AF-Model
Sky Surfer
;is FPV-friendly platform is a fun flyer
By Mike Gantt Photos by Mike Gantt and John Reid
A first-time-pilot-friendly design, the Sky Surfer is a perfect candidate for first-person view (FPV). ;e airframe looks
cool and features full 4-channel controls. It is made of high-quality foam that can be repaired easily, has a generous
wing-area-to-weight ratio and, when hand-launched, the Sky Surfer’s propeller arc is safely away from the person
giving it an overhand toss. Not much of a toss is needed because the plane has a pre-installed brushless motor and
20-amp electronic speed control. ;e foam airframe comes in five parts that go together easily and fit well collectively.
Four analog servos are installed at the factory, as are the empennage linkages. Decals are pre-applied and a carbon-fiber wing spar, wing linkage hardware, plastic control horns with backplates, a prop and prop adapter, pilot figure, a
clear plastic canopy, and a Y-harness were all included in my test model. Some will use a
4-channel receiver, in which case the Y-harness is used to couple both aileron servo wires.
I used a 6-channel receiver and plugged each aileron wire into its own channel, so I did not
use the “Y.” A small hardware bag had the few necessary items to complete the assembly
and the included 10-page assembly and operating instruction manual states that this model
is designed for intermediate to advanced pilots. New pilots should always get help from an
experienced pilot—besides it’s more fun that way!
