Rave’n over the 70cc AJ Raven

**Cosmith** · 05-07-2018, 04:43 PM

Might get one of these...Mamba had a dead stick in a low hover yesterday so it is a mess. May be able to fix it as a lot of the glue joints separated rather than wood actually breaking but as it sits right now the motor box and landing gear are ripped off, and the cabanes and their supporting structure are damaged. If I can get it structurally sound I'll rebuild it as a beater but I'm in no rush and I want something to fly in the meantime.

I don't think the dead stick was my DA70's fault, it looks like something went wrong in my twin tank setup as the tank that should have emptied last emptied first...pretty sure I just ran it out of fuel. It's strange because that setup was working great for the last 30 or so flights. In any case, engine's going back to DA for a crash check up and I'm hoping they can remedy my little issue. When I took it apart yesterday the rear plug was a beautiful tan in color and the front plug was all carboned up. Looking through the exhaust ports you can see the same, and it appears that the rich cylinder is the one covering my plane in slimer quantities of residue. I'm hopeful to get a sweet running engine back and to find it a deserving home!

Bgelok · 05-07-2018, 04:50 PM

Where’s the maiden video Trevor, i mean you’ve had this plane for 4 days now. Lol

**tbrum** · 05-07-2018, 05:00 PM

Sorry to hear Cory. That sucks. We’ll see soon how this Raven flies!

Funny stuff Brad! I need 3 more nights still.

**Old School** · 05-07-2018, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by Cosmith

Might get one of these...Mamba had a dead stick in a low hover yesterday so it is a mess. May be able to fix it as a lot of the glue joints separated rather than wood actually breaking but as it sits right now the motor box and landing gear are ripped off, and the cabanes and their supporting structure are damaged. If I can get it structurally sound I'll rebuild it as a beater but I'm in no rush and I want something to fly in the meantime.

I don't think the dead stick was my DA70's fault, it looks like something went wrong in my twin tank setup as the tank that should have emptied last emptied first...pretty sure I just ran it out of fuel. It's strange because that setup was working great for the last 30 or so flights. In any case, engine's going back to DA for a crash check up and I'm hoping they can remedy my little issue. When I took it apart yesterday the rear plug was a beautiful tan in color and the front plug was all carboned up. Looking through the exhaust ports you can see the same, and it appears that the rich cylinder is the one covering my plane in slimer quantities of residue. I'm hopeful to get a sweet running engine back and to find it a deserving home!

Only plus, if it is one, you didnt need to walk far. That river walk is very rugged, been there done that

**Bhughes** · 05-07-2018, 06:08 PM

Almost got scared this morning the thread was closed. Thought maybe you fell on the plane and crushed it lol

**Cosmith** · 05-07-2018, 06:10 PM

Originally Posted by Old School

Only plus, if it is one, you didnt need to walk far. That river walk is very rugged, been there done that

Ha ha...I hear ya. Ironically my old 30cc Redwing Slick dead sticked in a hover right over the river...had to go in to get. I've also made that trek on the other side of the river for other's planes...sucks every time!

On a positive note, I'm pretty sure I can get my Mamba back to flyable condition, just going to take some time and it will be ugly. Maybe I can score a cheap used 60ish cc single for it once it is ready to go again...I might have to go lighter on the engine side to make up for all the glue!

On a somewhat related note, those using a TechAero IBEC with the low voltage DA ignitions, what output voltage are you using? Seems like they should all work, just curious if anyone has a reason to go lower or higher?

**Cosmith** · 05-07-2018, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by tbrum

Sorry to hear Cory. That sucks. We’ll see soon how this Raven flies!

Funny stuff Brad! I need 3 more nights still.

Thanks Trev. I'll be anxious to hear your thoughts on the Raven. I would like to try an AJ plane as I've had lots of 3DHS/EF planes, but never an AJ...they seem like really solid people and it appears that they are committed to stocking parts and supporting their product. Laser would always be an option as well, but I like the way Edge wings fly, make me look better than I am in high alpha!

**tbrum** · 05-08-2018, 05:39 AM

Cowl done and baffling installed. Love the 3D printed baffles... so precise!!

I CA them in place and then fillet with some Hysol.

Spinner gap worked out great. Super lucky on this one!!

**tbrum** · 05-08-2018, 05:42 AM

Fuel system done, and rudder pull-pull done!

Manual calls for 3.5” double arm. Found there was a bit of slack at full travel. Tried a 4” double arm and mint mint mint... stays exact same tightness at any angle.