Review - Phoenix Model Trainer 60 size nitro plane

As an rc modeler and novice pilot, Phoenix model trainer 60 size plane have fulfilled my aspirations and even surprise me on it’s flying ability. Her large size allows me to fly high but within sight and in a gusty situation her heavier weight handles better.

It is an ARF model complete with fuel tank, clevices, horns and control link rods, landing gear, necessary screws, rubber band, spinner and an easy to understand instruction booklet. You need just to purchase, engine, propeller, radio gear, servos and fuel of course. Standard size servos are used and requires only four numbers making the entire start up cost very minimal for such a big bird.

Her factory build quality and coverings are second to none and even engine right thrust and down thrust are pre-set up at factory and you need only to drill the engine mounting holes location on the pre-installed engine mounting frame. The servo mounting precut out are also done at the factory, just drop in the servo and mount them. Ailerons, rudder and elevator control surfaces are all factory installed. All I need to do is to install the clevices, horns and control link rods. This is very well thought out for novices like me already having to comprehend with the many different terminology of flight, radio, engine and much more. 

Servo mounting precut out are already done at factory, just drop in the servo and mount them. I build and balance according to the instruction booklet and she flew on her maiden flight with very little trim and does fly “hands off control sticks” literally.

On her second outing, I was doing loop not once but twice in a row and also left and right rolls, hammer head turn (the later done by my instructor). Yes, a trainer plane doing aerobatics. Recently, during a flight session after a couple of months away, I lost concentration momentarily during a turn and stall, she dive but pointed nose down earth and pulling elevator was all that was required to put her back on course and with gradual throttle increment simply flew her away to altitude and continue the rest of the flight.

Because of her design stability together with correct build and balance, the above stall situation was recoverable without heart attack and cold sweat. She is definitely for keeps and each time I fly with her it is always an enjoyment, relaxing and very satisfying. You know she is tame, predictable, without unpleasant surprises.

Congratulation Phoenix Model for giving me a well build plane at a very reasonable price and I look forward to your other models for similar quality and build as well as ease of flying. Thank You also to Singapore Hobby Supplies for bringing to us first time rc plane owner and pilot a good quality product.

Reviewed by K C Ong