FT Mighty Mini Sparrow - Build | Flite Test

[@TheRcSaylors]

This is a great looking RC guys! We love it! Got the kids and family involved which is so perfect for the hobby. Keep up the awesome work!!

[@tylerlambert9937]

love your videos

[@michaelwhinnery164]

My 8 year old grandson and I put this together today.2/16/20 and we had a blast...good times,,,good times

[@szilardb9564]

I admire your efforts so much, you are the only one who do care about this community and trying to help to get bigger-and-bigger. Would be nice to have a Flitetest "dealer" here in Europe too, and lastly thank you sooooo much that you have in your inventory the DTHB for shipping overseas too, I definitely will order some boxes. Unfortunately the shipping is to much to order speed build kits one-by-one, but will support you as I can. Many-many thanks and keep up the super cool job.

[@RCflyer729]

This plane looks so cool for beginners another awesome design!!

[@Beyaz_kartal_s1000rr]

+RCflyer729 hi mate, sub4sub ?

[@RCflyer729]

+Phantom 3 I only subscribe to people who I am willing to watch all there videos and who I really enjoy watching

[@MacCruzer]

Foote test flight

[@Tryin2FlyII]

Good video !!! I watched it for fun & to see if maybe I could pick up a few building tips because I started scratch building a few years ago with foam board. I want to say how nice it was to see you promoting the hobby & good building practice with up & coming pilots (your son?) it reminded me back when I owned & operated my Hobby Shop(late 80's thru mid 90's) my wife and I started building class's on Tues & Thurs we had a lot of people sign up for those class's both mom & dad with the kids it was a very satisfying part of the business and I do miss ( wish we had your kits back then) we also held R/C car races at the roller rink in the winter time NE Ohio winters can be such a bummer!!! sorry I got side tracked lol!! But I was blown away by the speed & maneuverability of this little plane!!!!I might just have to buy one for this winter building season!!!! Great video &Thanks for the time and effort to make,edit & post these video's

[@Butters69Channel]

I've been building your planes for almost 2 years now, and I love the designs, and that with flat foamboard you create really good airfoils. I've built the larger: FT Flyer, Bloody Wonder (gotta build that baron still), FT delta, Versa Wing, and Tiny Trainer. This new design looks to me like it will be a new favorite. I like that it has a very strong nose, 1 piece wing, pusher prop, and I especially like the size of motor it's built around. This plane is amazing, I even watched the last video of it flying with my friend, and now he wants to make one too.

[@skippyfpvexperimentalrc6755]

Thanks for letting me come by I had a blast .And I also know its been 4 years.hahahahah

[@BubbyFPV]

This video IS daddy flow approved

[@skippyfpvexperimentalrc6755]

Omg lol

[@popeyeman69]

Another superb video you guys! I have watched every video you guys have ever posted. I've been into RC since the 1970's and have boats, cars and heli's. I love the foam board method of building, so much easier than balsa! I'll be buying some supplies, and speed build kits in the near future for sure. And what's the Twin Boom in the window at the end of the video? Next project? Looks interesting!! LOL Thanks Josh!

[@riffraff60]

So, I've just binged watched all of your videos over the last couple of weeks. I've been inspired to try building and flying. While the fast build kits are available in Canada, and I will be purchasing through Great Hobbies, I would love to see one of your simpler designs be build from plans instead of a quick build kit, just to show us how it's done.

[@amazn1234]

could you use a dx5e transmitter and a 4 channel spektrum receiver to fly it? mostly concerned with the mixing...

[@userTJ39780]

That's what I used with most of my Flite test mini's.

[@AaradhyaKulshrestha]

I seriously want to be a part of flite test

[@shivangkashyap552]

SAME!

[@mastertng-2589]

The same who don't want to be a part of the flite test

[@911Keaton]

Is there a video for the plane in the window at 49:54? I looked but didn't see one. If there isn't a video for it, you should make one.

[@AaronBlake]

+Keaton Webb I believe that is the FT Bronco.

[@911Keaton]

Aaron Blake They're similar, but not quite the same. The one I'm looking for is the F-82 Twin Mustang.

[@AaronBlake]

+Keaton Webb oh. Try this. www.flitetest.com/articles/twin-mustang-based-off-the-ft-mustang-plans

[@911Keaton]

That's exactly what I was looking for! Thanks a lot! I didn't realize differential thrust made that much of a difference. This is going to be sweet.

[@jocax188723]

V-Tail surfaces are called ruddervators. A friend of mine nearly broke my nose with one while doing a preflight walk around of a 35 Bonanza. Never forgot what they were called after that.

[@lifeofabronovich7792]

Wait, what? That's a story I'd like to hear lmao

[@jocax188723]

@@lifeofabronovich7792 What I said: “Hey, I’m taking a close look at the V-tail!” What he thought I said: “Hey, you should test and check the V-tail!” What he did: Yank on the column as I bent down to take a look. What I did: Take a ruddervator to the face

[@Taematoe]

I wanted to follow along with this video. Looks like fun I've never made a plane before. Update, I printed out the pdf, traced it onto foam board and finished this project tonight. I had a lot of fun! Thanks for the design. I plan on powering it, yours was crazy fast!

[@shivabadger]

This is the first plane I downloaded the plans for and I noticed a discrepancy. The plans show the CG about 4 cm from the leading edge of the wing, but in this video it shows the CG further back around 8 cm from the leading edge (48:18 on the video). Which CG is correct? Also, can you direct me to a video that explains how to properly determine CG?

[@BadIdeas101]

I've always heard 21% of the innermost wing chord

[@ПавелФранцен]

I made the same one this is what I used: 1 Emax mt2204 2300kv CCW 6030 prop Emax Simonk Series 12A 3s venom 1300 mAh 20c 5g servos (some cheap servos, one failed today) The problem is, when I give it around 60% of throtle the plane starts flying and almost rolls to the opposite direction from the spin of the motor, feel like motor doesn't spin the prop, but spins my plane to the opposite direction (tried 6045 super heavy prop, 6030 little bit less but the same problem, 5045 the same as 6030) Very upset with it. Any ideas what I can do about it?

[@christmanscustomcreations6884]

you guys are great pilots ! tryed flying mine today for the first time instant nosedive left & crash second time same thing & prop got into the tail & destroyed it !

[@calfpv5973]

Hey FliteTest! Please can you guys do a video on quad PID tuning? There are a few confusing and unclear videos out there but your guys usual clear approach to technical stuff would be perfect here and really need the help! Thanks

[@quinnvandewalle4373]

hi I have a Dx4e transmitter from the super cub lp and I was wondering if it will work for the mixing on the sparrow?

[@fishingak3135]

Quinn VanDeWalle nope unless you figure out to get the spectrum app to connect to the transmitter

[@silasmarner7586]

A) Great video and great job helping the kids out on their projects! Also the kits are very reasonably priced. Once again, bravo!

[@AutoRandom]

Wish me luck, this will be my first build

[@trfpvVT]

how did it go xd

[@DarkFeedFPV]

I did it first time and i'm kind of impatient and even screw things up a lot and the final product is awesome !!

[@mramazing643]

I like how its a chuck glider that you can change to remote control, it looks really cool

[@brandonroberts457]

Just purchased this from you guys with the A power pack. Cant wait to start building. What battery is recommended?

[@userTJ39780]

I have a 2212 motor left over from another project. Can I use that with a 20amp esc on this or do you think it will be too much? Thanks. I plan to use a 5 by 3 three bladed prop.

[@fergusonhr]

Josh, do you guys doing any events in Muncie Indiana at the AMA world headquarters?

[@silteczneuerkanal6764]

hey nice video.I have a questione: i own headplay hd googles and i hace problems withe reciving the Videosignal. i also have 2 cloverleaves wich are not the best but they work and two linear polarized antennas. so now my question is why i get the best videosignal with one clovereave on my quad and a linear polarized on my headplay hd` s. What the Hack linear and circular!!! I dont understand it ... But next time i wanna buy a immersion 600mw reciver and 2 fatshark/immersion rc antennas, will they help me? By the way at the moment i have a 200mw chines vtx. Thank you hope for soon answer

[@bddanford]

Is that mixing the same as the elavon mixing in a wing? Getting ready to fly mine and not really sure how to setup a v-tail mixing on my Taranis. I also noticed that some of the planes on the first video had wing flaps. How does that come into play with the v-tail?

[@Jabbey71]

Getting ready for this build. What foam would be the best for this build.. Ross or the RL Adams. Thanks.

[@greengoatman]

Adams

[@BeginnersTech314]

i Know that you guys don't really look at these comments but can i use 9g servos instead of 5

[@Apple1grApe2]

9 gram will work, it's just a little overkill, but it will work fine

[@BeginnersTech314]

Daniel Willets thanks

[@easy_3d]

What is the AUW ? Here in india we have something similar to flitetest board and for this model AUW weight is 450gms...and it is very difficult to fly with that much weight

[@jethrogauld7437]

The glider was fun to build with my nephew. Some paper or PDF plans may have been easier to follow.

[@riverwest-gomila7793]

Hello Flite Test, im about to purchase the FT 22 Speed Build Kit with the Power Pack, i'm just wondering what remote control I should purchase, I am a begginer so I don't want anything to complex or to expensive? Any feedback would be great thanks!

[@chadhiggins8397]

I am having some trouble with the sparrow tip stalling, anyone have any thoughts?

[@westwindsdemon4519]

What's the foam boar thickness for this build?I built the mini speedster and the board that I used was too thick by a couple of mm, so I had to modify, and came out not ideal, it was half built by the time I realized this.

[@jadem1481]

A foam boar doesn't sound that appetizing, but I'd love to see one.

[@djraindropssuporters8318]

Do you have a design of sparrow that a little big and can cary more weight and minimum of 2200mah battery?thanks

[@toml.2988]

for the front hatch thingy is it okay to temporarily tape it shut

[@bddanford]

Planning on doing a video for the FPV setup? I would like to see how you would recommend mounting a cam and vtx with this model.

[@jadem1481]

Use a camera

[@maxdehnert474]

question i have a dxe and im wondering if i could use a tunegy v tail mixer cause the dxe cant do v tail mixing someone pls answer

[@maxdehnert474]

i need to boost my coment

[@joshuawilde8272]

Foam keeps ripping. Is there a special foam that I should use?

[@ryandconan]

hi flite test... greeting from Asia... i've build this plane. but I dont know what's wrong. it was maiden 2 days ago. when I throw the plane with 50 % throttle, it keep banking to the right. stalling and crash. its uncontrollable. my friend say so. shall we add some aileron on it?

[@gaidkey1128]

try turning the sparrow the way it is flying.if it banks right press right on the transmitter.my sparrow does the same thing.it banks hard left so i got mad and pressed left with it.it flew to the right.so i changed the controls now the elevator is wrong.but it flew left when i pressed right and right when i pressed left.

[@roedyhellyeah]

the CJ on the site is incorrect. on the plans it's good! It should be 1.75inch(45mm)

[@blazingstar4]

I'd like to get the snnipers used to cut the pushrods. Does anyone know what those are? Thanks

[@Jabbey71]

Thanks for the info about which foam..

[@AnandNL]

Some of the planes in the first video have ailerons (the one with the red wing tips) but not in the plans, is that a future thing or did it get removed?

[@Error62451]

Is it easier if you use elevons or elevators and ailerons

[@cruizcontrolFPV]

Is there a way you guys can provide a DXF or any kind of cad file to laser cut at home?

[@MIKOLAJW19]

@FliteTest what type of foam are You using? 5mm or 10mm?

[@anguslucas]

I only just finished scratch building my mini arrow and i already want to build this aswell!!! Does flite test have a donations page? I live in the Uk so have to scratchbuild but would like to send a bit of money their way as a thank you for the amazing plans and videos!

[@x-flight1015]

Where do you get the foam from? I'm in the uk and have the same issue.

[@ulaB]

+Angus Lucas There's no need to do that :). If you can afford it, buy a speed build kit or some cool FT gear sometime (when the European distribution starts :)). At the moment shipping (plus tax) is a little expensive when you buy from the store...

[@rcbif101]

You could register for flite fest. Would end up being a donation kinda,

[@anguslucas]

+X-FLIGHT101 www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0052ISMPA/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1 is what I bought, paper doesn't come off as easily but I think that's a good thing once you get the hang of removing it.

[@x-flight1015]

+Balu when is this due to start? I better start saving lol

[@craggyice6639]

Is there a way to bind it to a different controller other than the one he was using in the video?

[@szilardb9564]

I found a mistake about the CG, in your free plans it sais 1,75 in and in the article is 2.75 in from leading edge of wing. Which is the right then?

[@reseth]

+Szilard B location on plans is correct.

[@szilardb9564]

+reseth Hmmm....I measured myself from the leading edge (where you make the double bevel, where the wing folds in two) the sign of CG and it is 40 something mm on the plans. In the article and as I see Josh is showing also further back the CG (closer to the "trailing edge" of the lover part of wing) So IMO, still not good, not on website nor on plans. I have sett CG at 69 mm and flys like a bird, 23% throttle and cruising around without loosing height :-)

[@reseth]

+Szilard B I couldn maiden my sparrow yet, so I dont know where is the best CG location. I asked on forums and was told that plans is correct. Have a look forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?17136-SP0NZ-Plans-Index&p=265875&viewfull=1#post265875

[@szilardb9564]

+reseth SUPERB, thanks a lot, so it is not good anyway, I have the CG at 2,75 inch and flyes OKish, but will check 1,75 inch. I have got a reply from flitetest officials that it is at 2,75 inch, but ....it isnt then. Thanks a lot :-) Happy flying :-)

[@reseth]

Just maidened mine :-) using 1,75" CG, little bit tail heavy balanced but it seems to fly fine even with aprox. 50g of lead in nose. Will try to tinker with CG location later. I guess design is very tolerant so even tail heavy plane is flyable.

[@ulaB]

Looks like the carpet at the AMA Expo was quite good at generating static electricity. Just look at the little fellow at 0:20 :-)

[@rcbif101]

+Balu - lol

[@evanman4651]

would this be good for a first time rc plane? I have 3 channel heli and quad copter experience. also how much would a transmitter cost so that it would be a complete rtf package?

[@ulaB]

+eVanman FT sells Graupner transmitters in their store which are not the cheapest ones, but look easy enough to program. The transmitter you should go for depends a lot on what your budget is. We had some discussions on the forums about different options already.

[@evanman4651]

+Balu cool, I also saw a kit with everything needed on their website, seems like a good deal, I'll have to do a little research, thanks!!

[@nickfury1279]

would I be able to substitute the clay for a bigger battery?

[@coleedson5439]

Nick Fury if it will fit

[@mr.k1177]

Can I use the DXE to set up the V tail for this plane or I need a v tail mixer ? Please help.

[@archiguitarchi]

When the time comes to remove glued-on servos, what happens to the plane? Can the servos be cleaned up?

[@uberclayton]

Wrap tape around them . Then glue them in. When you remove the them just take the tape off to clean up.

[@JeremyJobe]

I do not think the Build/Plans page is Live on their site yet.

[@ulaB]

+Jeremy Jobe Something was wrong with the links in the description. Should be fixed now.

[@JeremyJobe]

+Balu Yep.. Working now. Already have the PDF converted to DXF... getting it ready for the laser cutter. Ill have one of these flying by tonight!

[@akhileshpm1479]

if I order the speed build kit...with no additional power pack, will the motor & RC components be included?

[@coleedson5439]

AKHILESH P M no just glider with a firewall

[@nikitaschabracke9543]

Hey, would it not be better to use a xt60 connector? especially if you use a 3s? or is there any downside to use an xt60 if not needed :)

[@adi-yf3vs]

Connectors won't make too much of a difference with a plane like this. On a higher performance model, connecters will start to make a difference.

[@Stambo59]

What thickness is the foamboard. I can get 3mm and 5mm. Is the plans up yet? Found them :)

[@Stambo59]

+Stambo Ok I just built one of these using 5mm foamboard, an 1804 2300kv motor, a 10 amp ESC and a 3s 800. Balanced it with a bit of nose weight and took it up for it's first flight. It just flew, no trim required. I took the nose weight out and replaced it with some FPV gear. What a blast, this thing is fun. Thanks Flite Test for sharing such a great design. :-)

[@gumisiek1993]

is it good choice for beginner? i got now ft explorer and it started t be boring;)

[@johnnusbaum6149]

Does it have to be that exact receiver? Or will any 6 channel rx work?

[@LeMecNoir]

Can you use a spectrum 5 channel transmitter with this

[@fredweber48]

What radio are u using? And what's the price?

[@tengugamer4749]

is there a bigger type of the sarrow and the cosair?

[@gogotrololo]

i scratch built this this week, looks good and is a nice chuck glider at the moment. 50% chance i'll make it RC :D

[@Gantorin]

Are you guys finally providing assistants with the kits now. This will make the builds go faster!

[@greghines9346]

I was just wanting a good chuck glider plan to do with my son, thanks.

[@wlouisharris]

Has anyone programmed this with a DX6i? I've never programmed a delta wing. I assume you can plug the servos in aileron and rudder channel; or can you just use a y harness?

[@simonwhittaker5675]

what was that in the window at the end it is something i don't recognise

[@belperflyer7419]

Looks a lively little model. Congratulations. Pity the materials (paper backed foam) seems hard to source in the UK. Just a couple of points: 1: When I glue servos in place on small models I wrap them in paper masking tape first. It makes them easier to remove and doesn't damage them. I know 5gm servos are cheap as chips these days so it's probably not as important as a few years back when they weren't. I usually fix receivers, which don't need to be as rigid, with sticky Velcro. Also not a good idea to stick the antenna out the bottom of a fuselage with no undercarriage. It can be inside anyway with a foam structure. 2: You refer to the tail controls as elevons. It's actually a V-tail and the two control surfaces are two halves of a rudder. Elevons are set up exactly as ailerons ie not the way you set up yours (as a rudder)

[@rcbif101]

ruddervators

[@cam_3d]

+Belper Flyer West Design 5mm A1 Foam Board - White (Pack of 10) on Amazon will do the trick =]

[@alexyt4434]

Why is there no ailerons like on the release video?

[@ankdoeslego9731]

Hi FliteTest, What transmitters do you use the most (brand and model please) Thanks

[@jadem1481]

Watch the video, you will know if you actually paid attention!

[@canaweb]

Pretty Cool project! We were thinking of doing a STEM related continuing Ed at the local HS...and my concern is that this model requires a transmitter with V-Tail mixing. HK has some pretty inexpensive 4 and 6 channel combos for about $30. Can you recommend a FT model that has a conventional tail and is still suitable for a class (20 students)? Thanks in advance!!

[@rcbif101]

+canaweb - Hobbyking sells v-tail mixers for $3-4 for use with non-programmable radios.

[@keehncommando]

+canaweb Some of those cheap $30 radios can be programmed with a cable from your PC

[@this.sjin0]

Does the v tail work more as an aileron or a rudder?

[@marcusmckay8120]

hi have spare 2208 1800kv motor and multistage 1400mah 4s battery can I stick all that in with 6045 props

[@tannerjones5426]

Hey, you should build a mighty mini spitfire, and a corsair into the same sizes as the swappable's.

[@coleedson5439]

Tanner Jones yesss a mini spitfire is great idea

[@lip03pd]

what size bullet connectors would be best to connect the motor to the esc?

[@ronansenevira4311]

outdoorlip 2mm

[@tommyslater1502]

I bought a wooden plane with ought any electronics and it's about 1 meter long and made by turnigy, I am not sure what I need, can you guys help me out

[@LOCOsnakeBITES]

anyone else notice how he says it's a 1806 motor when it's really a 2204?

[@gautamkrishna7421]

Yeahhh! That didn’t look like an 1806 to me

[@Dragontallon4185]

we love your chanel. watch it all the time. looking at learning to fly fixed wing's. we're into the quads right now. which would you recommend for a beginner? the mini sparrow or mini aarow?

[@jadem1481]

-3 points for grammar, capitalize and punctuate.

[@usarmyfl1]

Do you think it can fit a flight controller and gps (on top) for inav?

[@BillyBobBestie]

Matt Jones I think you'll want a larger, more stable plane for autonomous flight, especially long distance flight.

[@scottk3339]

thanks for all your vids i love making gliders and rcs and your vids have helped so much

[@NOIZYB]

Would you say this easier to fly than a wing

[@Marshcar]

Can you use an xt60 instead of an xt30?

[@BillyBobBestie]

FernFox yes

[@themodelbuilder193]

What do you guys think of the new dx20?

[@chadhiggins8397]

I am having some trouble with this plane tip stalling, any thoughts? anyone else have this problem?

[@igordolanc1390]

Hello. It is possible to buy foam like this in Europe ? Where ?

[@dwiretnohandayani4694]

Igor Dolanc in online shop

[@mramazing643]

could u post the plans for the mighty minis on Google please, so that I can use them and make my own

[@MrDRSMAX]

In the previous video it looked like at least some of the sparrows had ailerons. This video shows a 3 channel plane with just the throttle and v-tail. Is there going to be a variant of the plans for an aileron wing, or as that something builders will have to design themselves? Also, would the three channel version make a good trainer, or would it make more sense to go with something like the Tiny Trainer?

[@rcbif101]

the roll rates they had in the video did suggest ailerons, but I couldnt get a good view.

[@michaelsemenas6346]

At 5: 36, 6: 35 and 7: 32 of that video you can clearly see ailerons and servos in three of the sparrows. I don't know why this video wouldn't include instructions for adding them if wanted..

[@wlouisharris]

+Michael Semenas It seems like it would be complicated to program with ailerons. I have not programmed ailevons or whatever you call them. I'm curious to build this just to figure out how to program my dx6i.

[@MrDRSMAX]

+vista7 you would have normal ailerons with a standard v-tail

[@michaelsemenas6346]

+vista7 Actually it's not that hard in the 6i (but it's easier in the 6). If you don't put the ailerons on you program the tail just like you would on a flying wing. (Elevons) if you do put the ailerons on you program the tail as a v-tail and the ailerons just like you would for a normal plane.

[@ulaB]

Oha, Josh. Don't ever leave the props attached indoors when connecting the battery! :-)

[@paddymccusker6723]

What is the most money I should spend on my first rc plane

[@tommyleesheils2061]

Well I spent around £200 on my first plane (which I got everything with it)

[@paddymccusker6723]

+drunken pringle and I thought my £100 RC car was a bit hi in price

[@amazn1234]

buy the 3 pack swappable, you get 3 planes for $33. with electronics for around $100 excluding transmitter, receiver, and battery. my total was around $170

[@tobangafeufeu]

What's the point of the power pod when is not swappable?

[@ulaB]

+tobanga feufeu Being able to fly a powered plane? I actually thought why they didn't use BBQ skewers to hold the "pod" in place. Perhaps the wings need more support after being cut?

[@damzelfly]

+Balu I think to emphasise beginner plane he make it sturdy. BBQ skewer will withstand less crash.

[@tobangafeufeu]

I think I would stick with swappable and try to make the holding off the power pod a bit bigger from the outside

[@tobangafeufeu]

Balu by any chance, do you know someone called BusyBeTV?

[@ulaB]

+tobanga feufeu I haven't heard that name yet :)

[@johnh2241]

what is the size of the screw

[@jogvan1012]

Peter and the Flitetest crew Please Make a Sukhoi PAK-FA T-50 Twin EDF! Or a Sukhoi SU-30MKI with working Canards! And make plans for them and sell the KIT on Flitetest store!! That would be the most awesome thing ever! Thanks! :)

[@radosawsitek3469]

HOW LONG DOES THE ESC NEED TO HAVE?

[@chaddytee726]

Great stuff guys..looks like I'm building one now..

[@livewire1414]

Finally! Thanks for the great design!

[@thenatedog]

a "normal" plane prop spins counter clockwise. So when you say this is a "conventional" prop i would thing you meant normal. Clockwise is not a normal prop spin right?

[@1PriceIT]

+Nathan Knight It is spinning counter-clockwise - it's a pusher, yet still view it from the nose prospective. Hence the props writing always facing the nose.

[@israel2110]

flies pretty awsome nice work guys

[@kennethwang7045]

I am making one with friends today into a slope soarer.

[@uberclayton]

How did this work out?

[@jrn9515]

+FliteTest if i buy the speed build kit do i get the controlle

[@Marshcar]

no