Flite Test - FT Simple Storch - Build

Step by step tutorial showing how to build the FT Simple Storch, the latest speed build swappable foam board classic warbird airplane from Flite Test.
Free Build Plans and more details:
flitetest.com/articles/ft-simp...
Watch the BUILD supplemental here:
• Flite Test - FT Simple...
Purchase the speed build kit in our online store:
store.flitetest.com/ft-simple-...
See the FT Simple Storch Review:
• Breakfast Bombers - FT...
Thanks again for your support!

[@steveschwartz8617]

Great job FT!!! Its nice to see another build with a few twists to improve the longevity of the plane. My speed build should be here today and I'm excited to begin. No matter how you pronounce it or what resolution the video is in, this is what we've been waiting on. Im all for less complaining and more fun!!! Thanks again. Steve

[@LIFEOFSTUFFEDANIMALS]

Well said

[@N3tech]

Started building mine about 3 and a half years ago. Got 80% done but had some stuff come up with College. Finally got everything back out and all my parts found and finally gonna see this puppy fly this week.

[@marlwinperez1138]

Tell me how it goes

[@N3tech]

@@marlwinperez1138 well… I live in Texas, 4 hot years in the garage had warped the wing a bit so it had some wicked yaw. Was also first time I’d flown in a few years. Still glad to say I finally got it off the ground and was able to get it through a battery before I finally lost control haha.

[@mapleacrefarm]

Brother Josh, thanks for the shout out about the A = Above, B = Beside abbreviations. It was great to see the look on your face when I told you about it at FliteFest, LOL! Great build video on the Storch. This might be my next build, after I get my Versa Wing woes figured out.

[@joshbixler1261]

Thanks for the advice Brian! I am sorry I could not find the pic of us on my phone to give you proper credit. It is a very useful tip. :)

[@kristopiir3107]

Hey Josh. You do great job. All my free moments I just open KZbin and watch FliteTest videos. One thing I can say, hot glue can't "dry". The moist isn't coming out. Hot glue "will be cooled" :). Greetings from Estonia, big FliteTest fan Kristo

[@modbnet]

This is probably the best 4 channel trainer ever! No fear of crashing, and slow/happy flying. Awesome!

[@emansobhy6703]

به كلمة ژ

[@mesolsot]

I have built SO MANY of these! It's the plane that recorded all the flight vids I have up. My favorite thing to do is wind surfing for like an hour on a single 2200 3cell lipo. In 25-35 or so mph wind and with a 20+ foot streamer hanging off the tail skid I park my Storch up at 300' and just kill the engine and hover it there in one spot. I love this plane so much. Thanks ^_^

[@normrubio]

Man, you make it look easy. Great work and I'm going to pick one up from your store

[@WhatDoesThisButtonDo]

He makes it look so easy :D Took me 3+ evenings to make mine, and even then the landing gear is a bit off. First build so not surprised, should have started on the Nutball. Funny thing is I could hear Josh all the time :: "Remember, extra glue is not extra strength, its extra weight" "Use your table as a friend" "Now I'm just going to take a bit of scrap foam and wipe off the excess" "Be sure to get all those little bits of foam out of there" "Now I'm just going to take my razor and ..." ;)

[@jonnyone-truck2460]

My first build too! watched that video 15 times easy, lol! lay out and cutting was a couple evenings, final assembly was a few hours. Now if only my receiver would show up!

[@jmitsch44827]

FLITE TEST INSTRUCTIONS ARE VERY SPARSE. The videos move fast, much is left out. Instructions are disjointed e.g., power pod instructions are hard to find and are separate from all of the airplane build videos this is pure laziness on Flite Test's part. They do not even provide the link to additional instructions. They make it look easy but it is not easy the sales effort is real slick they have no interest in slowing instructional build videos down they just sell sell sell. Their indexing of build information is hap hazard semi organized all information is not in one place or consolidated, even though they think it is organized it is not. Older information is harder to find. Power pod instructions hard to come by.

[@wesleyedwards2764]

@@jmitsch44827 Free is free.

[@harpoon_bakery162]

@@jmitsch44827 ok, so 4 years has now past, what model would you recommend now with 4 years of research and technology behind our belt? have they improved the plane? is the landing hear nightmare fixed? i read over and over about the landing gear. Flite-Test is a first - rate community organization, i would assume it's all fixed by now in their speed-build kit, is this the case or not the case? as for the extra materials needed, have they added things to the list like the servo extensions and things like that and stuff like this? Just curious and I appreciate your help on this !!!!!

[@shinobro1467]

Niiiiiiccccccceeeeeeeee move

[@Horsesupreme1]

All those videos from flite test are amazing and Josh tells very well and have a lot off fun with flying rc.

[@triskellian]

Enjoyable build to watch! Clever methods on joining the parts together too.Good looking and good flying plane!

[@davidcompton2567]

Thank you for the video. It's our first time putting a plane together and it helped us ALOT.

[@sscleitonss]

The best model of all time! the world's best! Simply the best yet! Thank so much! Flite Test =)

[@jimwilliams1536]

That was great to watch! I'm learning as much as I can before my boys get to the age where they're asking me to make this stuff. Flight test is the BEST channel for this. Could you guys build a rig to make paper planes fly? I've seen a few products out there that'll do it but want to see what you guys could do.. Peace!

[@TheOregonOutlaw]

BEST build video I have yet seen here ~ WELL DONE!!! Taking the time to explain things well REALLY helps and is appreciated. 2 Q's for you - what radio were you using and ... how many "band aids" should I order??? Thanks Josh, you finally will be getting an order from me!

[@ultrakool]

as a recent enthusiast in this hobby (noob), the two joshes taught me the rc aircraft ropes (I'm 6 mos. into it). jb, the technical end and js, the newcomer's viewpoint, with a taste of aloofness and humor (and let's face it..didn't we all feel that detachment when we first started?). good mix in the production of this page, fellas. keep up the good work..you're making an impact in this hobby. ~jmho~

[@claytonlance235]

These guys "flite test crew" got me into it, and made it feasible... just started ordering my kit.

[@saddahyousif]

My first attempt to build the ft simple storch using A2212 3t 1000kv motor and a 1045 propeller with a 2200mah 3S battery ended in failure but I learned a lot.thank you flite test team.

[@jasoneason7150]

Love the videos.. I built my first plane today! Thankyou guys for the plans and build vids..

[@userTJ39780]

I can't wait to build mine! Getting the landing gear right on my Duster was an act of masochism, but I now have the right tools to make my bends crisp like his.

[@xdreddragonxd_8151]

what type of tool did u use for the bering of landing gear?

[@trochartist]

I utilized the round servo horns included with the power pack servos as the reinforcement for the power pod. I used the nifty Philips screwdriver provided to widen the center of the servo horn (where it attaches to the servo) just enough to fit the skewer through it. I passed the skewer through the fuselage and through the servo horn on the interior of the fuselage *female teath facing in. I pressed it into the foam and followed up with glue wile I turned the skewer to maintain passage. works like a charm👍 you guys are the best!

[@lokaero]

Wow very useful tip for me after reading your comment 8yrs later.

[@Reboot153]

I remember building my first RC plane as a kid. It was a wood and balsa trainer with a glow fuel powered engine. Took me so long to build it that I just about burned out on the hobby. Seeing this video makes me want to ditch a few of my current hobbies so I can fit RC flying back in. Keep up the great content, guys!

[@jjovereats]

+Reboot153 maybe split the time

[@MrKurtay]

Really good point on the HOT GLUE info, I wish I saw this video earlier. Milky ones don't even hold up, falls off and the smell and makes your throat go sick. Must be toxic! I had to cover my mouth in long duration usage. Thanks guys, you are truly awesome!

[@jasonhurdlow6607]

FYI: The Gorilla Glue glue-sticks are milky, but work well and don't have any bad odors. I've built several planes with it now. Stanley brand holds well too, but it has a bad odor and can give you a headache; leave it for your wood construction projects.

[@alexmyrom786]

Good afternoon for you guys! You, excellent guys! Thanks for exact and detailed instructions! Great respect for you!!!

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

One of my favorite FT Aircraft!! I have to nitpick a little... Josh never went ahead and added the popsicle stick to the Hstab... And on the first fold of the Fuse, he was nowhere near pushed down and crisp on that first B Fold!! 😋😆 Love you Guys! It took literally hundreds of your Videos, to find ONE with blatant instruction errors. That's a great record!! 😎👏👏🏆 You SHOULD really upgrade this, with FT Foam Board, Doublers, and all the newer edge masking tricks! 😉 It's still perfect for the Novice/Intermediate Pilot, and has a wide enough envelope to grow with! 👍👍 Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@harpoon_bakery162]

Hey, could you let me know what you mean by FT foam board, doubleers and the newer masking tricks? i was going to get the speed kit until I read your post. I would like the latest and the greatest materials, not 4 year-old stuff. What would you do if you were me and looking to enter into your first build with this plane? Love to hear your thoughts , you seem like you know what you're talking about and i know that Flite-Test can't get back to newbies like me. Thanks!!!!

[@cyclemanncafe]

Great design and video. You guys are so creative and clever in how you generate the kits for assembly. You might consider using guitar string as a tail skid for a little springy-ness. Unless that would be a bad time for springy-ness. Then again it has a takeoff run of a whole ... what two feet !? Please keep it up. Y'all are one of the four favorite channels of 20 I subscribe to. That don't count the 20 I dropped subscriptions to. Thanks.

[@MichaelDeming]

I just ordered this kit from the FT store as my first build. Going to do it with my kids.

[@tboltjohn]

I like the wire tie connects on the ldg gear contacts. Light and quick to do. Also I would think dental floss winding-hot glue soak would also work.

[@edwinmcnew4389]

It looks and flyies, very nice! Thanks for your video! Im gonna build this one! As a beginner, its hard to follow some of the plans, of the balsa models! I can crash and build this as im learning! Thank you very much!

[@snesguy9176]

If anyone buys this kit here's a pro tip. The Power Pack (C) doesn't come with enough servo wire for the whole plane, order more. It comes with four 12 inch wires, once doubled up is enough for the wing only. You'll need to either buy at least 2 more 12inch wires or 2 24in. It's not a big deal, but it would be really annoying if you didn't have any extra laying around.

[@zacharyarakawa2401]

Thank you!

[@LIFEOFSTUFFEDANIMALS]

Great!. The wing's span on that thing it enormous!!!! I couldn't fit it in the room I was working in! Of course, if I had it vertical.

[@paperalex5835]

You are the Bob Ross of designing and building planes, a true art form

[@shanesmethwick6171]

I like to see the bigger planes (55"-70" wing) that can handle better and are more predictable in the air. Nice

[@thexpto51]

Very Good Job! Everything, the build the plans! Very nice work! Congratulations!

[@stuz14]

I think Josh likes his Mountain Dew a little lol. Look at how many can he has at the end of the table! Great job Josh and keep up the great work. Cheers from Australia.

[@wilanz]

I haven't built anything yet but learn so much about flying from watching these vids. I'll get inspired one day! It's just too easy to walk in to a store and get one ready to go.

[@wilanz]

Joshua Jerred I've flown the FT Flyer. It flies nice. I'll try that as my first build. Some waterproofing will be necessary for my area since our grass is always wet in the early mornings.

[@ArmandoLazo]

You guys are rock stars. I can't way to finish my Storch to fly high! :) BTW. Thank you so mush for the FREE Build Plans!

[@leoduf6019]

I found that I can use splines that you use to hold the screens in their frames works very well holding the wheels on the wire axels

[@phil123711]

Bloody great. Thx for posting.

[@kammowright7911]

Yup, will have this one to fly this weekend. Can't wait for the F4U!!!!!

[@Vass881234]

Skewer reinforcement! My bloody wonder is knackered as is the swappable pod due to lots of holes all worn out. Nice one!

[@mh53eflyguy]

I like the looks of this, as well as the simplicity. Any chance on making a subsequent build that gives the appearance of a more scale cockpit, i.e. the observation windows? It could be made with four or six extra pieces. I might have to get one of these in the near future. Nice video, great build!

[@fully_retractable]

just bought one.. thanks you guys!

[@wlouisharris]

This looks like a really cool plane. I really like the way high wing planes fly - I have the Sport Cub S from Hobby zone. I'm debating on whether buying this kit first or the 3 pack. I like the looks of this plane a lot but may be better suited for the 3 pack since it will be my first build.

[@edsondamasceno6151]

Olá, muito bom esse aeromodelo de vôo excelente, parabéns.

[@vancesanoba7183]

I would love you to make a video about how to design,make,and install the electronics in a 3d foamie

[@robsycko]

I have built two of these and they fly perfect. This is my favorite scratch build and so easy to fly and very impressive on the airfield

[@lucas-cl8eq]

is it a good plane for a trainer?

[@robsycko]

+lucas 09 I think so it has a wide wing span . bigger is better I added 2 inches to the wing span on mine.

[@lucas-cl8eq]

Oke thx i wanna make this for my first ever rc plane bit i dont wanna build a ugly trainer so thx

[@harpoon_bakery162]

@@robsycko -- omg, wow, and it still flew? seems like that would throw off fuselage length, C of G, empennage length and style and engine size and things like that and stuff like this.

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

SO MANY great choices from FliteTest! I'm starting to get confused as to which one to start with... THIS one looks very stable and forgiving, as well as Big enough not to lose sight of!!! 😜😱 As it is, I already have to RELEARN how to Fly! (I'm a 1:1 ex USAF Pilot) I'd really prefer a nice slow flyer, with sturdy Landing Gear. This just seems to tick all boxes.... Am I right? Thank You to Josh and the whole gang, for bringing the enjoyment of RC Flight to POOR Disabled Veterans like myself! 👍👍 Now.... If I can just figure out how to afford the Radio and Power Pack. 😱😢 ~ Carmine 💥 ⛽

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

Decision made.... *It's the STORCH for my first!!!* 😎😀😀

[@bobeveryday15]

That’s awesome man! What aircraft did you flying in the AF?

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

@@bobeveryday15 I was an E6... "Pilot" may be a stretch. I didn't fly - officially. I mainly did Ground Maintenance... But, I did fly a few checkout Flights in the A-10! And, in my spare time. T-36, Caribu, Cessna 172 and 182, and my Friend's Twin Beech. Oh.... and F-15, F-16 and A-10 in the USAF Simulator. 😉

[@PopeMark100]

Great plane. Only had a couple of problems. The wire I got in the pack was so thick that I had to use a vise and a hammer to bend it and it wouldn't fit in the gaps designated for the wire. Also the straw would not fit over the wire so I just have the foam wheels and nothing else. The other thing was the fitting of the esc and battery and the accessibility of the receiver. But other then that it was a really fun build and I would definitely do it again. 👍

[@wdelvii]

These guys are truly awesome!

[@kacper8562]

"you don't need too much runway" yeah. you don't need it at all actually. just some to land, but take off was instantainious XD

[@dustin6146]

Great plane just got it for Christmas

[@VictoryGuitarShop]

Great video, keep them coming!

[@lennertbontinck]

LITTLE TIP, instead of using tape to keep connections together you can use shrinking tubes, used it on my tricopter to keep connections together and works perfectly!

[@jerrellthieke87]

these are such great planes and I was so excited to build one of these but I just looked at the price of transmitters and they are way out of my price range. I guess I'll live vicariously thru you.

[@Tworiverswolf]

Flite Test - FT Simple Storch - Build at this point Josh is Magic. He pulls the tape without the sound!

[@luizcarlosmatias2022]

parabéns flite test mais um belo aeromodelo e uma excelente videoaula, como sempre surpreendendo a todos amantes deste rob thank you!

[@waynefuller5280]

Very Good Video Josh, I love your instructions. You leave nothing to the imagination,excellant. Can't wait for future in struction videos. Thank You very much.

[@zinozino405]

You are really a genius. Thank you very much Greetings from Algeria

[@NotEpoch]

Great video and awesome new build.

[@MittDinTube]

Josh, as usual educating and entertaining. Thank You! (you actually left out a lot of actuallys as well). As for upcoming episodes, I'd love to see an exploration and build off in different materials, pick a rather simple plane like the VersaWing and try it in Foam Board vs Depron vs XPS vs Corflute vs Cardboard and/or other applicable materials and se pros and cons between the different materials and how to counteract the cons (like pre-taping depron etc.). It would be VERY educating and help builders around the world who have problems getting hold of Dollar Tree Foam or similar. You do have world wide fans :)

[@alexconsadene8924]

As a challenge you guys should do a stol plane with the slats and bush tires and do some challenges like shotest take off shortest landing and other things. Keep up rhe good work!

[@stephrc6647]

Just bought kit, need to get the hardware and I will be building it. I will be looking for all the help I can get to set up my radio though. So hopefully it all goes well.

[@horaciomonterroso8159]

Thanks for the tip adds performance to the Fieseler

[@haririalaa6487]

As usual you are the BEST Josh..! thanks for the Video..:)

[@hansleatherby1032]

fantastic!! more please thanks flitetest

[@ayushkaiwart2451]

I will make this model and test it for sure. Simple and easy to maneuver.

[@jimbo57109]

great stuff i love this plane guys

[@captainsirjackchucklebutty6147]

Wonderful. Excellent presentation and clear instructions how to do it. I wish you were involved with RC sailing. Especially multihulls. Nobody seems to be doing that in 2022,and my amateur efforts are neanderthal. I wish I could just buy a kit and get sailing. Carving foam is incredibly hard..... 😎

[@wartang]

Josh Bixler the Bob Ross of the RC world.

[@weezalicious]

yep

[@harpoon_bakery162]

I heard he's paid like a boss too! mid-6-figures.

[@Modelpilot]

hahah now he needs the same haircut hahaha

[@diegoteclas]

Exxcellent video. thank you! Very nice and professional explaining. At this point i think no need to have too much skills to build a successfull rc plane ;)

[@SuperLoopholes]

Bending wire repeatedly actually makes it harder. But harder things are more brittle so eventually it snaps instead of bending. Called work hardening.

[@donkeyhodie]

The amount of Mountain Dew at the end of the bench is both impressive and disturbing. :) Great video

[@jacobgreathouse9382]

Love flite test!!

[@drivebrake]

I noticed the small opening in the bottom of the wing for wiring is directly at the paint stick joint. That could be opened up the entire width of the fuselage and still be unseen when the wing is attached to the plane. That would allow the addition of a small flat bracket iron bent in the middle the same amount as the dihedral and screwed on across the paint sticks. This would reinforce the dihedral angle and make the wing even stronger. Probably unnecessary; but maybe still a good idea.

[@jgzifly1045]

The plane in the background, upper left corner reminds me of a super inproved experimental airlines Sky Van Cargo Dropper.

[@barrybarnes1337]

Hiya FT, I've been watching all, or many, of your models etc, and completely hooked by your building and flying. I used to fly many years ago, sold everything off, but after watching Flite Test, I think I'm hooked again. As I live in the UK, is there anywhere that stocks your planes/kits etc, or do I have to ask you to supply from the States. Brilliant presentation.

[@RileyFM]

Well I just built the storch today an I can say it looks great! All except for the landing gear :( I messed up the wire on the gear an now I have no idea what to do...

[@TheQuadSpot]

Great video guys, thanks -Dave

[@mukeshkumar-111]

Realy nice tutorial...thanks..

[@windy49]

The one missing thing in your videos is guidance on mounting the batteries securely in the planes and on this particular kit. The routing needed to connect a battery to the ESC. Standard cable in the power kits is not long enough unless you cut a hole in the power pod. Cutting holes to to this and other elements of the electronics setup for each kit would be very helpful. Just finished the basic assembly of my Storch tonight. Tomorrow painting and final trim items before the Maiden flight.

[@epicteenagertuberz6769]

That flite is so cool

[@shefaatahamed1581]

I loved it man.... n ur a genius....

[@elefanteist]

I live in Brazil, and would like to know about this box is electronic loading the battery? you do a great job thank you

[@robertadam7296]

Thanks. Great video.

[@xfreedombuckO5x]

Would be nice if you mentioned the need for the servo extensions on the store page. I got some extensions coming though so no worries

[@bushmanuk100]

I'm new to rc Do I need a y cable for the ailerons thanks guys great video great looking plane

[@Hofftari]

That compensation for the differential on the ailerons by shifting the servo arm, is it necessary only on flaperons, or should I do the same if I'm going with ailerons only?

[@Sarocco1]

nice video, keep up the good work!

[@silbernersurfer8264]

where is the vid about the slats? Found it thanks. Great plane! Its nice that it is available in Germany. Thanks for that!

[@dukecorso80]

Ever heard of fiberglass tape makes a really stiffer plane once its done...its like if it lifts more and because its a little heavier the plane tracks thruw the air wich feels weird from a foamy

[@haardshah1715]

Hey Flite test. I Want to get started with the hobby for RC planes and would like suggestions on best one to build. I have been following along with the Beginners series and love the show.

[@mikaguitars1477]

This is my firts time building one of your kits and it fun but if i get little things off i get frustrated

[@mirkocanciello3986]

Davvero complimenti per il tuo lavoro. Ha decollato in 1500mm 😄💪👏👍 è riuscito a restare quasi in hovering è fare salita verticale 👍👏💪. Sufficiente 2 metri per atterraggio 💪💪💪👍👏👏👏👏😜 GRANDE

[@jakejgg7390]

it would be great if you guys coud come to yorkshire and fly in the dales with some slopesourers uk!

[@chinookmech]

Can you guys do more advance planes... like Peter's VTOL plane? That would be awesome.

[@LIFEOFSTUFFEDANIMALS]

That would be great...

[@LIFEOFSTUFFEDANIMALS]

A build video on it! ( Hint hint, nudge nudge :) )

[@Munky332]

You are talking about the OV-10 style one right? The tricopter/twin that converts to forward flight? I've asked them multiple times! still waiting. I think it'd be the perfect branch between a tricopter/vtol/forward flight if the flight envelope is good. i'd also like to see some more complex designs with flaps, retractable leading edge slats, very easy/basic/sturdy retracts. I have a design for LE slats using a foam spar and thick note card paper in my head just havent had the chance to put it on paper or actually physically design it yet.

[@chinookmech]

Yes, all of the above. I have grown with the flite test plane series and I think the next logical step would be more advance planes.

[@thesmashgamer4896]

1:01:30 is the wing already glued to the surface or is it just hold by the rubber bands?

[@rcalert1731]

nice build vid. i just ordered the speedbuild kit. but daaaaiiinm do you have steel figers? just whiping off the hot glue. i tutched the paper with hot glue unter it and burned myself building the edge 540 haha

[@wbvike]

I can't seem to find the video he refers to about setting up the mixing of the aileron and rudder for smoother turns, can anyone point me in the right direction. I even watched the supplemental video and unless I missed it, I didn't see where he explained that. I just need to know the rates he set up for it, as I know where how to set it up on my Dx6i. Thanks.

[@Lordcirdan]

Hello everyone! Help me!!! Why diameter wheels used this model? Is this my engine: Turnigy D2836/8 1100KV Brushless Outrunner Motor. What propeller is reccomended for this engine? Thanks!!!

[@charleshayes3829]

Reinforcement plates little metal washers on both sides do the trick also

[@ButlerPA1130]

I have a quick question. when using the power pack, does a guy need to drill out the servo arm hole in order for the linkage stopper to fit?