I recently received my Multiplex Easystar Ready to Fly (RTF) from Hobby-Lobby. I decided that I spend so much time waiting on parts for my Super Cub that I need a backup plane. I went with the RTF instead of the Almost Ready to Fly (ARF) for two reasons. First the RTF is cheaper and it fits my budget, second I honestly barely have time to fly much less build the plane. That will come later when I get into building Balsa planes. The RTF kit required little assembly; the most time consuming part was cutting out the decals.
I headed out to the park the next day with the plane all charged up. As has happened to me before, I got to the park and the wind was blowing a little more than I wanted. I gave the plane a hand launch and it quickly jumped into the air. Very soon after I realized I was going to have problems keeping it in the field and away from the trees and marsh beyond. I made a rather rough emergency landing that caused a small crack behind the cockpit opening. I decided to head home while I still had a plane and come back another day. A little CA glue quickly patched up the crack after I got home.
Feeling a little doubtful that I would ever fly without crashing I decided to head back to the park early in the morning to try and beat the wind. This time the conditions were perfect and things went much better. The plane was very easy to control and very forgiving. The rudder is a little small which evidenced itself in the slow response to turns, but I think that is a good thing for me right now. This plane has a 54" wingspan and excellent gliding properties. This makes for some really nice flying with the motor off. It also means you need a lot of space to land it if you let it glide down. Now that I have some confidence back I look forward to getting back out the park another day.
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