Avios (PNF) Albatross HU-16 V2 Amerikaanse Kustwacht Vliegboot 1620mm (63.7")

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Maiden Update

Jul 20, 2024

Thought I would add an edition to my earlier review on the maiden flight. Got to the field, assembled the Albatross only to find that, yeah, the wings do fit perfectly but the 4 securing holes to keep the wings on don't line up!
Really, the only thing I did not check prior as you would assume would never be a problem. So out came the tools to carefully persuade them to fit with the help of fibre tape, not pretty but I had no choice as I was limited in my choices for mods. I will probably end up glueing the whole wing together as one piece.
Anyways, the maiden was uneventful with very little trim required, need to practice landings and use of the flaps. Avios, 1 less star for quality. Lesson here is check absolutely everything prior to heading out to the field and never assume

HK: Sorry to hear you have had problems with aligning the wing screws, these cases are very isolated but pleased to hear you have sorted it. Let's hope you have many more great flights with your Albatross.

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Nice Floatplane

Jun 17, 2024

Picked up the Avios Albatross in a recent sale although had been looking at her for a while
Typical great quality to be expected from Avios and you will not be disappointed
I think the reverse tag for the ESC’s function is on the wrong throttle connector but easily worked out. Swopped out the elevator and rudder servos for my own choice of replacements otherwise left everything else std. props balanced nicely so hoping they won’t explode on 4S like the Bushmule can do. Not sure why they hinged the rudder but no other control surfaces, I also glued in all control horns which have 4 securing holes but only supplied with 2 screws for mounting. The glass spars for the wing extensions apparently have a slight dihedral on them although using a straight edge I reckon their flat as, either way a quick check on line shows them being fitted with the small lug facing down so I’ve glued in one end and slide the wing on the other, either way the wings fitted perfectly. Colour scheme is fantastic and followed’Scale me Down’ build guide off YouTube. Yet to maiden but looking real good so definitely recommend

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Excellent Aircraft

Jan 20, 2023

3rd one for me. Have V1 n now 2 of V2. Will repaint this one to USAF scheme. Fit and finish are perfect. Will add under wing tanks like I have for the other two. FMS 1400mm F-4 tanks are a perfect size/fit.

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Tolles Modell

Jan 19, 2023

Dies ist schon mein zweites Modell. Es ist schnell gebaut und fliegt hervorragend. Die Starts immer gegen den Wind bei idealerweise leicht gekräuseltem Wasser. Ich habe die beiden Motoren ans Seitenruder gekoppelt, dann ist das Wasserruder obsolet. Über einen Schalter ist die Funktion im Flug abschaltbar. Nie über einen stehenden Motor kreisen. Über einen weiteren Schalter schalte ich die Motoren auf Rückwärtsgang. So ist auch bei ungünstigen Windverhältnissen ein sauberes Manövrieren einfach. Wenn man aufs Seitenruder eine Flightcam mit Weitwinkel montiert gelingen tolle Aufnahmen. Aber nicht vergessen, den Schwerpunkt mittels Akku anzupassen, sonst brauchst du auch wie ich ein zweites Modell. Volle Empfehlung.

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Good value for money

Jan 02, 2023

The wing fixings, the battery support plate and some aesthetic parts such as the fake landing gear wheels and the nose would need to be re-glued. I also reinforced the hinges of the control surfaces (rudder, elevator, ailerons and flaps) with tape. Remains however overall a model with a good quality - price ratio that flies very well and has an excellent presence in flight. Not really suitable for beginners.On the fourth flight, due to a pilot error I had a major crash. I repaired it completely and re-glued it with UHU POR glue, it was almost like new again and flies beautifully. I just had some difficulty replacing the tail rudder servo

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Just What I Wanted

Nov 14, 2022

Arrived in excellent condition and without too much delay, given that it originated in Hong Kong. Lots of details and a joy to build.

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One of the best twin models

Nov 02, 2022

This is one of the best quality twin engine kits. Supper high value and this is my favorite plane to fly. Many happy flight on this kit.

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Flew like achamp

Oct 30, 2022

Flew this plane for the first time up at West Stoner lake. Had a great first flight with no issues and no adjustments needed. I enjoyed the flight, the plane looked sharp in the air and had no problem with take off or landing.

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Good quality product

Oct 16, 2022

Came in a good amount of time. Nicely packed

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Easy Peasy

Sep 28, 2022

Albatross went together very easily with screws and a dab of foam glue,used my RadioLinlk AT10 TX AND Rx.Used the recommended throws on all control surfaces but a lot of expo in radio for smooth flying,did not add in low rates,tons of power to pull up quickly to avoid trees at end of pond.Gets up on plane and breaks surface water very well and lands smoothly on water,have not tried grass yet.Definetley recommend for float pilot fans. I also love the size of plane,big but can still put in my van with wings on.