My daughter is under 60 lbs probably around 53 actually. Initially I felt the same as you did. Her wrists and forearms are quite small and I was very concerned with the line tension. I wasn't so concerned about how hard it pulled but for the entire duration of the flight. She was featured in Control Line World approximately 2 years ago. At the given time we were at a Memorial Day picnic fly so to speak and she just wouldn't have it any other way other than to give it a try. Countless times she didn't want to have anything to do with it but once she tried it , she couldn't fly enough. I had her flying a 1/2 a Spitfire which was a dual ported cylinder equivalent to Black Widow and it was on a tear. I tried everything to slow it down but she preferred it fast. About 2 months ago she said she wanted to fly a Ringmaster as she's quite familiar with all the names. My son held her hand and made sure take off was clear and off it went. I think it was him standing behind her that led her to think she couldn't fly it alone. Thats when I brought out a arf Super Clown I had with a old OS max-30 on it. I put her out in the center all by herself and gave her plenty of instruction. I had to laugh it was if she done this hundreds of times. She never took a plane off from a stand still as I always hand launched the 1/2 a and she landed it no problem. She understood that quick movements aren't the way to go initially and she let the plane take off on its own backing up a bit. I let her fly about 10 more times that afternoon each one seemingly getting better especially the landing. This plane is very timid with little pull and it just made a nice slow pace for her . One of the flights the plane got a little high on takeoff but I yelled out to give a bit of down and she leveled it out quite nicely. I hope to have her out this Labor day weekend. I think this plane and engine made for a good choice. Its not real big and it can maneuver in time of trouble. The one problem with the small stuff is its speed. The Pathfinder flies more like a full size stunter. The plane though has a lot of ribs in it and the wood in the kit is quite light and fragile. I wouldn't associate this plane with a trainer. I don't associate the Super Clown as a trainer it just sufficed for me that day. I think you would want something based on simplicity and durability. I fly my Pathfinder with a Norvel .074 and it flies real well. I just slow it down using low pitched props and slightly longer lines. I would keep the plane of choice small, but not 1/2 a small. Its been said time and time again that a larger plane is slower and reaction times are easier. Another positive quality is its ease of starting. Nothing turns a young one off more than waiting for the start especially if its hot outside. I find the repetitious flights keeps the excitement level up and makes everything else fade into the back ground. I'm sure there are quite a few good choices and everyone will have the answer but the Super Clown worked for me and is still working. I have $60.00 invested in total for plane and engine. That money already paid for itself in enjoyment. Ken
Topic: pathfinder (Read 1349 times)
