FliteTest FT-22 Build, Maiden Flight & Crash!

Hey Everyone!

I recently decided I wanted to learn aerobatics! Just flying is circles was getting a little boring. I posted on the forum and a lot of people recommended either the FT Spitfire or the FT-22. I went with the FT-22 for two reasons, 1. It would be my first jet and I have wanted a jet for a long time, 2. I figured it would have a better roll rate than the FT Spitfire making it better for aerobatics!

Electronics I am using:

Motor: 2826 1400kv brushless.

ESC: 3-4s 40A

Prop: 9x6

Battery: 2200mah 3s

Transmitter: Walkera Devo-7

Servos: Regular 9g

First step is to tape the tiled plans together and cut out all the pieces(it's the hardest part of the whole build).

The build is pretty simple and it only took me one evening to get most of it done. 

I didn't have time to order a FT Elements" Simple Firewall so I got a friend to 3D print one for me. Here is the stl file.

ft_elements_simple_firewall_v2__fixed_intersections_.stl

Here's what it looks like on the plane!

Before I put the motor, ESC and receiver on, I gave it a nice coat of GRAY paint! Big mistake! (Since it was all gray I lost orientation and that's how I crashed!)

Then I installed my all the electronics and programed in some duel-rates. I ended up with this:

Then is was time for the maiden flight!(and crash) Watch the video and find out how it went! Hope you enjoy it!

Crash damage:

 To keep the same thing from happening, I painted two big yellow stripes on the belly. We'll see if it helps on the next fight.

Conclusion:

Take-off: It has plenty of power so you just have to give it a slight toss. Make sure to keep your hand away from the prop!

Speed:  Not the fastest plane ever but it has a pretty decent speed! Slows down very well for landing.

Maneuverability: On low rates it is very forgiving but when switched to high rates it get pretty snappy! You can do basic maneuvers like loops, rolls and inverted.

Skill level: As I said in the video, it would probably be a good 3rd or 4th plane. Definitely not a beginner plane!

Stalls: I haven't tried stalling it yet.

If you are just starting out with Aerobatics then I definitely recommend this airplane! 

Get the free plans here: FULL SIZE  TILED or buy a speed build kit from FliteTest! HERE

Thank you for reading my article! I will be doing more in the future!

-CrazyFastFlying