Read Time 4 mins
Written by Ashley Rauen Micro soaring in the open skies Product review As seen in the Winter 2017 issue of Park Pilot.
The Calypso’s tail and wing need to be assembled before flight. The horizontal stabilizer is placed over the end of the fuselage and is guided into place by an assembly key. The vertical stabilizer is positioned on top and locks into the assembly key, ensuring that both pieces are secure. Two tape strips are included that wrap around the front of the horizontal stabilizer and over the plastic elevator supports to keeps its alignment in place. The pushrods are connected next, which is easy as long as you follow the directions. There are two slots in the control horns, as well as one hole in its center. The pushrods actually click into either slot, depending on if you want it to be more or less responsive. Do not put the rod into the center hole. It doesn’t belong there; it severely throws off your stabilizer alignment, and it’s a pain to get it back out. This is why we read directions. Finally, the wing is installed. The wing tab slides into the front of the fuselage and the back locks in place with a magnet. I admit that I was unsure whether this was enough to hold the wing in place during flight, but the magnet is surprisingly powerful for its small size. It stays secure, but you can also easily remove the wing if you need the model to be even tinier for traveling to and from the field.
Assembly time is short and the battery takes a full hour to charge, so it’s possible you’ll have your Calypso ready to go before its battery. It’s a good thing because there is still a lot to check out in the instruction manual while you wait. Information about choosing the best weather to fly in is crucial. Because this model weighs less than 2 ounces and is mostly wing, it’s best to fly it on a day with no more than 1 to 5 mph wind. A preflight check, takeoff, flight, and landing techniques, as well as a troubleshooting guide, make this short manual in-depth and helpful. Launch the Calypso into the wind at three-quarters throttle. All that’s needed is a gentle and level push into the air to get this micro glider flying. Using the rudder to keep the wing straight, ascend to at least 50 feet and begin turning simple slow circles through the sky. The Calypso wants to be in the air and use its wide wingspan to hang on the wind and coast the skies with no throttle input. It is a true soaring airplane and stays perfectly content tracing lazy paths through the air. Push up on the right stick and the Calypso will make speedy dives out of its glide. Turning the throttle back on and pulling back on the right stick will give this model the energy to make loops through its flight path. And that magnet does still hold the wing in place!
Inputs on the controls are sensitive, so it’s best to make subtle movements until you get a feel for the response. When comfortable, the RTF transmitter is programmed with dual rates and you can flip the switch to high rates and get more throw in your rudder and elevator. I spent my flights in the low rate because it’s easier for beginner or inexperienced pilots to control. I love the Micro Calypso. It’s cute, fun to fly, and a good introduction to the world of sailplanes. If anyone is interested in learning how to chase thermals, the Micro Calypso is a great place to start. -Ashley Rauen [email protected]
Written by Ashley Rauen Micro soaring in the open skies Product review As seen in the Winter 2017 issue of Park Pilot.
Specifications:
Type: RTF micro sailplane Skill level: Beginner Wingspan: 24.8 inches Length: 19.1 inches Weight: 1.9 ounces Price: $89.99 Info: www.flyzoneplanes.comFeatures:
>> Flyzone four-channel transmitter with built-in battery charger >> Preassembled wing, fuselage, and tail assemblies >> 3.7-volt 1S 200 mAh LiPo battery >> Four AA transmitter batteries >> Folding propeller >> Instruction manualProduct review
The Flyzone Micro Calypso is a cute little sailplane that’s perfect for any beginner interested in soaring. Sailplanes have always been my favorite type of airplane to watch, and I was excited to receive this little guy and try it for myself. Although this is identified as an RTF (ready-to-fly) model, there are still a few steps needed to get it ready for the air. First, as always, charge the flight battery. This can be done anywhere because the accompanying transmitter has a built-in charging port. So you can charge at the field, too!The 1S 200 mAh LiPo battery charges by plugging into a port on the back of the transmitter, which is perfect for charging at the field!
The Calypso’s tail and wing need to be assembled before flight. The horizontal stabilizer is placed over the end of the fuselage and is guided into place by an assembly key. The vertical stabilizer is positioned on top and locks into the assembly key, ensuring that both pieces are secure. Two tape strips are included that wrap around the front of the horizontal stabilizer and over the plastic elevator supports to keeps its alignment in place. The pushrods are connected next, which is easy as long as you follow the directions. There are two slots in the control horns, as well as one hole in its center. The pushrods actually click into either slot, depending on if you want it to be more or less responsive. Do not put the rod into the center hole. It doesn’t belong there; it severely throws off your stabilizer alignment, and it’s a pain to get it back out. This is why we read directions. Finally, the wing is installed. The wing tab slides into the front of the fuselage and the back locks in place with a magnet. I admit that I was unsure whether this was enough to hold the wing in place during flight, but the magnet is surprisingly powerful for its small size. It stays secure, but you can also easily remove the wing if you need the model to be even tinier for traveling to and from the field.
The Calypso’s propeller folds back when the throttle is turned off to allow for optimal soaring.
Assembly time is short and the battery takes a full hour to charge, so it’s possible you’ll have your Calypso ready to go before its battery. It’s a good thing because there is still a lot to check out in the instruction manual while you wait. Information about choosing the best weather to fly in is crucial. Because this model weighs less than 2 ounces and is mostly wing, it’s best to fly it on a day with no more than 1 to 5 mph wind. A preflight check, takeoff, flight, and landing techniques, as well as a troubleshooting guide, make this short manual in-depth and helpful. Launch the Calypso into the wind at three-quarters throttle. All that’s needed is a gentle and level push into the air to get this micro glider flying. Using the rudder to keep the wing straight, ascend to at least 50 feet and begin turning simple slow circles through the sky. The Calypso wants to be in the air and use its wide wingspan to hang on the wind and coast the skies with no throttle input. It is a true soaring airplane and stays perfectly content tracing lazy paths through the air. Push up on the right stick and the Calypso will make speedy dives out of its glide. Turning the throttle back on and pulling back on the right stick will give this model the energy to make loops through its flight path. And that magnet does still hold the wing in place!
This mini glider is quite agile and powerful in open skies.
Inputs on the controls are sensitive, so it’s best to make subtle movements until you get a feel for the response. When comfortable, the RTF transmitter is programmed with dual rates and you can flip the switch to high rates and get more throw in your rudder and elevator. I spent my flights in the low rate because it’s easier for beginner or inexperienced pilots to control. I love the Micro Calypso. It’s cute, fun to fly, and a good introduction to the world of sailplanes. If anyone is interested in learning how to chase thermals, the Micro Calypso is a great place to start. -Ashley Rauen [email protected]
Article:
Comments
Joe Ed Pederson... (not verified)
Flyzone Micro Calypso
Tue, 03/14/2017 - 16:48I have lost two of these models. They are fun to fly, but I want to emphasize flying in little to no wind. I lost my second model because it got downwind and it couldn't penetrate well enough to get back. It disappeared behind an obstruction and I never could find it.
I lost the first one because they are so small, and so white that when it flew in front of a cloud it simply disappeared. I never saw it again and even though I searched a very wide circle I couldn't find it.
Douglass Robert... (not verified)
Broken Micro Calypso
Mon, 12/14/2020 - 09:39Where can I find a replacement fuselage.
BHob StClair (not verified)
Can i use my radio?
Wed, 03/15/2017 - 11:16i've recently bought your Beaver plane and can i use the transmiter that came with the Beaver? Please reply. Regards, Bob StClair
AMA Staff
Radio for Calypso
Mon, 03/20/2017 - 16:17John Browning (not verified)
Micro Calypso VS Dromida Sky Cruiser 2
Wed, 07/11/2018 - 12:10I currently have the Dromida Sky Cruiser 2 and have some questions. Do you you think the Micro Calypso has more power than the Dromida Sky Cruiser 2? Do you think the Micro Calypso is more acrobatic than the Dromida Sky Cruiser 2?
Ronald (not verified)
Mini Calypso radio fz400
Mon, 08/05/2019 - 09:30Hi ,
I just want to ask if i can buy a new radio for my plane. Radio has been stored properly but the day of use the radio doesn't power up or when it does it continuously beep. It seems the radio is in different mode. Pls advise tnx
Kay (not verified)
Micro Calypso RFT
Fri, 04/30/2021 - 13:16Where is the best place to sell a brand new one still in the box and how much should I ask for it?
CHRISTOPHER CHIN (not verified)
Micro Calypso RTF
Fri, 07/02/2021 - 23:28Is this still available? I am interested in buying it off you.
Email me [email protected]
(my email if it doesn't shows up : c.chin1(at)shaw.ca
I am in British Columbia, Canada.
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