Have you ever wanted to learn how to fly a radio control airplane?  Perhaps the fear of building and complexity of learning how to fly have deterred you?   Even with the rising popularity of the ARF (almost ready to fly) airplanes that have been flooding the market over the past several years, there is still a small commitment of time and expense to assemble one.  But now, a new acronym has hit the market - RTF (ready to fly).  One of the hottest new RTF planes that I have seen  for someone to enter the hobby with no experience is the Micro Ultrix from Hobbico.   If you can use a Phillips screwdriver and install 7 batteries, then you can learn to fly this airplane.  

The Micro Ultrix comes complete the aircraft which is completely built, the portable charger, a two channel transmitter and a spare pair of propellers. 

The packaging	Included in the box	Size reference

To prepare for your first solo flight all you need to do is remove the cover on charger by removing a single phillips screw and install six "C" size batteries.   The transmitter requires a single alkaline 9 Volt battery which is installed by removing a phillips screw to slide the cover off.  The antenna for the transmitter is installed into the top of the unit by turning it in a "clockwise" direction until it is snug.  

Remove screw & cover	Install Batteries	On-Off switch and charge button

Before flying your Micro Ultrix you will need to charge its internal NIMH battery pack.  This is simply done by placing the plane on the charging cradle making sure the airplane is switched to the "OFF" position.   Turn on the charger and make sure both the green lights are lit.   Be sure the airplane is placed snuggly on the charger.  It can only go on one way.  Press the "charge" button and one of the LEDs will flash and then turn red.  Leave the airplane on the charger until the light goes green again.   The battery is now fully charged and your ready for flight. 

Install Antenna	Remove screw for transmitter battery	install 9V battery

The operation of the Micro Ultrix is pretty unique in that is has no movable surfaces.  The altitude of the aircraft is controlled by the left stick on the transmitter.  It will increase or decrease the speed of the both propellers to either make the plane go up or down.   The direction of the aircraft is controlled by the right stick on the transmitter.  It will vary the speed of one propeller in relation to the other to steer the plane.

Plane on Charging stand	Elevator tab for adjustment	Rudder Tab for adjustment

To get ready for the first flight, extend the antenna on the transmitter and switch it on and make sure the green light is on.  Move the switch on the left side of the fuselage forward to the "on" position. 

If you move the left (altitude) stick all the way forward, the motors will run at full power and should climb at a 15 degree angle.  Moving the right stick to the left or right will cause the plane to turn in the corresponding direction.  By releasing the left stick the airplane will slowly start to descend and glide for landing. 

Red and Green Charge LEDs	Up/down    Right/Left

It is necessary to check the elevator trim on the aircraft during the first flight.  The manual has a diagram that illustrates how the plane should react when given a gentle toss straight and level into the wind with the motor off.   My plane required a slight bit of down elevator trim.   This is simply done by cutting the sides of the elevator and bending the tab up or down. 

Next you will need to trim the rudder.   This is done in much of the same fashion, by giving it a toss with the motors off and observing the flight path right to left.   My model required no trim adjustments for the rudder.