DIY Network

Model Seaplanes -- Test Flight From "Radio Control Hobbies" episode RCH-209

In this segment, Chris Chianelli takes the Bonnie® seaplane -- built in an earlier segment -- for a test flight. He also tries out some other premiere RC seaplanes

Important: This demonstration provides some of the basic information for assembly and operation of these particular models. There are variations in assembly and operation for each particular model. Read and carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with yours, whether it is one of these particular models or another. Additional information about assembly as well as running, troubleshooting and fine-tuning the model can be found in the manufacturer's instructions.

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Test Flight

• Once your plane is prepped and ready for flight, get the plane out into the water and facing into the wind (figures A and B).

  Figure A

  Figure B

  
  
• Hold full-up elevator and slowly apply the throttle. Keep the airplane going straight with the rudder control. When the plane starts to comes on-step (i.e., when the pontoons come up on the plane), release the elevator. Apply full throttle and let the airplane fly off the water (figure C).

• Gain some altitude before making any turns. After that, flying the Bonnie seaplane is just like flying any other RC airplane (figure D).

  Figure C

  Figure D

  
  

  	Figure E
  	Figure F
  	Figure G

The Lanier Mariner 40® (figure G) also features a 60-inch wingspan and is constructed of plywood and balsa and is also available in ARF form. Flying-boat designs like these make aerobatics easier since they don't have the drag of conventional pontoons.