Sterling Flying Fool Biplans

[Tom Weedon]

Anyone know when the Sterling Flying Fool biplane was first sold in kit form? I bought a kit off E-Bay several years ago and I am now finishing it. I plan to power it with a McCoy 29, and fly it on 52' lines. Is this plane considerd a "Classic" or an "Old Timer" design? I remember seeing it years ago and I always wanted one. Now that I'm retired, I finally got my chance. Anyone know how it flys? Suggestions welcome.
Tom Weedon

[john e. holliday]

Sorry to say the Sterling Flying Fool is a classic legal airplane.  It came out in late 50's if I remember right.   DOC Holliday

[Tom Perry]

I'm not sure what Date the Flying Fool first came out but it was in the 1960s catalogs.  I do know the model is not OT eligible.

The Sterling kit # is S-12.  I had one in the late 60s and used it as a fun flyer.  It would do all the non square stunts and fly inverted well.  Although it was not stunt competitive it was a crowd pleaser.  Mine was powered with an Enya .35 and it stayed out on 60' .015 line well.  When the engine quits be ready to land as it will stall out easily especially if the CG adjusted to the rear.

One of my club members let me have a NIB FF at our last meeting.  I look forward to building and flying it.  I will cover it with Doped silk and fly it on 60' .015s.  I picked up a nice OS MAX III .35 a couple of weeks ago and will use it to power the model.

Have fun with yours and let us know how it does.

Here is a URL for a site about Sterling Models you may find interesting:

http://home.mindspring.com/~jeff.coons/vintagesterlingmodels/index.html


 

[Keith Spriggs]

I always liked the Flying Fool. Anyone know where I might find plans for one?

I built one many years ago. It came to a tragic end when the top wing came off. As I recall it glided like a brick with only the bottom wing.

[Joe Messinger]

Keith,

There is a seller on Ebay who goes by "Scientificsupply" that offers plans for the Flying Fool.  You might look that name up in "search" on ebay and contact him about the plans if you're interested.

The last time I checked, most of his plans sold for $9.95 plus shipping.  I got a set from him for a Sterling Super Ringmaster awhile back.  The plans are a bit crude, but useable.

Good Luck,

Joe

[Keith Spriggs]

Thanks, Joe. I checked last night but I didn't see anything. I will keep watching.

[Tom Perry]

I always liked the Flying Fool. Anyone know where I might find plans for one?

I built one many years ago. It came to a tragic end when the top wing came off. As I recall it glided like a brick with only the bottom wing.

Keith,

I suspect you already know the FF original plans/instructions are not full size.  I will be tracing all the parts for mine after I get done with the Ringmaster.  I'm not gona rush it but if you want to nudge me in a month or so I suppose I could be talked into making you a copy.

 

[catdaddy]

Thanks, Joe. I checked last night but I didn't see anything. I will keep watching.

\
Go over to SSW and ask for Gary Weaver. He is the guy that has full sized plans for 9.95. Be sure and follow his instructions to the letter because he is very difficult to communicate with, he is scientificsupply on Ebay.

[Bill Little]

I have a Flying Fool that I built in 1964.  Originally it was set up for a Fox 35.  It sure was a lot of fun to fly even though it wouldn't really do a pattern too well, it looked great in the air!  I need to do some work on it to get it back into the air.......

Bill <><

[Keith Spriggs]

I have sent some communication to Gary Weaver. If nothing comes of it I will see about getting the info in a month or so. Thanks to all who so generously offered help.


PS. Cross your fingers for me. First flight in thirty five years is set up for this weekend.

[old fart]

bought a set of the plans from that guy turned out to be a profile much lile 38 special but not realy,not sterling f/f

[pat king]

I sell a laser cut kit with CAD plans for the Flying Fool.

Pat

[Avaiojet]

Pat,

I believe I saw your efforts in your Venders Corner. Nice BTW.

Are the wing airfoils symetrical?

You're selling cut kits for only 96.00? Correct?

Sorry if I have the price wrong.

Charles

[Wynn Robins]

I can e-mail the flying fool plans to anyone that wants them

[pat king]

The Flying Fool Kits have symmetrical airfoils. With the increases in wood and postage the kits are now $98.00, shipping and insurance included.

Pat