewski8088]

I built the plane and bought all the recommended electronics. I bought a Flysky FS-i6 transmitter and receiver and burnt out the receiver with a 2S 1500mah lipo. Do I need a high end transmitter and receiver?? Will a 5V battery fly this? I am a noob. Help please!

[@simandreal]

Great Guys! Could I use the Bixler radio and receiver to build this?

[@kkrampus]

"Hey, Bixler!" "What?" *flies plane at Bixler* "Catch!" "Easy"

[@simandreal]

Could I use the receiver and Radio of the Bixler? I like this episodes and Josh is funny too. Regards

[@sepoldj]

Does it support ailerons too!? Great videos, I love you guys :D

[@BrownieAirsoft]

You guys should make a swapable biplane.

[@ducatiman77]

Those of you whp have built this plane, did you angle the motor at all?

[@drcuffe]

Or put a hole through the wing for it to travel in a straight line, the hole will then also support it in the middle to stop pushrod flexing

[@Felisargyle]

Just crashed mine Idk how to fly it

[@ilikchez]

LOVE flitetest but.was.just wondering the plans show a large hole for the center of the firewall and in the build it only shows a small one dont have my electronics yet but was just wondering so I could asap

[@gregk5505]

the 2s 500mah battery recommended is 49 grams would it be OK if i used a 91 gram 1700mah 2s battery or can i do even heaver like a 3s at 200 grams

[@qawsedrftg7625]

hahah, I just built one out of 6mm depron and had the exact same problems it seems like this dollar tree foam board thing is only 4-5mm thick, so the two fuselages didnt fit, i had to sand the inside of the front fuse and the outside of the rear fuse for them to join

[@kkrampus]

Bixler is the king of awkward faces!

[@Jon110334]

That's actually a 4 channel setup, remember throttle takes one channel too. Motor KV? The problem with your electronics is that it's a higher performance motor, and most planes designed around a higher performance motor are going to be higher performance airplanes. Not good for beginners. I might suggest the FT Old Fogey. It's 3 channels, throttle, rudder, and elevator, and seems to be a little bigger and more stable than the FT Flyer... maybe baby blender. biplanes have good lift character

[@WascallyWabbitHunter]

Way to Go!

[@hansenkhornelius]

can I use 2200mah batt , 1000KV motor, and 1045 prop?

[@laytonpratt]

hansen khornelius I am wondering the same thing.

[@shutdahellup69420]

@@laytonpratt 1400kv 8045 2s :)

[@vijayganesh9072]

Hi guys love your awesome channel keep it up and i have a doubt could anybody please help me. I am going to make the ft flyer and could I use the following electronics ( battery 11.1v 2200mah,180 gram),30a esc, 2*9gram servos and motor a2212 6t brush less motor 60 gram with 1045 (10*4.5) propeller Material used 4mm sunboard pvc foam board

[@MyBigThing2010]

I'm about to MAIDEN the FT Flyer on my first RC plane flight EVER with a 2212/13T, 1000KV Motor, 30 amp ESC and a 10x4.5L prop haha...Yup let the terror and chaos ensue....especially I'd I can get the 3S battery weight to fly. ....it's pretty gnarly with a little 600mAh 2S though lol

[@timothyrichards9611]

u calling me a noob? :( i atually realy like Flitetest, all of the vids so keep it up guys :)

[@softwarelabstelecast]

How long does the battery stay charged? What is the maximum flying time?

[@mramazing643]

I will scratch build one with ailerons instead of a rudder, using one central servo like on the bloody baron.

[@linkinpark6863]

can we use epp epo foam?

[@MrCasehatter]

Good job Bixler, I would love to see a 3D scratch build. I'm working on one if it works I'll send a vid to web. page.

[@IbnAir23]

Do you guys at flite test plan on making a glider plane from scratch????

[@Fekillix]

I really wan't to do this, but there are no stores that sell foam here in Norway :C

[@entomophile]

OK, silly question but bare with me as this is my first plane. This plane only has a rudder and elevator correct? Do I want the actual plane rudder controlled by the TX rudder stick or the aileron stick?

[@michaelbulzacchelli8887]

I am building this model and was wondering if these electronics would work with the model. Hobbymate Rc Airplane Power Combo Motor ESC Program Card Props Plugs ParkFlyer. If this works what 3s battery would you recommend.

[@danisnotgone]

+Michael Bulzacchelli i would definitely recommend that, maybe a fair bit of power for the US foam but the more power the better

[@boomerangfreak]

ik ken ook 2 winkels met depron (ep-fun in beveren waas /de concorde in kortrijk) maar die zijn noet zo toegangkelijk als de gamma en brico veel dichter bij ons maar heb nog niets deftig gevonden

So what is the proper thickness? I am wondering about making one out of Kapa boards. Does anyone have experience with this material. I can easily get hold of it in nearby art shops.

[@kerwinfernandes9583]

great tutorial .. God Bless!! :D

[@timothyrichards9611]

@Flitetest or other hobbyists: Hello i am a dedicated Flitetest viewer and commenter and i was woundering if you could give me some advice on thickness of foam for this plane. would 3mm or 5mm be better? 3mm could be too thin but 5mm could be too heavy. plz help. i havent worked with this kind of foam board before so i need your advice. Thanks, Tim

[@boomerangfreak]

I wish some Belgium diy shops (e.g. gamma) have those type of boards

[@timothyrichards9611]

Thanks im gona go with 3mm, regards Tim

[@markthibault6551]

I another video you mentioned being able to order a kit to build the plane Is there a link to that I am having trouble finding info for these

[@jlamsens103]

I think you mean this link store.flitetest.com/flite-test-3-pack-swappable-speed-build-electric-airplane-kit-480660mm-flt-1002/p673666 ? It says "Discontinued Online"...

[@hansadhinga2234]

Can I use 2212 1000kv motor?

[@stingray1227]

Can someone please recommend another scratch build then i only recently got into RC and before stumbling across these flitetest gems I had already bought my electronics..... (I need a simple 3 channel plane, just throttle, elevators, and rudder.) Thanks

[@meadowlarkgal23]

stingray127 FT Super Simple Cub store.flitetest.com/ft-simple-cub/

[@factfreak411]

first comment you guys want to fly together i live in ohio and love watching you guys let me know thanks o and i will gladly make the trip

[@MattacksRC]

thats funny, I might have bought that elmers foam board or something like it last time. whatever I got it seemed to dull my hobby knife extremely fast. I'll hit up the dollar tree store for sure. :D

[@RCllamadude]

yes, but any fuel that came out the exhaust port would end up all over the foam, which would melt the foam.

[@boomerangfreak]

ik vind die site redelijk duur dan ga ik liever depron kopen in rc winkels maar danku voor de tips ik zal nog wat verder zoeken tegen de tijd dat ik het nodig heb mits ik nog maar 16 ben heb ik geen groot budget (noch een groot genoeg vliegveld) om een groter vliegtuig te makken mits ik ook noch alles zou moeten kopen incl een deftige lipo lader enz.

[@RCcrAzY1234]

what kind of foam board? the 1$ a pop kind, or the Elmer's foam board?

[@CAIDMASTEROFPYRO]

can someone tell me the size the foam they use is, i found a supplier of similar foam but they have alot of thickness' and sizes so i just want to know the size

[@krishnasgowda9214]

can i use 2200 mah battery and 2200kv motor can it carry?

[@videosafehouse]

I happened to have a NTM 28-26 1350kv motor laying around the house... Would this motor be too big for this plane or would it still be ok? I assume it'll be ok because there is only a 20gram difference so I think the wings will hold but I'm not sure... Someone can you tell me?

[@stingray1227]

Can I use a Turnigy Park 450 and a 2200 3s battery for the power pod, or is it too heavy? (im building the FT flyer)

[@n2dadarknight]

Ahhh.....don't cut your wing otherwise you'll have to tape like did, mirror your wing schematic for the full wing

[@KartikeKhandelwalvideos]

+tsgt Vance , i cut only half the wing, he never says that its supposed to reflected. Had to tape the second one on.

[@n2dadarknight]

+Kartike Khandelwal yeah, it's seemed to work out pretty well......so far lol

[@sebastiangoyette-connerty9132]

Has anyone tried modifying the fuselage to use one like ExperimentalAirlines? Links would be appreciated!

[@ShuvamNayak]

what is the thrust to weight ratio of FT Flyer?

[@larsfroelich]

legendary!

[@JaredReabow]

anyone notice the battery making an escape when he brings it in and holds it

[@FlyingMaddLadd]

Hey flitetest, I finally flew my epp su29 that I was emailing josh Scott about and after his great words I eventually flew it and got a recording done onboard at the same time, Could you check it out please thanks :D

[@MADelectriCITY]

7:10 I challenge you guys to make an ornithopter using dollar tree foam board.

[@squishy654]

they always came in different colors

[@janithdilhara3423]

Lipo battery weight????

[@timothyrichards9611]

i bought the foam for this plane but the pdf file for the download comes in one big page so i cant get the atual size of the plane parts because i cant stick the pages together because theres only one page. please help D:

[@mohamedtito2]

after i downloaded the plans i found that it had only one side of the wing, should i do it twice and glue them together?, or i miss understood something?

[@MrColonelcrunker]

I also found that out, but what I did and what I think is supposed to be done is place it so that some of the outer edges of the wing(plan) line up with or get close to the bottom right of the foam board(to save material) then outline it with a marker, and then rotate it 180 degrees so as to line up what would be the middle of the wing(s) to each-other, then mark that. That way, you should get the whole wing in one piece. So, basically, just use the wing plan twice to make one shape(outlined) and the whole wing.

[@halroush7114]

Mohamed Toony