Pete-E (oz7852)

About this Plan

PETE-E. Sport electric for small field flying. 351 sq in area. For Axi 2212/34 brushless motor, 4-channel radio.

Quote: "I have tried electrics in the past but was not impressed. I guess I just didn't have the right equipment or proper model. A recent visit with my brother-in-law Dan, changed my mind. He brought his new foamy electric, and after seeing this baby, I was hooked. I did some research and read about the AXI brushless motors and decided to give electrics another try. I made a call to Hobby Lobby and ordered the AXI 2212/34 brushless motor, Jeti 18 amp speed control and Kokam 1500 mAh 3-cell LiPo battery. I built a small balsa kit but wasn't happy with the performance, so I decided to design my own lighter and better performing model. With tons of spare balsa around, I built the 'Pete-E' out of scrap.

If you have been thinking about trying electrics, the Pete-E could be what you have been waiting for. The model is very easy to build and goes together in a few evening's work. Keep the weight at about 17 oz. and you will have a blast

Pete-E is very easy to fly and basically goes where you point it. I always hand launched my plane. I fly from a grass field and the wheels just seem to be too small to take off with. I actually fly mostly without the gear in place. The plane lands so slowly that it is very easy to belly land.

An easy toss will get this model up and flying. Get up to a comfortable altitude and trim for level flight. This plane will easily do all the standard acrobatic maneuvers: loop, roll, spin, etc. It only requires a slight bit of down elevator to easily fly upside down. For its small size it is very quick. The roll rate is fast and if you can think of a trick, this plane can do it. I don't have quite enough power to hover, but if you keep the weight at about 17oz vertical is very good.

It is a real pleasure to get to the flying field and unpack the model and be airborne in a matter of minutes. No needle valve to fool with, no lean engine runs, no mess or noise. I think that I am finally sold on electrics! This balsa model can be built with a few bucks of scrap balsa. Compare that to $60-$80 for a foam model of the same size. With the money you save in scratch-building a balsa model, you have a few dollars left over to spend on better equipment. If you have been putting off the jump to electrics, the Pete-E will leave you with no excuses. Good luck, fly quietly, and have fun!"

Little Marco located one of the missing four. This is the last plan in the RCM body of work. It was meant to be published in the July 2005 issue, but that issue was never distributed. The plan was sold on the RCM Plans website after the magazine stopped publication.

Plan and article located, purchased and scanned by RCGroups user Little Marco.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, text and pics.

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