RED AERO 40% pilot

[Kitman]

RED AERO 33 - 40%...

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[Radioactive]

SWEET... YOU GUYS ROCK..Man the durability still baffles me... they are so light yet so strong.

[midnightdreamersr]

kenn, mark, i had a few guys asking about these awsome pilots at the IMAC contest in ocala. i sent them your way, should be getting ahold of you soon.

[Radioactive]

yes sir, we did the same....

[selfportrait]

Thanks Guys,
We appreciate the referrals. The secret to making them light and strong was achieved over time based on comments from our customers. Every time someone had an issue, we would figure-out a solution. When you're dealing with resins, paints and chemicals, anything that can go wrong, will go wrong. These things are one big Chemistry experiment. Vibration and exposure to heat and UV are an issue.
We tried Roto-Casting them in the beginning, but they were a bit heavy. We ended-up having to hand-lay each piece in thin layers of Epoxy Glass. 3/4 - 1.5 ounce Aerospace-Grade cloth. Once the parts are glued together, we go inside through the neck and glass all the seams. Especially the neck area. This seems to be the point where the pilot receives the most stress.
Let me tell you; these pilots may seem expensive to some, but if you spent a day in our shop, you would think that they are way underpriced. They are a lot of work.
In the beginning, we thought that it would be easy. It didn't quite turn out that way.
Ironically, we sell more outside the US than at home. We also sell the fewest number in Florida.
Thanks for the good word, and we will have a few new styles of pilots soon.

Also, The FFAA is holding their first annual Xtreme Aerobatics Festival at Fantasy of Flight on Dec. 6th and 7th. This event will promote the sport of Freestyle Aerobatics and is going to be a blast. We are looking for both Sponsors and Participating Pilots. More info at www.ffaa3d.com.

[Fixed Wing]

What suggestions or tips do you have for mounting your pilots?

[flying skunks]

I have one mounted in a 40% Godfrey Extra , in this application I glued a piece of balsa to the bottom side of the pilot , then attached three little pieces of Velcro to the pilot and the mates to the airframe. Easy removal and stay's in place ,no problem ,IMAC or 3D .

[sweetpea]

I did this with mine.

put the pilot on a piece of paper. Trace around the pilot. Flip the paper over and write on it...."this side showing with an arrow facing the pilots facing direction" (i'll explain later)

Cut out that piece of paper. Then use it to trace on some thin plywood. Cut out the plywood shape and drill some lightening holes in it. Leave room at the center or edges for some blind nuts. (I prefer one on each edge).

Now take the cutout piece and glue it in place to the pilot bottom with your favorite glue. Realize that you may need to sand slightly to get an exact fit. Try to keep it flush with the pilot bottom bust. If need be sand the bust to be flush with the wood.

Now add your blind nuts using the the lightening holes to get the blindnut on the inside.

Now take your paper and put it on your pilot. Remember to keep the writing facing you and not the pilot. mark were the holes are on the paper and make them holes in the paper.

Now you can take your canopy and place the paper on the underside of the floor...note: this would be the bottom of your hatch, not the inside of your canopy. Keep the paper facing the same way with writing facing you and you have the perfect template to put 2 holes in the hatch. Mark your holes and drill.

Finally install pilot in the canopy and line the holes up with the blind nuts.


All very simple to do

[jaguar bone]

Here's a pic.

[flying skunks]

I use the velcro method because my batteries are located directly under the pilot and I lite to have quick , easy access . what works for me.

[Radioactive]

Sweetpea, you are the man, that's exactly how we do ours as well.. best part, these killer pilots are just the highlight of anyone's "Proud" project.... They make great christmas gifts, especially if any of the wives, or girlfriends are "wondering" about a killer RC gift for your Man!! Hint Hint!!!
As the Song goes.. It's beginning to look alot like...'"A Red Aero RC Christmas" ...

[selfportrait]

Good job on your "Mounting Techniques" guys. Everyone has their own preference. I use the velcro method for a number of reasons. First, I can remove the pilot and switch to a new or different airplane or to access servos, etc. Second, it helps to cushion against vibration, and third, It's makes for an easy install. Plus it sounds neat when you rip him out of the cockpit.

Thanks for your support guys. We're still working on a "Classic Aviator" design, but we've been too busy with orders to make much progress lately. Hopefully, things will calm down after the holidays and we can get the molds finished.

[pepatrick]

My modified RedAeroRC pilot. Painted to match the plane..and helmet matches perfectly with the JR logos on the wings and rudder. I have 2 carbon fiber rods going through the bust. It is reinforced with carbon fiber ribbon. Carbon fiber ribbon is glued in place with West Systems epoxy fast cure and carbon tubes glues with aeropoxy. They need to stop putting the microphone on these things..Mine broke off and is sitting in the back of the plane..I will have to fish it out when I get it rewired.


Plane is going through electronics conversion. Switched PB Royal and Li-Mangos for R1222 receiver and A123s...feeding power from Fromeco Kodiacs so I can keep track of mahs used.

[flying skunks]

pepatrick , you will like the A123's ...

[pepatrick]

I have used them in 50cc planes. I really like them...

[selfportrait]

Thanks for your comments Pepatrick. Customer feedback is the way we learn.
We are taking steps to better secure the microphone. It's a nice detail and we would hate to omit it, but engine vibration is our biggest obstacle when making these. We could over-build everything, but then they would be heavy. We try to walk that thin line that gives us to deliver a strong, but light part.
From here on out, we're going to start adding additional material in the area where the microphone goes into the helmet. If people keep having trouble with it, we may include it as an option and let the customer decide if he wants to add it or not.

What do you think?