The HobbyZone Aeroscout S2 1.1m RTF is the Ultimate Beginner RC Plane! - So I Crashed It (RC GoPro)

As a complete beginner, I review the HobbyZone AeroScout S 2 1.1m RTF. I talk about all that comes with the ready-to-fly package, give my thoughts on the plane, and show you a flight from my, and the plane's, perspective.
Before taking off, I downloaded "Absolute RC Flight Simulator" on my smartphone. It's a free simulator that helped me learn to fly an RC plane. It's nothing special, but it's free:
Android:
play.google.com/store/apps/de...
Apple:
apps.apple.com/us/app/absolut...
Thanks for watching
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
00:23 What's included
01:05 Plane Overview
02:26 Preflight Overview
03:47 Takeoff
06:23 Pros and Cons
08:52 Rough Landing
09:36 Outro

[@larryhawkes1347]

Practice a lot of flying very slow, at least 1 mistake high, and over time, work your way down to 1.5 feet along your runway path without landing. When you master low and slow, Landings will be much easier.

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thanks for watching and for your advice. Getting the hang of flying at very low speeds has helped me land the plane much more softly. I practically glide it in and have been happy with my progress. My main issue now is that I always have to land with the plane flying directly towards me - I face the front of the plane on the approach. I have not yet learned to land the plane perpendicular to where I'm facing. I will take your advice and practice flying low and slow more.

[@badbob]

Great plane got one about a year ago. I always land in beginner mode. Come in slow use only rudder to steer then flair the nose up at the last second. It will be perfect every time.

[@justinsdaysoff]

Hey, thanks for the tip! That's good advice. What has helped me is to recognize that the plane can fly and maintain altitude at very low speeds. So I try to get the aircraft nice and slow, almost gliding, before touching down. Appreciate you checking out the video.

[@jimtrump1450]

Very nice vid and for sure you helped me decide this is the right entry level rc plane for me.Thanks!

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thank you very much! It's a great choice.

[@Luke-og5wu]

Cool vid. Would love to see more of these

[@ZehrifiedTV]

Great vid, LOVE your doggie finding stuff to roll in 😂 What charger does the RTF version come with?

[@BeHappyWithUrLife]

I’m so high right now, oh it’s the altitude. Or is it?. What a fabulous and fun video here Justin, thanks for this man!

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thank you very much!

[@pilotdoggo9603]

(On the 'con' of the included battery charger being way to slow) - I recently got the RTF package of this airplane, and I can go on and on about how much I love the thing! Something I must mention though on your con of the charger, is that it going at a slow charging rate (like 5-6 hours to full which I agree, is quite annoying) keeps the battery life longer. Slow charging is generally better for all batteries out there. Anyway, loved this video! That GoPro FPV makes things truly amazing - might have to try it out myself!

[@justinsdaysoff]

I'm glad you liked the video! It's always nice to hear that, so thanks for letting me know :). I'm also happy to hear you're enjoying the plane. It's such an easy product to recommend as it just feels like the perfect RTF package for learning. I now use a Spektrum s150 Charger, which reduces the charge time to 15-25 minutes. For now, the battery is still working well. Also, since you mentioned battery health, I've been using the Spektrum Smart Battery Checker and really like it. The Spektrum Smart batteries store data on their cycle count, voltage per cell, etc. and can even discharge themselves automatically to an optimal storage voltage after a set amount of time. With the Battery Checker, you can view and access all those features. I find it all pretty cool. Anyways, enjoy flying! PS - The key to the GoPro FPV is making sure the camera is placed at the center of gravity of the airplane! I will warn you it does fly a bit differently with the GoPro, no matter what. Good luck!

[@pilotdoggo9603]

@@justinsdaysoff Thank you so much for all that, I really appreciate you giving such a long response and detailed response. That was super thoughtful!

[@s9plus20]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. Looks like you are having fun!

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thank you for checking out the video! It continues to be a fun hobby to do every now and again.

[@vitale6633]

That Puppy is sooo cute !!! :)

[@justinsdaysoff]

Haha she was on my lap when I read your comment. She's my favorite :). Thanks for watching.

[@dutchloveRC]

Looks like a nice relaxing plane

[@jacksampson7711]

Great video!!! I wish this was around when I started flying. Probably would have saved thousands!!!

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thank you very much - I'm glad you liked the video! Have a great day.

[@stevej7178]

Nice video, thanks for uploading this. Always wanted to try flying an RC plane,

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thank you, I'm glad you liked it! A ready-to-fly (RTF) package like this isn't too expensive and can take a crash or too (as I've done), so you should try it out if you feel like you would enjoy it. It's not something I do all the time, but it's nice and relaxing to go flying now and then.

[@jimvalim1567]

I have this plane. It's a good trainer. Yeah, it's a good idea to learn on a simulator first. Just to learn the controls and figure out what the sticks do. Knock on wood, I still haven't crashed it yet. With the simulator I figured out how to do tricks with it like, fly upside down, loops and barrel rolls. Some of the things I don't like about it is. It's really loud and centering the nose wheel so that it tracks right on take offs is difficult. Something that people should be aware of if you get this plane is that you have to take it off safe select to trim it out when flying it in export mode for the first time. Other than that, it's a great plane to learn on

[@jimvalim1567]

This plane likes to float and doesn't want to come down. So you can glide it and get some good flight time out of it, by not having to use the throttle. You can make the battery last for awhile by using throttle management.

[@aidansrc2724]

what i do for launching is put the throttle to 100 but keep throttle cut on, then turn off throttle cut and that puts the engine up to full power right away

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thank you for the advice. That's an excellent method for bringing the engine up quickly, especially if I ever want to take off without that hill as a buffer. I will definitely try this. Appreciate it.

[@carlosponce3766]

Very nice

[@stupidliltoons6438]

After watching your video I bought that plane can't wait to get it in and fly it

[@justinsdaysoff]

That's awesome! I'm glad to hear I helped you make a decision to go with what I think is a great plane. I just finished flying it some yesterday. It's capable, while still very good for beginners. Have a great day!

[@randycoats7458]

I'm new to RC planes and have a mini Cub now. was looking at this plane and was thinking Hart Park would be a nice place to fly. Good luck with your channel.

[@powerofone1645]

These look like a great plane for newbies like me. Bullet proof.

[@capnhardway]

Just bought one, thank you going to maiden now, just subbed!

[@justinsdaysoff]

That's awesome I'm glad you liked the video! How was the maiden flight?

[@sergioarmartinho]

I loved the video, congratulations. I also have an aeroscout. A tip, I bought a QC 3.0 USB-C to use with this charger, in 1 hour and 30 minutes max it is charged.

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you liked the video. It continues to be a great plane. Thank you as well for the tip. I ended up getting an S150 smart charger for the batteries, which has been great for quickly charging them.

[@timroot4207]

Thank you!

[@MichaelMaduske]

Great video, great gopro footage. My AeroScout is on order

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thanks for the positive feedback. I'm glad you liked the video, and I hope you enjoy the plane! Thanks again.

[@tomd8313]

Beautiful place you have to fly there, however landing terrain looks pretty unforgiving. Since you hand launch there, I wonder if you’d attach a thin plastic skid pad along the belly, and remove the gear? Advantage of a Pusher! No more worries about nose damage, and probably fly more manueverably too!

[@luistorchia437]

Hello, Gracias por ensenarnos ,,, soy de Panama, saludos

[@justinsdaysoff]

Hola! Soy de California. Gracias por ver mi video. Estoy aprendiendo español. En la futura, cuando mi espanol es mejor, yo quiero hacer un video hablando espanol, maybe ha

[@mikemcmahon1300]

Nice where is the link for your phone

[@APoetsCorner]

California looks amazing from an RC plane's perspective.

[@my_dear_friend_]

FYI, ready to fly does no longer mean that it is actually ready to fly. It means you still have to buy one thing (e.g. the battery) and this allows the manufacturers to not comply with the FAA ruling to only sell planes that are remote ID ready or equipped. Now there is Basic RTF and Complete RTF. Convenient loophole to avoid the FAA regs for manufacturers that started at the end of 2022, putting it on the end user to solve the the remote ID issue without currently offering support or parts, and unfortunately leaving the consumer who does not know better (e.g. a beginner) in a lurch.

[@BillKisel]

Liked your video. You did well for still being a beginner. I also have the AeroScout. Like it a lot but a negative for me is that because it is so floaty it does need a lot of runway for landings. I would like the model even better if it had flaps.

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thanks for watching my video, and I'm glad you liked it. I agree with you on the Aeroscout. It can be tough to land, especially where I fly, as I don't have a runway.

[@joshrandall3632]

You know you can mix in flaperon sright? Maybe not with that radio, but other will allow it.

[@BillKisel]

@@joshrandall3632 Easley done on the transmitter but not so with the receiver. I believe receiver has to be re-programmed for flapperons to work properly.

[@joshrandall3632]

@@BillKisel I don't think the receiver has anything to do with it. I'll check when I get home though.

[@jardakabat7596]

Beautiful video. What camera do you use on the plane please?

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thank you! It's a GoPro Hero7 that I attached with a command strip and some duct tape.

[@OsadabwaMoto]

Thanks for the video, and nice place to fly! Love the FPV. I recently purchased one of these for my son and on his 10th successful flight, a touch-and-go went wrong and he damaged the steering/rudder servo (the gear stripped). The exact servo is not in stock anywhere and I now read that it's rather weak anyway. Can you advise on an upgraded servo that might be a bit more robust? Thanks

[@justinsdaysoff]

Hello, and thanks for watching. I can't reccommend a specific servo. I had the exact same problem, however (broke a servo on a rough landing) and was able to find some in stock online and replace the servo rather easily. I haven't had any issues with them since.

[@chrisB_OG]

I'm in for the bonus dog stuff 😁 jk it's cute tho

[@justinsdaysoff]

She's the best :)!

[@Lemonprints4]

You should make a video of how you put in the camera

[@justinsdaysoff]

Hey, and thanks for watching. If I ever make another RC plane video, I will include a segment on that. Long story short, I used a command strip to attach the camera and duct tape. I placed the camera on the top of the plane, at its center of gravity. There are markers beneath the wings and the plane's center of gravity between them.

[@rcplaytime]

awesome plane 😀 this might be my next one to get,😀👌👌👍👍subscribed 👍 👍

[@justinsdaysoff]

Awesome, I'm glad you liked the video :)

[@felixjonaskarimi]

hey, did you just attach the GoPro to the plane and where ? didn't it mess with the plane balance etc.? can you maybe share a picture of where u put the GoPro ?

[@justinsdaysoff]

Hey, thanks for checking out the video, and I'm glad my other video was able to provide clarification :). But yea, basically a command strip and some duct tape. The key is to try and place the GoPro so that it is at the plane's center of gravity (C/G). Fortunately, the Aeroscout has two slightly raised, textured styrofoam squares under each wing. With the battery connected as if you're about to fly, put a pointer finger on each raised spot and lift the plane. You'll notice that the aircraft is balanced and holding level on your two fingertips, indicating that the C/G will be right in the middle of those two notches. Try to mount the GoPro there, at the C/G . If you do this, it will fly very similar to if it were not mounted; however, the added weight is noticeable when flying, so power demand and maneuverability are affected.

[@NerdHobbiesDiecast]

I bought the BNF version. Seems to be a very competent machine.

[@justinsdaysoff]

It is an exceptionally capable machine for the price! Enjoy it, and thanks for checking out the video. I also had to buy a BNF version after a bad crash with the original plane, haha - I got that on video as well but haven't decided whether or not to edit and post.

[@NerdHobbiesDiecast]

@@justinsdaysoff crash videos are always a learning experience. i have some on my channel from old drone flights

[@lijon912]

What kind of connection the battery charger (can I use something similar to a portable phone charger?). If that is the only con, I can buy another charger. This plane seems very good

[@justinsdaysoff]

It's a standard USB connection, but the issue is it's just so slow. I purchased a Spektrum s150 that works excellent and charges the battery quickly through the wall outlet. Thanks for watching :)

[@James-js6dx]

Came for the plane. But watched the dog first couple minutes.

[@XtasYPlaYinG]

What camera did you mount on the plane?

[@justinsdaysoff]

Hey, thanks for checking out the video and sorry for the late reply. I used a GoPro Hero 7, mounted on the plane with duct tape and command strips.

[@Wings_of_foam]

Did you check the cg after you attached the Gopro?

[@justinsdaysoff]

I did confirm the center of gravity after attaching the GoPro to the plane using some marks under the wings. However, I checked the center of gravity beforehand and simply attached the GoPro right above it. It was heavier, of course, but it flew fine! Thanks for watching.

[@Tchown22]

How did you find the right C.G. (Center of Gravity) for the gopro? I tried my gopro on my same Aeroscout S2 1.1m a few times, but whenever I came in to land, I had to add power because the gopro always made the plane too nose heavy and would nose dive into the ground... Any suggestions and/or tips for putting a goprp on the plane?

[@justinsdaysoff]

Hey, thanks for checking out the video. So under both wings, there is a slightly raised, square patch in the styrofoam. Right between those two patches is the center of gravity. You do have to fly a bit differently when the camera is on.

[@MrLoughneagh]

Fantastic video was just wondering have you found yourself being disorientated? For example getting mixed up if the plane is flying away or towards you.?

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thanks for watching, and I'm glad you liked the video. So the app I used to prepare for an actual flight helped me orient and be aware of the plane's direction continuously as I flew. You have to sort of train your brain to always think about the controls acting on the aircraft in the same way regardless of the plane's direction. Picture yourself as flying as if you were in the cockpit. Eventually, something clicks, and you can fly the plane freely and easily without thinking about it.

[@MrLoughneagh]

@@justinsdaysoff Thanks Justin please upload a few more videos if you get the chance. It's great watching someone who is a beginner like myself and flying so beautifully.

[@MrLoughneagh]

@@justinsdaysoff I cannot decide whether to purchase the aeroscout or the cub carbon s2. What made you go for the scout if you don't mind me asking.?

[@justinsdaysoff]

@@MrLoughneagh That Carbon Cub S 2 looks like a nice plane, but I recommend the AeroScout, personally. The Aeroscout is a push prop plane, so it will be more forgiving if you have a harsh landing as the prop and motor are much more protected. I've even nosed the Aeroscout into the ground and been able to repair it very quickly. Even if you damage it severely, parts for the Aeroscout are readily available. Lastly, I have become quite confident flying the plane, and it continues to do everything I would like it to do. Rolls, loops, upside down flybys, sharp turning - short of a vertical hover, the plane is exceptionally capable for a "trainer." I went with it mostly because it was what was available at the hobby shop, but I'm very happy with it.

[@larryhawkes1347]

The key to orientation is the decision of how to get the plane back to level at any moment. When it is flying away its simple, left is left and right is right. When the plane is flying towards you at all, look for the wing that is lower to the ground and move the radio stick towards, as if you are putting the stick under the low wing to raise it up to level. The other way to say it is to put the stick under the wing you want to raise up when it is flying towards you. This visual reference is faster to make the correct control inputs to get the plan back to level when it is flying towards you.

[@fpvaq7378]

which motor, esc, batteries are you using and also what flight time do you get with the gopro on it?

[@justinsdaysoff]

I use the Spektrum-based equipment that comes with the RTF package, and with the GoPro will get about 8 minutes of flight time. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@GutsyGibbon]

Is there an inexpensive receiver compatible with this transmitter to enable building a second DIY plane?

[@justinsdaysoff]

So I'm not too knowledgeable in this area, but I think several receivers should be compatible with this transmitter. I'd imagine that Spektrum probably sells the one that goes in this plane at an affordable price. Good luck on your project and thanks for checking out the video.

[@bobbuchanan9759]

What is the app simulator that you use on your phone? i have a Samsung phone. Thanks

[@justinsdaysoff]

It's called Absolute RC Simulator. It is a very basic application, but is good for learning the basics of flying from a fixed position. Thanks for watching.

[@captdirt1]

Your dog is mine's twin!

[@justinsdaysoff]

That's awesome! She is the best dog I've ever owned. She is mostly Pomeranian and Chihuahua. Thanks for watching :)

[@Didjeridoolove]

Are you full throttle at hand launching?.. what’s you hand position? Thanks

[@justinsdaysoff]

I'm at or close to full throttle when hand launching. I hand launch the plane from a hilltop, so I have some leeway if the plane descends, but high throttle tends to ensure the plane ascends. You'll want to be able to get both hands on the controls as soon as you can, so I hold the transmitter in my non-throwing hand. I throw the plane like an American football, trying to position my throwing hand below the plane's center of gravity or close enough to where it feels balanced.

[@Didjeridoolove]

@@justinsdaysoff great!! Thank you!!👍🏼

[@YoungGhillie]

what simulator did you use to train?

[@justinsdaysoff]

Hey, thanks for watching. I quickly practiced before my flight using a simple smartphone application called Absolute RC Simulator. It's not a high-end simulator, but it provides a viable way to get used to flying an RC plane from a fixed position.

[@anthonyamore6290]

Isn't that the komodo dragon kid from the mid 2000s????

[@kranerwheatens]

Not sure where that's at but beautiful for sure.

[@justinsdaysoff]

This is in California, and I'm glad you like the area. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@MrLudric]

Hello. Can you use the transmittor for real flight simulator. Sorry for my bad english. Thank you

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thanks for watching my video, and please do not apologize for English not being your first language, friend :). I don't believe you can use this transmitter for Real Flight Simulator, only for actual RC flying.

[@MrLudric]

@@justinsdaysoff tanks for your answer

[@henryolson7061]

Is it loud?

[@justinsdaysoff]

The plane can be heard pretty easily as you fly it around at most distances. It is no louder than any drone or other RC plane you might find though. I would not say that it's overly loud or noisy.

[@dutchloveRC]

wasnt a bad landing, just needed a runway : )

[@justinsdaysoff]

I may build a dirt runway at some point. For now, the tall grass isn't so bad as it is pretty good at softening the occasional rough landings. Thanks for watching.

[@larryhawkes1347]

Need to take a lawn mower with you and mow yourself a runway. 😁✈️

[@timh4658]

What is the range

[@justinsdaysoff]

Hey, thanks for watching. I'm not sure of the range. I fly around on about 20 acres, take the plane to pretty high altitudes, and have never had a disconnect due to transmitter range

[@sparkey044]

I just got the pnp version of this and have had to tear it apart to get rid of the priority spektrum stuff out of it. I don't use spektrum. Rx is for a spektrum radio and the esc plug is for the smart batteries that are over priced form Horizon hobby. I would be nice if Horizon sold a kit version, so beginners that don't use spektrum have to do a rebuild before they can fly it.

[@akhyarrafidi1864]

Very nice place where is this 😍

[@justinsdaysoff]

This is in California :), on a particularly nice winter day.

[@berrymucuckiner4890]

Your experience is 100% different than mine.. Flies like crap… lands like a dream.. I think I got a lemon…… HORIZON????????????????

[@jimmytheriot8978]

Check out my aeroscout mods

[@edinelsonramirez5656]

If you only had large jumbo foam wheels, you would of landed OK, I'm sure! Just sayin'!

[@justinsdaysoff]

For sure, and they honestly would be a good idea, given where I fly! I've improved my landing a lot. It was all about learning to drop more speed before touching down. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@timsgta]

199 is the price now, RIDICULOUS.

[@henryolson7061]

when i bought the RTF it was $220 so it’s dropped a lot

[@justinsdaysoff]

Hey, thanks for watching. Yes, this is about what I paid as well. The Spektrum batteries themselves, while informative and reliable, also come with a high price tag :(. I ended up buying a second battery to double my flying time. I think it is still a great beginner plane if you're willing to pay the price. Have a great day.

[@mr.p9882]

So you claim that you are a newbie flew on a phone simulator for a little while, then took it out and flew SAFE for a short while, then BAM went into Experienced mode??? I seriously doubt that. I bet you have flown planes quite a while to be able to handle that plane like that so quickly.

[@justinsdaysoff]

Thank you for watching. I claim what happened, as this was my fourth or fifth time flying an RC plane, and it remains the only plane I've flown. I'll take your suspicion that I'd choose to lie about this, for some reason, as a compliment on my ability.

[@gscott5778]

I was interested in hearing someone elses review until he stated that the transmitter is a DX 5 and even with the text correction in the video, that blew any interest in finishing the video. Know what you are talking about and maybe rehearse your commentary.