HOBBICO: NexSTAR Select

The ultimate RC flight trainer!

The folks at Hobbico are convinced that the NexSTAR Select will transform the way new RC'ers learn to fly. "How?" you ask, "when there are many almost-ready-to-fly [ARF] trainers on the market today?" Well, a few of these have the radio system and engine installed to get you into the air quickly. But how many ARF trainers have an "Active Flight Stabilization" system that helps new pilots keep the model straight and level? And how about an engine that has been broken in at the factory and has a mount that absorbs vibration to protect the airframe and radio components and so ensure a long life?... and aerodynamic enhancements designed by NASA to prevent the wing from stalling and spinning at low speeds (for example, on landing approaches)? This trainer even has speed brakes that allow the model to fly more slowly!

Hobbico guarantees flight success with its NexSTAR Select, so we decided to put It to the test by using it to teach one of Air Age Media's RC Car Action magazine's associate editors to fly. Although Paul Onorato has a lot of RC car experience, he had never even touched an RC plane, so he was perfect for our purpose. Paul is typical of many RC'ers who want to try an RC airplane. To see whether the NexSTAR would really live up to its manufacturer's claims, we had Paul assemble and set up the model without any help.

GROUNDBREAKING INNOVATIONS

The NexSTAR has many advanced features that have never before been included in any model trainer. Here's a quick rundown of them:

* CenterCore Main Wing Rib. The wing has a CenterCore Main Wing Rib that aligns and joins the wing halves and also holds the aileron servo. Most trainers use rubber bands to attach the wing to the fuselage, but not the NexSTAR; it has the unique PivotFlex mount. This mount attaches the wing securely with just one nylon bolt, and it cushions the wing against the impact of minor jolts (which beginners usually experience). In more serious mishaps, the bolt will break and allow the wing to pop off and escape major damage.

* SpeedBrake Training Flaps/ SpinControl Airfoil Extensions. The wing also has two aerodynamic features never before offered on a trainer. As its name implies, the SpeedBrakes slow the plane down for easier control, especially during landings. The SpinControl Airfoil Extensions are droops developed by NASA, and they're attached to the wing's outboard leading edge. They allow the NexSTAR to fly at extremely slow speeds and at high angles of attack, both of which usually result in an unexpected spin. When you've learned to fly, the Speed-Brakes and SpinControl Extensions can be removed to allow faster flight speeds and aerobatics.

* SnapGear Landing Gear Mount. This is also special because it "snaps" into a nylon mount-a process that takes about three seconds. The landing gear is made of extra-thick Duraluminum to absorb the shock of those less-than-perfect landings.

* Easy Align Tail Mounting. On a lot of models, installing the tail requires a certain amount of finesse. Thanks to the NexSTAR's innovative tail-mounting arrangement, you don't need any tools to install it. just screw in two nylon bolts from the bottom of the fuselage, and the vertical fin and horizontal stabilizer are securely held in place and aligned.

* IsoSmooth Engine Mount. all model planes suffer from damaging vibration. Hobbico addresses this with its unique IsoSmooth Engine Mount. It helps to prevent vibration from damaging the radio components and airframe.

* O.S. MAX .46 FXi engine. The included engine is a newly developed O.S. MAX .46 FXi that has been optimized for easy starting yet still delivers peak rpm for great performance.

* Automatic Flight Stabilization (AFS) system. The Futaba 4YBF radio system is completely installed, but by far one of the NexSTAR's most innovative features is the radio's AFS system. This makes the NexSTAR the ultimate trainer. The AFS will return the model to straight and level flight if you lose control. Simply let go of the control sticks, and the AFS will take over. It is not an autopilot, so you still need to guide the NexSTAR around your flying field.

* Instructional video/NexSTAR Edition of the RealFlight flight simulator. These features make this aircraft a complete training package.

ASSEMBLY

There isn't much to say here, as making the NexSTAR flight-ready is super-easy and consists of four simple steps: join the wing halves; attach the SpeedBrakes to the wing; install the SnapLock landing gear; assemble the tail surfaces. Then mount the wing on the fuselage at the flying field. Paul assembled the NexSTAR in less than 20 minutes-pretty impressive, considering that he had never assembled an ARF aircraft model.

Rechargeable Ni-Cd batteries in the fuselage and the transmitter power the radio system. Before you attempt to fly the NexSTAR, charge the batteries overnight with the supplied charger. You can do this before or after you assemble the model. While the batteries are charging, why not install and use the NexSTAR Edition of RealFlight and do more building-of your flight skills. Training on a flight simulator allows you to build your skills without risking your model. You can practice takeoffs and landings, turns to the left and right and figure-8s. You'll really benefit from two or three hours of simulation practice before you head to the field to fly for real. Although flight sims are wonderful training tools, they aren't replacements for a skilled RC flight instructor. You can find an instructor through your local hobby shop or RC club or the Academy of Model Aeronautics.