Pathfinder ARC Electric Conversion Build Log

[Perry Rose]

Steve Dwyer, PM sent.

[Dan Bregar]

We have all been staying tuned. Any more up-dates ?

Dan

[Crist Rigotti]

Ok.  Before I went flying with the tractor config, I recentered the control throws.  Equal up and down on both flap and elevator. And with the motor set at 0.

The plane flew very well at the next flying session.  The wind came up and it was a handful!  I decided to add more area to the aft fuselage.  I added about 16 sq in by adding a ventral fin.

Next time out the plane flew well in very nice conditions.  On that same flying session, I changed back to a pusher configuration.  Just changed the prop and the direction of the motor.  It flew just great with no other trimming between tractor and pusher configurations.

I decided that I like the pusher configuration just a little bit better so I'm staying with that.

I haven't been out flying since then.  Will get out early this coming week.

[Ken Culbertson]

Had the honor of flying Crist's Pathfinder today.  It is as fine a flying profile as I have ever flown.  He is going to be tough to beat with that ship.

Ken

[Crist Rigotti]

Ken did a very nice job flying the PF today.  He used my handle which forced him to only use a 3 finger grip.  I have very small hands.  His bottoms were decent and the rounds were nice.  Shapes looked good too.

I'd look for a larger grip handle for him but I know I don't have any.

[Gordan Delaney]

Hi Crist,
Your PF looks great.Great build arttical too. I have a LA-46 in mine and it weights in at 46oz. I also put in a arrow shaft in the fuse,but it still twist in the air. I also add 1 inch the the rudder  height. No engine off set,but a little rudder offset. I am sure you have a lot more power with the electric,but I am too old to change now. Mine was scratched built with a molded leeding edge. Also tappard the stab and elevator like you did. It would be great if the batteries were litter.

Gordy

[Crist Rigotti]

Gordy,
Nice to hear from you and the details of your PF.  I'm getting used to the airplane with every flying session.  The ventral fin changed the looks of the model and added more aft fuselage area.  It did trim out very easy and I'm pleased with the way it flys.  Well done Gordy!