Great Planes Avistar Elite RC Plane

A brief demo flight of the Avistar Elite. It has an O.S. .46AX engine and has the optional flap servos installed. A great sporty flyer or secondary trainer. It was a bit rich during this flight. I leaned it out a few clicks and sent it back up running better after turning the camera off.

[@collinmccallum]

awesome video!!!

[@TeeBeeZee]

Thanks!

[@tacobassmike9757]

Have the same rig love it almost like a avatar hobbyco

[@ScaleMeDown]

Great flying site

[@magicsoaring7]

Nice flight Troy!! :)

[@TeeBeeZee]

Thanks!

[@easystar123]

Hi there, ive just bought a new Avistar Elite arf. I have a Saito 62 which is 10cc. Would this engine in your opinion fly the plane comfortably or woukd it struggle? Kind regards.

[@TeeBeeZee]

Congrats on the plane! I haven’t flown any models in about 3 years due to life getting so busy, but I still have all my models including this one. As you probably know, mine has an OS .46AX 2-stroke engine. The plane is fairly large and I wouldn’t want it to have any less power than it does. It’s a perfect match, really. I’m sure the model would fly with the .62 4-stroke but I’m not sure if it would be as strong. They might actually be closely matched. One thing to consider is the props that are recommended for that Saito. If the diameter is too large, you might have ground clearance issues. If the clearances are good, I’d say try it! Be sure it balances well first! Mine was far too noseheavy as it came. I had to relocate some of the equipment inside and move the battery back, etc to get it balanced properly.

[@easystar123]

Many thanks for your reply. It was very helpful. I'm going to put larger wheels on the Avistar as I may be using a 13x6 prop instead of the 12x6 that I normally use on the Saito 62. Just to give a bit more thrust. The Saito 62 is lighter than the OS 46ax so it may balance OK without having to add tail weight. I'm just a fourstroke fanatic though I have three planes that are each powered with an OS 55AX two-stroke and fly really well. Your Avistar seems the perfect match for the OS 46AX. I enjoy watching the video. Today I was installing the servos onto the servo tray and have now the servo tray screwed into the plane. Earlier in the week I installed the four servos onto the wings. I normally epoxy the wings together. Did you glue your wings or keep them seperate? Regards Aidan

[@TeeBeeZee]

@@easystar123 I understand your fondness for the 4S engines. I have had quite a few myself and always enjoyed them! I never did glue the wing halves together.

[@easystar123]

Sorry for all the questions, just one more. Did you have to mix in any down elevator when you deployed full flaps?

[@TeeBeeZee]

@@easystar123I can’t say for sure but I don’t remember mixing any elevator with the flaps. I sure miss the hobby!

[@garyvale8347]

I have this type of plane and plan to convert it to electric....what exactly is the best way to cut the hatch opening for the ESC and quick battery mounting and replacement at the field? If anyone has any experience in doing this and has a recommendation on how best to make the cutout, it would be greatly helpful. thanks

[@TeeBeeZee]

The model already has a magnetic hatch up front that pops off easily to expose the fuel tank. Just make whatever mods are suitable for a battery shelf inside. Should be a very easy conversion.

[@garyvale8347]

@@TeeBeeZee just looking for some helpful tips as I don't want to butcher the nose...was hoping to find someone with previous e - conversion experience who cut this area open..... thanks anyway....

[@hmarquestt]

Which prop are you using?

[@TeeBeeZee]

It is the 12x5 prop that came with the airplane.

[@hmarquestt]

@@TeeBeeZee tks. Nice flying 👏👏👏

[@tlrcamp8009]

I know it’s old but do you know of anyone who has an unboxing/build setup for this plane?

[@TeeBeeZee]

Sorry but I'm not aware of any videos like that. I bought this one new/unused but it didn't come with a radio. I added my own receiver and bound it to my Spektrum transmitter. The airplane comes completely pre-built with the engine installed. I did end up adjusting a few things and adding some tail weight to get the CG correct. I also added the flap option by installing the extra servos. I found the owner's assembly manual somewhere online, probably Tower's site.

[@easystar123]

Very nice video of the Avistar. I have just bought this plane a few days ago. Would you recommend adding the servos for the flaps? Do they help slow the plane down on landings? Thanks for sharing this. I enjoyed watching it. You flew the Avistar really well.