The ATS "Kite" by Nick Read

As a beginner to the sport of model flying I was in the market for a complete set up including radio, plane, engine and all the other associated bits and bobs that go with it. It was suggested that I contact the BMFA for any local clubs that will take on beginners, they informed me of the Leatherhead Model Flying Club. I contacted the club secretary, Mick Saxton, who invited me down to the club to meet the other members. At this stage I was not sure which trainer I should have. The advice that seemed to be coming from the majority of members was that although ARTF was fine to start with, if anxious to start flying with the minimum of fuss, they suggested I take a look at a trainer kit. The advantages made sense for these two main reasons. Firstly, you get a stronger aircraft and to a beginner this is very important! Secondly, you gain building experience.

I read an article on the company ATS training based in Hampshire. My intention was to go for a days training but events caught up with me and I was unable to attend, however, I read a favourable report on their own designed aircraft the Kite. I decided that a phone call to Chute, Andover, was in order. Twenty four hours later I had rather large box delivered to my home from an also interested delivery man!

The company claimed that all the necessary bits come included in the box with a 30 page manual and would be just right for a beginner. I must say that the manual was not 30 pages long but the instructions were well written and very clear to follow. Also, a beginner may have forgotten to buy four metres of covering material. The manual recommends Glosstex but in my case I opted for the cheaper Solafilm as it is half the cost per metre and does the job just fine.

The kit parts are all CNC with a carbon fibre undercarriage, cowl and radio linkages included. All you need is somewhere to build, (preferably not the kitchen table!). You can build the Kite using a 'blunt razor blade' but the following is recommended, glue (I used a PVA and in places where necessary an epoxy), sharp modeling knife, pins and some weights to hold everything in place. I found that Delia's 'How to Cook' book came in most handy, thanks Delia! The Kite went together well dry, so worked on this assumption when the time came to actually start putting it together.

All went well, as per instructions. Four weeks later, all covered, radio (Futaba Skysport 6Y) installed and more or less trimmed with an OS46LA (engine of the moment), I took the aircraft down to the club on a Sunday where I had a lot of help from the club members, (thank you), with a few compliments thrown in. I expected that I had made the right choice.

Time for the first flight in Mick's very capable hands. The reports I got back were, yep, very stable and docile but just to see the thing flying was enough for me at that time.

My training started the week after when I took the sticks for the first time, attached to Mick's transmitter via a buddy box lead, and found that the aircraft, in my very limited experience, was a dream to handle. Also, it looked nice in the air which, if important to you, counts. A couple of flights later up at Epsom Downs Mick felt confident enough to let me attempt a landing and I'm sure the aircraft helped me gain that ability in just a few flights.

All in all a pleasurable experience so far, from building to flying and a totally recommended aircraft for the beginner. With more servo throws it should be a good introduction to aerobatics (I hope) later!