RC VQ Models DHC 2 Beaver 'Seaplane' Maiden: Flight One

The VQ Models 'DHC 2 Beaver' features a 1.6 m wingspan, an E flite 870 KV electric brushless motor, 12 x 6 propeller, 4S LiPo power and a fly weight of approximately 2.5 kg. Fitted with two floats, this model is set up for water flying. Flight Review I picked this Beaver up from a very nice gentleman who was kind enough to sell it to me at a decent price. I was really happy with the electronics supplied, as well as the condition of the aircraft and floats. Everything worked straight away, so all that was left was to set it up and take on what felt like a massive maiden responsibility. I had flown another seaplane before, but nothing at this scale and size, and this was my first attempt at flying the Beaver from the water. I managed to get it into the water and taxi around, although getting it up to takeoff speed was a little difficult with a crosswind of around 10 knots. I eventually lined up directly into the wind towards the north. During a fast taxi I reduced the throttle and changed the pitch, which caused the Beaver to pop straight off the water and into the air. I immediately reapplied the throttle, as I had only intended to perform a fast taxi and was not confident the 12 x 6 propeller would get it airborne. It certainly did. Once airborne I kept the nose down and began a right turn, climbing through a figure of eight pattern before settling into some circuits over the water. Finding my groove with the Beaver required quite a bit of trimming, with constant rudder and elevator inputs needed to find that soft sweet spot and get the aircraft balanced. Once I had settled in, I came in for a couple of passes before setting up for a landing practice approach. I brought it in slower and lower while maintaining enough speed to go around if necessary. I held the throttle and climbed back out around the downwind leg before eventually coming back in for a complete landing. There are definitely lessons from this maiden. I am considering trying a 13 x 4 propeller, which should give a larger disc area and more pitch control while providing more low speed thrust and better purchase on the air during water takeoffs. Increasing the voltage is another option, but I am more than happy staying with 4S as I already have plenty of batteries suited to the model. This was an intense maiden, and you can hear my commentary throughout the flight, with Scott acting as my timekeeper and fully committed co pilot throughout the flight.