Cermark: Mini Phoenix

Model Airplane News, Jun 2003 by Van Tassel, Bob

Cermark: Mini Phoenix

For years, sailplanes have been considered limited in terms of where they can be flown. But the recent emergence of smaller models that can be easily assembled and transported has opened the world of sailplanes to just about anyone. A smaller version of the already popular Phoenix-the new Mini Phoenix from Cermark-shares more than just a name with its larger brother; it also features the same outstanding performance and high-quality craftsmanship.

THE KIT

If a plane can be assembled in less than 1 hour, is it a "kit"? One look at the colorful box, and I knew I would have a ball with this sailplane. The Mini Phoenix comes completely built up and beautifully covered in high-quality Ultracote. Out of the box, it has only five major components: a center wing section, two wingtips, the fuselage and the stab with the elevator attached. The Mini Phoenix is available in three versions. The Basic Mini Phoenix comes almost ready to fly with the Speed 480 motor and prop already installed. The Silver Type includes two microservos in addition to the Basic model. And the Silver Plus Type (review model) features the Silver version plus a variable speed control. All three versions require a 3-channel radio system and a 6- or 7-cell battery.

ASSEMBLY

Because the model had been subjected to variations in temperature and humidity during shipping, I expected to find some wrinkles in the covering, but there weren't any. The ailerons come already installed, so I checked to make sure that they were secure. Per the instructions, I removed the spinner and checked the prop nut to make sure that it was tight. I then placed the center wing section on a flat surface and checked it for warps. I also made sure that the two screws that secure this section to the fuselage were aligned. (It's easier to do this before you add the wingtips.)

Wing. I used 5-minute epoxy to join the wingtips to the center section. The dihedral is preset by the ribs and two wooden dowels that come installed in the wingtips. Cermark indicates that the wing panels should be raised approximately 23/8 inches at the tips. It's also important to make sure that both tips are equal and that the joint is a solid fit. The aileron servo comes already mounted and with the pushrods attached. I simply plugged the servo into the receiver and made sure that it was centered; that completed the wing.

Tail feathers. The elevator pushrod comes attached to the premounted servo and with the clevis extended out through the top of the fin. I attached the clevis to the elevator horn and then attached the stabilizer to the top of the fin with the two supplied machine screws.

Fuselage. The receiver can be mounted in the rear bay under the wings or in the cockpit area under the battery. For balancing purposes, I chose to mount it in the cockpit area. I wrapped a bit of foam around it and secured it into place with hook-and-loop fastener. I also used a 6-inch servo extension for the aileron servo. I then mounted the battery in the cockpit area and held it in place with hook-and-loop fastener.

An on/off switch comes already mounted in the fuselage; simply plug it into your radio. A dowel holds the canopy in place up front, and some hook-and-loop fastener secures it aft.

Next, I applied some thin CA to hairline cracks that I found in the rear of the fuselage. This worked perfectly; they have not gotten larger or caused any problems. I ran the radio antenna along the interior length of the fuselage, and it exits at the rear of the fin.

Last, I adjusted the flight controls. The recommended control for the first flight is 1/16 inch up- and down-elevator and 3/s inch up- and down-ailerons. The controls may later be adjusted to your piloting skills. Following the instructions, I set the CG at 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inch behind the leading edge of the wing center section. Then it was time to charge up my battery, gas up my car and head off to the field.

CONCLUSION

The new Mini Phoenix is a great introduction to the world of sailplanes. It can be assembled in no time at all and flown in areas that would restrict larger models. It also features top-quality construction and great performance. If sailplanes are something you've been wanting to check out, the Mini Phoenix is a great place to start.