Bixler Post Crash Test Flight

Prof. Iadevaia rebuilds the Bixler which crashed due to a wing failure. Although another plane is on order it was a good opportunity to take advantage of foam and its repairablity. The crushed nose was heated with a low setting heat gun and twisted back into shape. The crash compressed the nose by about 1/4 inch. The crushed plastic spar was replaced with an aluminum tube of the same length and diameter. This was the second flight but the first to be recorded from the "eyeglass cam". The plane seems to be OK and flys very nicely.

Bixler In Flight Wing Separation

The failure analysis by Prof. Iadevaia on how the wings separated from the fuselage resulting in the crash of Bixler during its 9th flight indicates that the spar did not fail in flight. The embaressing conclusion is that the rubber band that keeps the two wings sections attached was not replaced proir to flight. Here is a good teachable moment in the importance of a pre-flight check list. Watch the thought process that ultimately reveals the cause.

First Video Test of Mini DVR from Bixler

This is Prof. Iadevaia's first video from the Mini DVR Camera mounted on the Bixler. The mounting was also tested during this flight. This is the first stage of testing for the FPV system.

Prof. Iadevaia's Bixler Maiden Flight Post Kit Build

This is the maiden flight, post kit build of the Bixler by Prof. Iadevaia. Three flights were made and three successful landings on field occurred. In the post flight review the integrity of the construction is checked. Although a bit pitchy, the Bixler flys very nicely and experience by the pilot with the plane should correct that. The kit build was a success!

Prof. Iadevaia's Bixler Kit Build

Prof. Iadevaia selects a trainer RC plane in a kit form. The Bixler is a stable plane ideal for learning to fly RC planes. Using the construction as a lab portion of a college level Intro to Engineering course or as a project in a S.T.E.M. related science course, Prof. Iadevaia shows in depth step by step construction technique. For those new to RC flying and interested in building a kit, this video might convince you to select an RTF (ready to fly) version!

What you need to complete this project:

1 - motor BL-2216/6 2200KV
4 - 9g servos HK HTX-900
1 - 30 amp ESC BL-30A
1 - motor mount if you choose not to use the supplied one use Small Parts
CNC Easy Star motor mount
1 - 2.4 GHz 6 channel transmitter and receiver such as the Model FS-CT6B
1- servo Y cable
1- servo 6 inch extension
1 - 3S 2200mAh Lipo Battery

Also:

Solder, shrink tube, soldering iron, hand tools, servo tester, volt meter, extreme packing tape etc.

This is one example of how to assemble this kit. Use this method at your own peril. I will not be responsible for any problems you might have as a result of using this video guide,

Prof. Iadevaia's Poorman's Wind Tunnel

Using an ordinary house fan, Prof. Iadevaia shows how to use it as a poor man's windtunnel. YellowBird is suspended from the ceiling and its wings are in a sling over the plane's center of gravity. As the control surfaces are moved the plane responds.