Hi all,

I just finished my second plane, a four star 60. Came out great, look for photos as soon as I get my film developed.

Anyway, I'm not quite ready to take her up, still getting comfortable with my trainer (sig LT25). The instructions only list one set of rates for the 4*, 5/8 on alerons, 3/4 on elevator and 1 inch on rudder (each way). No "high / low" rates are given. I should mention that I built the wing with the outer bays removed.

I don't want to get into trouble with this plane, does anyone have suggestions for high / low rates? I'm using a Hitec flash 5 radio, it supports duel rates and exp. I've set up the 5th channel for flapperons, but will hold off on those for the time being.

I also have a very talented person who trained me and I know he'd be happy to take it up for it's maiden flight.

Thanks.

I found the stock throws for my 4*40 to be quite reasonable and easy to handle.

I've had both the 40 and 60 versions of the 4 Star. Go with the recommended throws to start. They're a nice, moderate setting. You should have no trouble getting use to them. I'd also recommend using your instructor and the buddy box for the first couple of flights until you get used to the added responsiveness of the new plane. You're gonna like this one!:)

Hey, thanks Dugster, Spike. I've already set up the plane with the above settings, it's just that after my trainer they just seemed "high". Of course, this is a much bigger plane than my first.

I'm glad to hear they are moderate settings. I'm really looking forward to this plane, I've wanted a 4* from the first! But I don't begrudge my LT25, It's a sweet little plane and it flys circles around my friend's big 60 trainer.

One more question. Since my radio supports exponential, I'd like to take advantage of it. Is -30 too much?

-20 to -30 isn't a bad a start. I frequently use expo on new planes when I'm unsure of their flying characteristics. You'll be fine with or without it though. 4*'s are great flying planes and were designed before expo and dual rates were popular.

- Spike

Yea, what Spike said...

The plane flys well on the rates as spec. I have flown lots of low wing planes and use a LT25 as my warm up plane for my 60 size Hawker Sea Fury. The LT25 is a lot more responsive than most trainers. I think that you will find that the response rate won't be all that much different on your 4*. I wouldn't get all worked up about expo. and dual rates. On a plane like the 4* this is simply a waste of programming time. What will be different is the fast runway speed followed by fast flight. Thats why it would be a good idea to buddy box the first time. You might only need a few minutes to get used to it because the plane will follow your sticks movements very closly with little interference from the wind. This makes the plane very predictable and therefore is easy to get used to. Once you are used to a plane that responds like this, you don't want to go back. One thing good about the 4* series. If things are getting carried away on you, you can throttle down and let the plane slow down. The plane will be happy to fly very slowly without dropping altitude like a lot of other sport planes. Once you have calmed down you can throttle up again and carry on. This makes the plane very forgiving and helps to get you out of trouble. Have fun, Fast!:D