Buying my first Champ

[ChristopherM]

I will be buying my first Champ this week and I am wondering if there is anything I can do to improve the plane. Stuff like makeing the wing stronger the motor run better ect ect

I would love to hear all your tips and tricks.

[mattman0182]

It is a fantastic starter plane, but really not worth a lot of money and time on mods. The engine is lacking, so try to upgrade that when you get used to flying. Also upgrade the battery. I run mine with a DX6i transmitter. That added a lot of range and trim memory.
As far as the wing, it is already strong. I found the tail to be the weakest part.

[njg]

Don't mod, just fly it.. it's so light that anything you do to it will just make it heavier.
Fun plane for the price

[mattman0182]

I would upgrade the battery for sure though. The best one they sell is lighter, faster, and has longer run time.
I believe the motor from the UM Sukoi has more power? Or does it?

[eagle33]

There is a "Hobbyzone Champ Mods" thread on the RC Groups Forum that is 317 pages long. Covers everything you can think of.

[ChristopherM]

Thanks all, this will be my first try at flying such a small plane I figure I will break it within the first couple of flights. But I want to fly so I gotto try.

[Chucksolo69]

Just a tip, when you first maiden it, gently toss it into the wind at about 3/4 throttle and let her gently climb to a good height, maybe 40-50 feet or so and then reduce the throttle to 50%; then just let her fly straight with very gentle turns and remember to keep your stick movements very small. Keep doing this for about five minutes and then bring it back toward you and cut the power. Let the Champ descend slowly with no input. Usually the cause of crashes on the Champ is over control, flying in too much wind and not enough altitude. Just remember, when the Champ is flying TOWARD you, and you want the plane to fly level, gently push the right stick in the direction of the wing that is low. The Champ will then fly level. Good Luck.

[eagle33]

Here's another tip: As Chuck says, gently toss it into the wind at 3/4 throttle. After it gets up to about 30'-40', cut the throttle and let it glide to a landing with no further input from you. A few trials like this will give you an idea of what you need to do and what will happen if you get into trouble. If in trouble, cut the throttle and with both thumbs off the sticks, the Champ will automatically settle in and glide to a soft landing by itself.

[ChristopherM]

Great tips folks. Chucksolo69 and eagle33 thank you for your insite. Just like fiying the big ones ,I will fly high and slow. This will be my first micro RC aircraft and I understand the over control factor.

Wish me luck

Thanks
Chris

[eagle33]

It would be fun to hear how you came out on your first few flights.

[Chucksolo69]

Christopher, it sounds like you have experience flying larger RC planes? If you do, you may find the Champ a bit Ho-Hum, in which case getting a more aerobatic UM plane like the UM T-28 Trojan or UM Spitfire may be a bit more more satisfactory for you.

[ChristopherM]

Yes, I do have experiance flying RC planes and I am sure the champ will not be keeping my intrest for long but I have a lot of empty space in an office building that will allow me to fly indoors everyday. The only catch is 9 foot ceilings so no vertical moves.

[rcplayer]

*nevermind, found my answer*

[Bill Gibson]

Im having a great time with mine...right out of the box! Nice little plane...pretty tuff too, considering the HITS its already taken from my less then impressive flying skills! I just cant believe how much the hobby of flying r/c aircraft has changed.....costs so much less and couldnt be easier to do!

[zoltron55]

the only thing I would do is get the bigger motor that fits in the gear box & customize the paint

[Pilot Error]

A few guys in my club and I fly indoors at a local gym on Friday nights. Get 3 or 4 Champs in the air at the same time and watch the fun begin lol!