GREG GIMLICK
maelectrics@gimlick.com
SPECIFICATIONS: TYPE: RTF micro jet SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate WINGSPAN: 11.6 inches WEIGHT: 2.8 ounces PRICE: $139.99 INFO:
e-fliterc.com
FEATURES: >> AS3X technology provides outstanding stability >> Ultra-lightweight, fully assembled airframe >> Officially licensed Lockheed Martin F-16 body design >> Operational full-flying horizontal stabilizers >> Proportional four-channel control
After a quick trip around the pattern to check the controls and CG, it was off to the races. This thing scoots! The “oohs” and “ahhs” from the pilots in the pits made me feel even better about the Fighting Falcon in Thunderbird colors. That big, dark falcon silhouette on the bottom really helps with orientation and is very visible in flight. The full-flying horizontal stabilizers
that double as tailerons are incredibly effective. The roll rate is exceptional and on high rates, downright scary, but in a good way! Loops, rolls, etc. are all crisp and fast. Although it’s speedy, the F-16 will slow down nicely on approach and slide in for a beautiful touchdown. This is a cool little jet! If you do
have a paved runway, you’ll appreciate that E-flite has included a steerable nose wheel. It only takes a second to add or remove the landing gear. This is not an airplane for a beginner, but if you’re competent with your low-wing sport model and you’re looking for a little speed, this might be a good fit. After a few flights, you’ll get a feel for how much you can slow it down and you will learn to keep it in a little closer to help with visibility. I loved my UMX Habu and had
This bottom view of the F-16 shows the ventral fins in place, along with the preinstalled linear servos for the full-flying horizontal stabilizer.
perfect day and the wind was close to 5 mph. After initializing the AS3X system
and allowing it to sit still and level for a few seconds, I faced it into the wind, advanced the throttle, and took a deep breath. It’s always a little
exciting to test-fly a new jet. After a slight toss, the F-16 climbed
away briskly and began to get small in a hurry. That’s one thing to remember when flying these tiny jets—they can quickly get far enough away to be challenging to orient.
high expectations for the F-16. I have to say that this new aircraft didn’t disappoint. The E-flite UMX F-16 BNF Basic is fast, looks good, has AS3X stabilization, is scale, and it is fun. If you’re one who wants to modify
the stock ARF, it’s almost exactly 1
/32 scale, so you could pick up some
decals for other squadrons and give it a new paint scheme.
THEPARKPILOT.ORG 51
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