Hobbico: Reflex flight simulator & sky screamer

Model Airplane News, Oct 2003

Flight simulators have become an established part of many pilots' flight training-not to mention that they're just a blast to play around with! The Reflex Flight Simulator has been a popular choice in Europe, and now, Hobbico has brought it to the U.S. for us to enjoy. It features many adjustable parameters that allow a variety of airplanes and environments to be accurately simulated. The attention to detail is admirable; little things like accurate profiling of landing-gear behavior and variable field-grass length allow you to simulate real-world challenges without risking your model's safety. Reflex comes preprogrammed with 15 fixed-wing and 12 heli aircraft. Look for the Reflex Flight Sim to sell for around $200.

Also from Hobbico is the Sky Screamer ready-to-fly (RTF) electric park flyer. Twin-motor differential thrust is becoming the preferred control method for entry-level backyard flyers-for good reason. When the thrust and turning functions operate with the same hardware, then overall weight, complexity and cost can all be kept down. That's great news for first-time pilots, as they can save money yet have a simpler, more durable model to learn on. The Sky Screamer's motors are mounted in the rearward-facing "pusher" configuration to aid in protecting the props during rookie landings. Just in case that precaution isn't enough, the Screamer comes with a pair of replacement propellers as well as a second wing and tail section. Of course, the radio and a charger come with the included 4-cell, 300mAh NiMH battery. That's a pretty impressive array of hardware for the projected price of $65.

Hobbico; distributed by Great Planes Model Distributors (217) 398-6300; (800) 682-8948; hobbico.com.