I got my floats and secured them onto my Apprentice. I have not done all the modifcations as you have, however, what I have found that worked on mine is the following: I glued a white plastic gause, that is used as a mosquito mesh into the fuselage over the three holes in the rear of the plane. I then did the same in the outside. This has been great to prevent grass and dirt from gowing into the fuselage when I fly on wheels and keeps the water splashes from going into the fuselage. I seal the battery door with masking tape each time I close it. It takes a minute to mask up, stays on for the flight and most importantly prevents any water from entering the battery area. It comes off real easy, especially once it has been "watered" down and does not damage the foam. I have not found any other areas where the water comes in. I love my Apprentice and have WOW'ed so many other RC flyers by what its capable of doing. I am pretty gentle on power use and get an average of 30 minutes flying time on a battery and then its just getting warm. Best time of "soaring" has been 41 minutes. Truely amazed me. Thanks again for your super advise. Keep it coming.
Such great information. My friend just purchased this plane and it flies nearly perfect. I'm going to pass this video over to him because we do plan on putting floats on it. Thx a ton!
Thank you for the tip, "drlade007". I've seen the reference to Corrosion X many times in RC float plane applications, but I've yet to place that order myself. Regardless of the attempts to "waterproof", the electronics will get wet in due time either through direct contact, spray, submersion or simply condensation. I'm way over due for the application of Corrosion X on my own aircraft electronics. I've saved this 50A ESC several times by opening, draining, drying and reaplying thermal paste after a number of mishaps. But everything stays very dry now, as long as I keep my nose out of the water. :-) Last time I "dunked" my ESC, I "packed" the cavity with thermal paste in a quick attempt to repell to a little more water during my next mishap. Corrosion X. Its on my list! Thanks for the tip and the complement, drlade007! Fly safe! Glenn
Best of wishes, Sean! Once you've flown off water, flying from land is never the same! Make sure that you bring a boat. It's not a matter of IF you dunk your plane... It's a matter of WHEN you dunk your plane. Regardless of skill and experience, it happens to all of us for various reasons. Mostly due to excessive confidence. lol Flying from water is a great adventure. My neighbors have had wonderful experiences with their Flyzone Tidewater from Hobbico (Tower Hobbies). Float planes can sometimes be a challenge, but my neighbors have found the Tidewater to be extremely forgiving. Food for thought should your first attempt be a bit discouraging. Welcome to the lake, Sean! Glenn
I'm looking at getting this bird as my very first RC airplane this summer and being from Labrador I'm really interested in getting the floats for it as well with all the bush flying that goes on up this way. Thanks for making my first aircraft experience go a lot smoother!
Shaneheardhvgb Have fun with your Apprentice! If this is your first bird, you may wish to hold off on the floats, or at least store them away safe for the summer. Once you get the "terrestrial" landings and take-offs down smooth, then go for the water. Just make darned sure that you have a boat real handy when you go for water. Otherwise, if you get plenty of snow over the winter months, the floats work great on snow, but you'll probably want to apply strapping tape to the float bottoms to reduce friction and reduce abrasion to the foam. (I fiberglassed my float bottoms) ruclips.net/video/ZQ0YaZB5_aY/видео.html Have fun, but give yourself some time to crash on land, before heading for water! LOL Glenn
I use corrosion X now for my water Apprentice, no issues ever with shorting issues,even with water splashs. I use it on my snow Apprentice too. I now have three Apprentices.
Corrosion X HD has been saving my butt countless times across the board on all my water planes. There are cons but most of them are long-term effects of which are far out weighed by the immediate benefits. PVC wires become hard and brittle. Servo motor lives are shortened. Silicone heat-sink pads in ESCs disintegrate. Expanded foam softens. Glue dissolves. However, I've never had an ESC that ignited upon a water soaking that was treated by Corrosion X and it's amazing how many times a brief dunking results in a plane that can still be taxied back to shore and nearly all electronics come back to life after a good drying. With all that said. Even with Corrosion X, it's still best to modify the plane so that the water exposure is minimized. Corrosion X can't protect things 100%. Eventually that water makes its way where it isn't welcome. Yes, four years later this very same aircraft is still ripping up the skies over water and snow, day and night summer and winter here in Minnesota. Thank you for sharing, RC Hobbyist Extreme. Glenn
Thank you for the video. I am just getting floats for my apprentice. Which glue did you use to secure the wires? You used the words RTF, Not sure what is that? Thanks in advance
Great video! I have been flying the PZ ICON A5 from water and it works nicely for touch and goes. I also have the PBY Catalina (not as nice on the water!) and before that the Super Cub on floats. Nosed in the Super Cub once and the ESC burned. Corrosion X has definitely worked wonders on my boats but the ICON is so dry - and the ESC and Rx so well positioned - that I have not applied it to them (but the rudder servo in the belly really needed it after the first few flights when water did somehow work its way into the fuselage. I have the Apprentice S15e and really like it overall. It is fun in expert mode and glides so well and touches down so perfectly. I have been considering a set of floats but no purchase has been made just yet.....
Well, "bdg9999"... You've got those water toys that I've considered purchasing for a long time. The ICON A5 is the first amphibious that I'd considered when the model was first announced. I'd read that it had a few odd handling characteristics and once I saw how small it was, I thought that I'd better wait. After converting my PZ Extra 300 to floats (Super Cub floats), I'd purchased the Apprentice S as a float plane, after considering those floats for my Extra 300, but only after considering the Super Cub. I'd turned down the Super Cub after finding that it was only a three channel plane and that it used a brushed motor. Then I converted my old EZ Fly 40 to floats. Having all these "float" planes, I'd wondered about a "sea plane" and the PBY Catalina was #1 on my wish list. After viewing a few RUclips videos, I saw that the Catalina rides REALLY low in the water and those twin engines really generate a lot of spray. Hmmm. I like to mount cameras to my planes and that PBY Catalina didn't look so accomidating. After all your water experience, I think you need to add floats to your Apprentice S. Give serious consideration to modifying the rudder control, "waterproofing", and putting strapping tape to the bottom of the floats. If your happy with your Apprentice S on wheels, you'll be beside yourself when your Apprentice S is on floats. Thanks for the feedback, fellow float plane pilot! Glenn
Glenn, So, I have ordered a set of floats for the Apprentice S. As a minimum, they will be useful on the snow in the cold winter months. After hundreds of landings and touch / goes with the Icon, this will have the potential to add some variety to my fun / downtime. Thanks for your recommendations regarding the waterproofing. I remember the SuperCub battery getting really splashed and water just seemed to get everywhere. Your thoughts make a lot of sense! As for the SC - as a result of a lack of power with the ESC / motor with water take-offs, I ended-up removing the brushed motor and stock receiver / ESC and replacing these with brushless components and a new receiver. Lots of power. But I still really prefer the ICON for the watertight aspects. The ICON flies okay for straight flight. It will roll but nothing like my Visionaire! The Apprentice is indeed larger than the ICON and is a very gentle and predictable flyer - and rolls and maneuvers really great for a high wing. Perhaps the only "point of concern" with the floats is the potential that the tip could dig into the water and cause a tip of the plane. This should not a huge issue with the Apprentice as it can float in soooo nicely and then flaired at the landing. Thanks again for taking time to post your suggestions for improvements with the Apprentice. Happy flying! Brian
bdg9999 Thank you for the feedback Brian! I may have to give the ICON A5 serious consideration again. I 100% agree with you regarding the "gentle and predictable" characteristics of the Apprentice S. Slow flying with gentle, high-angled bank turns within a wingspan over water is about as good as it gets for me. Getting the view of the plane and its water reflection to nearly merge is an adrenaling rush. The Apprentice S is "gentle and predictable" enough that I feel confident in those manuvers. Yesterday, I finally got brave enough to strap the FPV gear on my Apprentice S again and I flew maybe a dozen flights over the open water. I captured three live video streams as the light disappeared and the east end of the lake went to "glass". Yup! Flying in close proximity to an "invisible" surface presents a challenge requiring extra attention and planning of the pilot. Fortunately, the Apprentice S is "gentle and predictable" and performed well in all my take-offs and landings in the evening's exercises. Each of these videos is flown 100% FPV via goggles. Notice how difficult it is to determine the points of water contact and disconnect on many of these transitions as well as determining the airspeed over open, glassy water! You can see how easily a full-scale pilot could fly into the water or stall an aircraft while flairing well above the surface. As recommended for full-scale, keeping close proximity to the shoreline helps the pilot's perception of altitude, decent rate and groundspeed. I'll be editing these videos and replacing them in the near future. In the meantime, take a sneak-peek at my collection of glassy water FPV take-offs and landings. Many safe take-offs and landings to you Brian! Glenn ruclips.net/video/BN8ZjTcEF_g/видео.html ruclips.net/video/HOgU1Nq99s4/видео.html ruclips.net/video/Uog_IdRDtcM/видео.html
Nice videos! I agree that it is extremely tough to discern when the pontoons actually are on the water! Some small splashes seem to be the only tell-tale. The PZ Icon A5 is currently discontinued. Several people purchased spares during the final liquidation period (including myself :-)). It is smaller than the Apprentice, is noisier with the rear-facing prop, and has the tendency to wag it's tail with quick reductions in throttle. I have mitigated much of the tail wagging with flaps, which seems to help. Many are hopeful that PZ will release an improved version. For now, only the micro is available which I have not flown. The Apprentice is much more acrobatic and larger and would definitely be my preferred over the Icon on land.... time will tell about the water! Happy flying!!!
Greetings palaHD . There are two Spektrum transmitters that have this "voice alert" feature. The DX9 and the newest DX18 (model 2). I'm using the DX18 transmitter with the stock OEM Apprentice S "SAFE" receiver. I didn't have installed for this video, but I now have the Spektrum TM1000 telemetry module, giving me real-time voice feedback (in addition to the timer warnings that you hear on this video). ruclips.net/video/8XGZbGA9oCc/видео.html Thank you for the comments and the question palaHD Glenn
My electronics and electrical are also treated, but water WILL eventually get through those barriers. However, silicone contains silica which is EXTREMELY abrasive, so silicone is not ideal. Step one is to keep water out. Step two is to reduce the impact of the eventual water and humidity ingress. Thank you for watching! Glenn
Great videos. I'm new with rc planes and the apprentice is my first. I did buy the floats and watched your videos on the waterproofing and rudder controls. Just don't have the tech savy to do those. You should create a "shop" to offer those services at a cost or fee
Creating an RC "shop" sounds like a pretty cool idea. There are a few hobby distributors who offer assembly or modification services. Of course that's more prevailent in the area of custom multi-rotor, copters that can get pretty technical. Give yourself some time "Monkey island", you'll have plenty of opportunities to gain some technical saviness if you stay in the hobby. :-) Glenn
Nathan ONeill I've actually given consideration to the Power 25, but my upgrade to the retail, Power 15 is already taxing my tired E-flite batteries. The bigger (more efficient) ESC, higher powered Power 15 and superior APC prop are already paying back big time. My next upgrade will probably be to Thunder Power 70C batteries, THEN maybe the Power 25! ;-) ruclips.net/video/ZQ0YaZB5_aY/видео.html In the meantime, no problem getting this on and off the water with floats, lights, Mobius and FPV gear. ruclips.net/video/2fw71EVVggE/видео.html ruclips.net/video/9qY9H8wwp9o/видео.html Thank you for the feedback and sharing the adventrue Nathan ONeill Glenn
Sorry. I'm new to rc planes. I don't know what a "normal" set up is or which wire is the throttle wire...you have explained a lot, but can you go a little bit more in depth, please?
Ron Smit How about that prop and spinner? I love both the looks and performance that this combination lends to this aircraft. Both products and can be obtained from local hobby stores or www.HorizonHobby.com Propeller: APC 13x8E #LP13080E Spinner: E-flite 1.75" Aluminum #EFLSP175 I just added my plane specifications to this video's description. I've done this to both my Apprentice S 15e and my Parkzone Extra 300 models. I also went with an E-flite Power 15 motor, which adds a tad more power and runs a bit more quiet that the stock, cheapend, OEM version used in these aircraft. Thank you for the complements and sharing my video! Glenn
+SkyBug Productions... First... I haven't used that "cheap" little radio switch that came with the plane for a very, very long time. I connected the ESC /BEC as any "normal" setup with one exception. I wired the throttle/BEC lead straight to the radio throttle input as a normal setup. I didn't use the extra programmable lead from the Castle for anything. Here's the exception... I split my RED battery power lead between the battery plug and ESC/BEC and spliced it with a female Deans receptacle and then epoxied that receptacle where that wimpy factory switch originally was. In doing so, you may need to splice in addition RED power lead wire to make enough length to go from the ESC, to the Deans, to the battery. Then I took a Deans male plug and soldered a heavy jumper across the back to make the shorting plug for my new "power disconnect switch". Lastly I took some braided fishing line and made a 3"-4" lanyard between the new shorting plug and the nearest wing tie-down as I'm great at loosing things. LOL I think you can see most of the setup at 00:03:20 in this video. Stay "tuned" as over the next few days I plan to post a video of this same plane on a 4S battery, 100 amp ESC and an E-flite Power 32 motor where I perform multiple hovers at a float fly event. In the meantime, check out the fresh motor installation at... ruclips.net/video/Lwxy4CtW_xI/видео.html Thank you for checking out my video and for the questions! Glenn
Eduardo, I have a few "flying boats" (My Seawind models) and I have quite a number of "float planes". I choose my float planes each time for FPV and HD camera use, hands down. The top of the wing on my high-wing float planes stays pretty dry and the fuselage stays above water. (for the most part) My flying boats don't have a single square inch of area that stays "dry" and the fuselage is always partially submerged while on the water. Even my Extra 300 mid-wing provides better water protection for my camera and gear. I've gotten water spray on my camera lenses before and the initial spray messes up the image and the resulting cooling effect of the evaporating water causes additional fogging, even internal to the lens assembly. I really love flying my Seawinds, but I'll never mount an HD camera or FPV camera to any of them. I MIGHT throw an old 808 camera INSIDE the canopy once to capture the splash of the amphibious launch, but I wouldn't expect a usable video following the initial splash. I expect the same results from boats as well. But... Mounting an HD camera and getting HD video from an RC sailboat would be quite awesome. Glenn
Allister2013 Believe-it-or-not, I repeatedly think the same thing. But then I keep remembering, that this Apprentice S 15e already flies extremely slow. However, I'm currently investigating "vector generators", of which I've just completed an installation of leading edge VGs on my Parkzone, Extra 300. In stock configuration, my Extra 300 has no slow speed capabilities which means that "3D" maneuvers are out. When the busy holidays are be hind us, I hope to get out for my first test flight of my home brewed, vector generators on my Parkzone Extra 300. If they work, I'll post a video with closeup photos of the installation. AND... If the Extra 300 VG project is successful, I may add vector generators to this Apprentice S 15e. It may be cool to see the Apprentice S 15e float plane pass by in a harrier or hanging from the prop. I think that would be far more impressive than anything that flaps would accomplish on this airframe. Stay tuned and have a great holiday Allister2013 . Glenn
It seems to be all too common that the "float plane" and "flying boat" models are poorly waterproofed. I've had to deal with water ingress on all my "float planes" and "flying boats" to date.
Thank you, Cory, for the positive feedback! I've gotten so much help from the RUclips community over the years. I try to give something back when I can. With luck, I hope to save someone else some frustration. I have a lot of hours on my Apprentice S since its purchase last summer, but there's no reason to get bored with it as there are plenty of modifications that can be done to keep it exciting. Many safe flights, Cory! Glenn
I bought the floats, and have only 2 flights on my apprentice. I love it. I bought the floats after watching your video when you had the rudder trouble. It is nice to know you can take off and land in beginer mode. it is also nice to know water will splash all over my electronics. I was worried about that. Nice mod. My first two flights were not the best. I didn't crash. We tried to get it on video the best we could. The camera on my apprentice, 808 #16 Dlens works like a champ. I stuck it on the underbelly for now. first flight ever the battery died in my camera. My second flight my 808 camera recorded the entire flight lol including me rolling off the runway. I learned to land into the wind. Thank you for your time making videos.
Cory Reeves I've see no shortage of videos taken from these Aprentice S 15e aircraft, especially with the 808 #16. My 808 is an older camera model and it doesn't compare well againt your 808 #16 or the Mobius. I have a Mobius and I've been successful with the Mobius on my Apprentice S 15e. My problem is that I engineered a twin-engine plane for my GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition and I've grown to love the obstruction-free images from that plane, as can be seen here: ruclips.net/video/y6AISbEUBaM/видео.html I've accomplished a similar goal with my Mobius on my Apprentice S 15e by mounting the Mobius on one wing tip while mounting a counter-balance and counter-drag on the opposite wing tip, which can be seen here: ruclips.net/video/YJKB3yB7OCk/видео.html Then I upped the goal by mounting both an FPV camera and the Mobius, which can be seen here: ruclips.net/video/qVAc4RbkNZI/видео.html It's easy to forget that I'm using a $75 Chinese camera and a "Styrofoam" trainer aircraft when I get images like this: ruclips.net/video/lScDiwEuUTk/видео.html The Apprentice S 15e has worked out so well for videography that I've managed quite a playlist of aerial videos from the Apprentice S 15e: ruclips.net/p/PLMXlQTNNNkYEX49QHsfaw0HUXFzX6G7Vd I hope you have at least half as much fun with your Apprentice S 15e as I've been having with mine! Keep up the great work and... Fly Safe! Glenn
Ha ha, you do know it is an airplane and not a submarine, Its meant to spend more time in the air flying than doing touch-n-go's on the family pond.I do not quite understand how the water did not drain out while you were flying, unless again, you were nose diving water landings. ........ Lots and lots of water I just heard you say in your vlog. Oh yeah, friendly hint, submarines with screen doors usually dont do well either pal.
Mike, either you know Glenn well and are having a good dig at him. If not, watch National Geographic if you want good editing. Glenn's videos are for teaching and I am grateful for his experience and knowledge and advise. He does a fine job. Well done Glenn. Keep it up.
J Oehlerking Thank you for the kind words, "J"! I'm not certain who Mike is, but I think he's requesting that I sent all my raw files his direction for video edits. LOL. I appreciate your candid feedback, as my intent is to save a fellow hobbyist some anxiety, frustration and $ when I've managed to find my fixes the hard way. This will be my Apprentice's THIRD summer on Benton Lake. Yes, the video quality is amateurish and there's good reason for it. But, my "discoveries" have prevented repeat mishaps and have extended this airframe's life far beyond what I expect Horizon Hobby had intended for a foam plane. If I can save one or two fellow RC pilots some time, money and energy, my mission has been accomplished, regardless of the quality of my video edits. :-P Thank you again for the kind words of support and for sharing my discoveries, "J". Glenn
Scott Allen Thank you Scott! A year after making those modifications, my Apprentice S 15e Float Plane is still tearing up the lakes! I caught up with a local flying club, Twin Cities Radio Controllers, this past weekend at their annual Spring Float Fly event. I'm currently compiling my videos from that event. This is this plane's third summer and still going strong! ruclips.net/video/Ue5_QN9m5Bo/видео.html ruclips.net/video/dPZFn_2OtTM/видео.html ruclips.net/p/PLMXlQTNNNkYGCdcgmxH3MiSV2xoXo34LL Thank you for the kind feedback, Scott! Glenn
![NLE Choppa - Or What ft. 41 (Orchestra Mix) [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/biOFASEgSOM/mqdefault.jpg)
I got my floats and secured them onto my Apprentice. I have not done all the modifcations as you have, however, what I have found that worked on mine is the following:
I glued a white plastic gause, that is used as a mosquito mesh into the fuselage over the three holes in the rear of the plane. I then did the same in the outside. This has been great to prevent grass and dirt from gowing into the fuselage when I fly on wheels and keeps the water splashes from going into the fuselage.
I seal the battery door with masking tape each time I close it. It takes a minute to mask up, stays on for the flight and most importantly prevents any water from entering the battery area. It comes off real easy, especially once it has been "watered" down and does not damage the foam.
I have not found any other areas where the water comes in.
I love my Apprentice and have WOW'ed so many other RC flyers by what its capable of doing.
I am pretty gentle on power use and get an average of 30 minutes flying time on a battery and then its just getting warm. Best time of "soaring" has been 41 minutes. Truely amazed me.
Thanks again for your super advise. Keep it coming.
Please can you share a picture of how it looks how did you insert it in the fuselage? Has it been successful?
Thanks for the great suggestions! My Apprentice is going to be my full-time water plane and I feel good knowing it’ll be a little drier!
Such great information. My friend just purchased this plane and it flies nearly perfect. I'm going to pass this video over to him because we do plan on putting floats on it. Thx a ton!
Nice Job !!! We also use a product called Corrosion X on ESC's and servos that may come in contact with water on all of our float planes ..
Thank you for the tip, "drlade007".
I've seen the reference to Corrosion X many times in RC float plane applications, but I've yet to place that order myself. Regardless of the attempts to "waterproof", the electronics will get wet in due time either through direct contact, spray, submersion or simply condensation. I'm way over due for the application of Corrosion X on my own aircraft electronics.
I've saved this 50A ESC several times by opening, draining, drying and reaplying thermal paste after a number of mishaps. But everything stays very dry now, as long as I keep my nose out of the water. :-)
Last time I "dunked" my ESC, I "packed" the cavity with thermal paste in a quick attempt to repell to a little more water during my next mishap.
Corrosion X.
Its on my list!
Thanks for the tip and the complement, drlade007!
Fly safe!
Glenn
Watching again, I think I'm ready for the water this summer. Need to do the waterproofing. Thanks .
Best of wishes, Sean!
Once you've flown off water, flying from land is never the same!
Make sure that you bring a boat. It's not a matter of IF you dunk your plane... It's a matter of WHEN you dunk your plane. Regardless of skill and experience, it happens to all of us for various reasons. Mostly due to excessive confidence. lol Flying from water is a great adventure. My neighbors have had wonderful experiences with their Flyzone Tidewater from Hobbico (Tower Hobbies). Float planes can sometimes be a challenge, but my neighbors have found the Tidewater to be extremely forgiving. Food for thought should your first attempt be a bit discouraging.
Welcome to the lake, Sean!
Glenn
mnragnar
Thanks :)
I'm looking at getting this bird as my very first RC airplane this summer and being from Labrador I'm really interested in getting the floats for it as well with all the bush flying that goes on up this way. Thanks for making my first aircraft experience go a lot smoother!
Shaneheardhvgb Have fun with your Apprentice!
If this is your first bird, you may wish to hold off on the floats, or at least store them away safe for the summer. Once you get the "terrestrial" landings and take-offs down smooth, then go for the water. Just make darned sure that you have a boat real handy when you go for water. Otherwise, if you get plenty of snow over the winter months, the floats work great on snow, but you'll probably want to apply strapping tape to the float bottoms to reduce friction and reduce abrasion to the foam. (I fiberglassed my float bottoms)
ruclips.net/video/ZQ0YaZB5_aY/видео.html
Have fun, but give yourself some time to crash on land, before heading for water! LOL
Glenn
I use corrosion X now for my water Apprentice, no issues ever with shorting issues,even with water splashs. I use it on my snow Apprentice too. I now have three Apprentices.
Corrosion X HD has been saving my butt countless times across the board on all my water planes. There are cons but most of them are long-term effects of which are far out weighed by the immediate benefits. PVC wires become hard and brittle. Servo motor lives are shortened. Silicone heat-sink pads in ESCs disintegrate. Expanded foam softens. Glue dissolves. However, I've never had an ESC that ignited upon a water soaking that was treated by Corrosion X and it's amazing how many times a brief dunking results in a plane that can still be taxied back to shore and nearly all electronics come back to life after a good drying.
With all that said. Even with Corrosion X, it's still best to modify the plane so that the water exposure is minimized. Corrosion X can't protect things 100%. Eventually that water makes its way where it isn't welcome.
Yes, four years later this very same aircraft is still ripping up the skies over water and snow, day and night summer and winter here in Minnesota.
Thank you for sharing, RC Hobbyist Extreme.
Glenn
Thank you for the video. I am just getting floats for my apprentice. Which glue did you use to secure the wires? You used the words RTF, Not sure what is that? Thanks in advance
Great video! I have been flying the PZ ICON A5 from water and it works nicely for touch and goes. I also have the PBY Catalina (not as nice on the water!) and before that the Super Cub on floats. Nosed in the Super Cub once and the ESC burned. Corrosion X has definitely worked wonders on my boats but the ICON is so dry - and the ESC and Rx so well positioned - that I have not applied it to them (but the rudder servo in the belly really needed it after the first few flights when water did somehow work its way into the fuselage.
I have the Apprentice S15e and really like it overall. It is fun in expert mode and glides so well and touches down so perfectly. I have been considering a set of floats but no purchase has been made just yet.....
Well, "bdg9999"...
You've got those water toys that I've considered purchasing for a long time. The ICON A5 is the first amphibious that I'd considered when the model was first announced. I'd read that it had a few odd handling characteristics and once I saw how small it was, I thought that I'd better wait. After converting my PZ Extra 300 to floats (Super Cub floats), I'd purchased the Apprentice S as a float plane, after considering those floats for my Extra 300, but only after considering the Super Cub. I'd turned down the Super Cub after finding that it was only a three channel plane and that it used a brushed motor. Then I converted my old EZ Fly 40 to floats. Having all these "float" planes, I'd wondered about a "sea plane" and the PBY Catalina was #1 on my wish list. After viewing a few RUclips videos, I saw that the Catalina rides REALLY low in the water and those twin engines really generate a lot of spray. Hmmm. I like to mount cameras to my planes and that PBY Catalina didn't look so accomidating.
After all your water experience, I think you need to add floats to your Apprentice S. Give serious consideration to modifying the rudder control, "waterproofing", and putting strapping tape to the bottom of the floats. If your happy with your Apprentice S on wheels, you'll be beside yourself when your Apprentice S is on floats.
Thanks for the feedback, fellow float plane pilot!
Glenn
Glenn,
So, I have ordered a set of floats for the Apprentice S. As a minimum, they will be useful on the snow in the cold winter months. After hundreds of landings and touch / goes with the Icon, this will have the potential to add some variety to my fun / downtime.
Thanks for your recommendations regarding the waterproofing. I remember the SuperCub battery getting really splashed and water just seemed to get everywhere. Your thoughts make a lot of sense!
As for the SC - as a result of a lack of power with the ESC / motor with water take-offs, I ended-up removing the brushed motor and stock receiver / ESC and replacing these with brushless components and a new receiver. Lots of power. But I still really prefer the ICON for the watertight aspects.
The ICON flies okay for straight flight. It will roll but nothing like my Visionaire! The Apprentice is indeed larger than the ICON and is a very gentle and predictable flyer - and rolls and maneuvers really great for a high wing.
Perhaps the only "point of concern" with the floats is the potential that the tip could dig into the water and cause a tip of the plane. This should not a huge issue with the Apprentice as it can float in soooo nicely and then flaired at the landing.
Thanks again for taking time to post your suggestions for improvements with the Apprentice.
Happy flying!
Brian
bdg9999 Thank you for the feedback Brian! I may have to give the ICON A5 serious consideration again.
I 100% agree with you regarding the "gentle and predictable" characteristics of the Apprentice S. Slow flying with gentle, high-angled bank turns within a wingspan over water is about as good as it gets for me. Getting the view of the plane and its water reflection to nearly merge is an adrenaling rush. The Apprentice S is "gentle and predictable" enough that I feel confident in those manuvers.
Yesterday, I finally got brave enough to strap the FPV gear on my Apprentice S again and I flew maybe a dozen flights over the open water. I captured three live video streams as the light disappeared and the east end of the lake went to "glass". Yup! Flying in close proximity to an "invisible" surface presents a challenge requiring extra attention and planning of the pilot. Fortunately, the Apprentice S is "gentle and predictable" and performed well in all my take-offs and landings in the evening's exercises.
Each of these videos is flown 100% FPV via goggles. Notice how difficult it is to determine the points of water contact and disconnect on many of these transitions as well as determining the airspeed over open, glassy water! You can see how easily a full-scale pilot could fly into the water or stall an aircraft while flairing well above the surface. As recommended for full-scale, keeping close proximity to the shoreline helps the pilot's perception of altitude, decent rate and groundspeed.
I'll be editing these videos and replacing them in the near future. In the meantime, take a sneak-peek at my collection of glassy water FPV take-offs and landings.
Many safe take-offs and landings to you Brian!
Glenn
ruclips.net/video/BN8ZjTcEF_g/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/HOgU1Nq99s4/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/Uog_IdRDtcM/видео.html
Nice videos! I agree that it is extremely tough to discern when the pontoons actually are on the water! Some small splashes seem to be the only tell-tale.
The PZ Icon A5 is currently discontinued. Several people purchased spares during the final liquidation period (including myself :-)). It is smaller than the Apprentice, is noisier with the rear-facing prop, and has the tendency to wag it's tail with quick reductions in throttle. I have mitigated much of the tail wagging with flaps, which seems to help. Many are hopeful that PZ will release an improved version. For now, only the micro is available which I have not flown. The Apprentice is much more acrobatic and larger and would definitely be my preferred over the Icon on land.... time will tell about the water!
Happy flying!!!
cool video,what TX are you using ? are the voice alerts on the transmitter ? cheers
Greetings palaHD .
There are two Spektrum transmitters that have this "voice alert" feature. The DX9 and the newest DX18 (model 2). I'm using the DX18 transmitter with the stock OEM Apprentice S "SAFE" receiver. I didn't have installed for this video, but I now have the Spektrum TM1000 telemetry module, giving me real-time voice feedback (in addition to the timer warnings that you hear on this video). ruclips.net/video/8XGZbGA9oCc/видео.html
Thank you for the comments and the question palaHD
Glenn
Why not use a silicone based dielectric grease for keeping moisture /water out of off of servos etc?
My electronics and electrical are also treated, but water WILL eventually get through those barriers. However, silicone contains silica which is EXTREMELY abrasive, so silicone is not ideal. Step one is to keep water out. Step two is to reduce the impact of the eventual water and humidity ingress. Thank you for watching! Glenn
Great videos. I'm new with rc planes and the apprentice is my first. I did buy the floats and watched your videos on the waterproofing and rudder controls. Just don't have the tech savy to do those. You should create a "shop" to offer those services at a cost or fee
Creating an RC "shop" sounds like a pretty cool idea. There are a few hobby distributors who offer assembly or modification services. Of course that's more prevailent in the area of custom multi-rotor, copters that can get pretty technical.
Give yourself some time "Monkey island", you'll have plenty of opportunities to gain some technical saviness if you stay in the hobby. :-)
Glenn
Nice plane and great video! :)
What is your prop and spinner combo?
what spinner and prop are you using?
Thanks for sharing your expertise, skill, and knowledge, NG_a wanna be flyer.
Bad ass! Pop a 60 amp ESC and a power 25 1240kv motor in there. That is a huge engine upgrade. (stock is power 15 840kv - versus the power 25 1240kv)
Nathan ONeill
I've actually given consideration to the Power 25, but my upgrade to the retail, Power 15 is already taxing my tired E-flite batteries. The bigger (more efficient) ESC, higher powered Power 15 and superior APC prop are already paying back big time. My next upgrade will probably be to Thunder Power 70C batteries, THEN maybe the Power 25! ;-)
ruclips.net/video/ZQ0YaZB5_aY/видео.html
In the meantime, no problem getting this on and off the water with floats, lights, Mobius and FPV gear.
ruclips.net/video/2fw71EVVggE/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/9qY9H8wwp9o/видео.html
Thank you for the feedback and sharing the adventrue Nathan ONeill
Glenn
Sorry. I'm new to rc planes. I don't know what a "normal" set up is or which wire is the throttle wire...you have explained a lot, but can you go a little bit more in depth, please?
where did you get the nice looking prop and spinner
Ron Smit
How about that prop and spinner? I love both the looks and performance that this combination lends to this aircraft. Both products and can be obtained from local hobby stores or www.HorizonHobby.com
Propeller: APC 13x8E #LP13080E
Spinner: E-flite 1.75" Aluminum #EFLSP175
I just added my plane specifications to this video's description. I've done this to both my Apprentice S 15e and my Parkzone Extra 300 models. I also went with an E-flite Power 15 motor, which adds a tad more power and runs a bit more quiet that the stock, cheapend, OEM version used in these aircraft.
Thank you for the complements and sharing my video!
Glenn
I just received my castle creations 50 amp esc for my Apprentice...can you tell me or show how you wired yours?
+SkyBug Productions...
First...
I haven't used that "cheap" little radio switch that came with the plane for a very, very long time. I connected the ESC /BEC as any "normal" setup with one exception. I wired the throttle/BEC lead straight to the radio throttle input as a normal setup. I didn't use the extra programmable lead from the Castle for anything.
Here's the exception...
I split my RED battery power lead between the battery plug and ESC/BEC and spliced it with a female Deans receptacle and then epoxied that receptacle where that wimpy factory switch originally was. In doing so, you may need to splice in addition RED power lead wire to make enough length to go from the ESC, to the Deans, to the battery. Then I took a Deans male plug and soldered a heavy jumper across the back to make the shorting plug for my new "power disconnect switch". Lastly I took some braided fishing line and made a 3"-4" lanyard between the new shorting plug and the nearest wing tie-down as I'm great at loosing things. LOL
I think you can see most of the setup at 00:03:20 in this video.
Stay "tuned" as over the next few days I plan to post a video of this same plane on a 4S battery, 100 amp ESC and an E-flite Power 32 motor where I perform multiple hovers at a float fly event. In the meantime, check out the fresh motor installation at...
ruclips.net/video/Lwxy4CtW_xI/видео.html
Thank you for checking out my video and for the questions!
Glenn
Good ideas way put and thanks for that very important info it will come in handy
Which plane either floats or boat would be more suitable for FPV in your opinion?
Eduardo,
I have a few "flying boats" (My Seawind models) and I have quite a number of "float planes". I choose my float planes each time for FPV and HD camera use, hands down. The top of the wing on my high-wing float planes stays pretty dry and the fuselage stays above water. (for the most part) My flying boats don't have a single square inch of area that stays "dry" and the fuselage is always partially submerged while on the water. Even my Extra 300 mid-wing provides better water protection for my camera and gear. I've gotten water spray on my camera lenses before and the initial spray messes up the image and the resulting cooling effect of the evaporating water causes additional fogging, even internal to the lens assembly.
I really love flying my Seawinds, but I'll never mount an HD camera or FPV camera to any of them. I MIGHT throw an old 808 camera INSIDE the canopy once to capture the splash of the amphibious launch, but I wouldn't expect a usable video following the initial splash. I expect the same results from boats as well.
But...
Mounting an HD camera and getting HD video from an RC sailboat would be quite awesome.
Glenn
Thanks Glenn, something to have in mind! I agree that the Apprentice would be the ideal plane for water.
i don't know wot o do these things. the three holes on my plane seem easy for water to get in their and get the el4ctronics
Great vid, now you need to put flaps on it :o)
Allister2013
Believe-it-or-not, I repeatedly think the same thing. But then I keep remembering, that this Apprentice S 15e already flies extremely slow. However, I'm currently investigating "vector generators", of which I've just completed an installation of leading edge VGs on my Parkzone, Extra 300. In stock configuration, my Extra 300 has no slow speed capabilities which means that "3D" maneuvers are out. When the busy holidays are be hind us, I hope to get out for my first test flight of my home brewed, vector generators on my Parkzone Extra 300. If they work, I'll post a video with closeup photos of the installation.
AND...
If the Extra 300 VG project is successful, I may add vector generators to this Apprentice S 15e. It may be cool to see the Apprentice S 15e float plane pass by in a harrier or hanging from the prop. I think that would be far more impressive than anything that flaps would accomplish on this airframe.
Stay tuned and have a great holiday Allister2013 .
Glenn
Good information!
It seems to be all too common that the "float plane" and "flying boat" models are poorly waterproofed. I've had to deal with water ingress on all my "float planes" and "flying boats" to date.
awesome video
Thank you, Cory, for the positive feedback!
I've gotten so much help from the RUclips community over the years. I try to give something back when I can. With luck, I hope to save someone else some frustration. I have a lot of hours on my Apprentice S since its purchase last summer, but there's no reason to get bored with it as there are plenty of modifications that can be done to keep it exciting.
Many safe flights, Cory!
Glenn
I bought the floats, and have only 2 flights on my apprentice. I love it. I bought the floats after watching your video when you had the rudder trouble. It is nice to know you can take off and land in beginer mode. it is also nice to know water will splash all over my electronics. I was worried about that. Nice mod. My first two flights were not the best. I didn't crash. We tried to get it on video the best we could. The camera on my apprentice, 808 #16 Dlens works like a champ. I stuck it on the underbelly for now. first flight ever the battery died in my camera. My second flight my 808 camera recorded the entire flight lol including me rolling off the runway. I learned to land into the wind. Thank you for your time making videos.
Cory Reeves
I've see no shortage of videos taken from these Aprentice S 15e aircraft, especially with the 808 #16. My 808 is an older camera model and it doesn't compare well againt your 808 #16 or the Mobius. I have a Mobius and I've been successful with the Mobius on my Apprentice S 15e. My problem is that I engineered a twin-engine plane for my GoPro Hero 3 Black Edition and I've grown to love the obstruction-free images from that plane, as can be seen here: ruclips.net/video/y6AISbEUBaM/видео.html
I've accomplished a similar goal with my Mobius on my Apprentice S 15e by mounting the Mobius on one wing tip while mounting a counter-balance and counter-drag on the opposite wing tip, which can be seen here: ruclips.net/video/YJKB3yB7OCk/видео.html
Then I upped the goal by mounting both an FPV camera and the Mobius, which can be seen here: ruclips.net/video/qVAc4RbkNZI/видео.html
It's easy to forget that I'm using a $75 Chinese camera and a "Styrofoam" trainer aircraft when I get images like this: ruclips.net/video/lScDiwEuUTk/видео.html
The Apprentice S 15e has worked out so well for videography that I've managed quite a playlist of aerial videos from the Apprentice S 15e: ruclips.net/p/PLMXlQTNNNkYEX49QHsfaw0HUXFzX6G7Vd
I hope you have at least half as much fun with your Apprentice S 15e as I've been having with mine! Keep up the great work and...
Fly Safe!
Glenn
Thank you Glenn
cant i just tape the battery hatch....
Jon Heuer yes
Ha ha, you do know it is an airplane and not a submarine, Its meant to spend more time in the air flying than doing touch-n-go's on the family pond.I do not quite understand how the water did not drain out while you were flying, unless again, you were nose diving water landings. ........ Lots and lots of water I just heard you say in your vlog. Oh yeah, friendly hint, submarines with screen doors usually dont do well either pal.
hello
POOR video editing Mike V
Mike, either you know Glenn well and are having a good dig at him.
If not, watch National Geographic if you want good editing.
Glenn's videos are for teaching and I am grateful for his experience and knowledge and advise.
He does a fine job. Well done Glenn. Keep it up.
J Oehlerking
Thank you for the kind words, "J"!
I'm not certain who Mike is, but I think he's requesting that I sent all my raw files his direction for video edits. LOL.
I appreciate your candid feedback, as my intent is to save a fellow hobbyist some anxiety, frustration and $ when I've managed to find my fixes the hard way. This will be my Apprentice's THIRD summer on Benton Lake. Yes, the video quality is amateurish and there's good reason for it. But, my "discoveries" have prevented repeat mishaps and have extended this airframe's life far beyond what I expect Horizon Hobby had intended for a foam plane.
If I can save one or two fellow RC pilots some time, money and energy, my mission has been accomplished, regardless of the quality of my video edits. :-P
Thank you again for the kind words of support and for sharing my discoveries, "J".
Glenn
J Oehlerking indeed great info video.
Scott Allen Thank you Scott!
A year after making those modifications, my Apprentice S 15e Float Plane is still tearing up the lakes! I caught up with a local flying club, Twin Cities Radio Controllers, this past weekend at their annual Spring Float Fly event. I'm currently compiling my videos from that event. This is this plane's third summer and still going strong!
ruclips.net/video/Ue5_QN9m5Bo/видео.html
ruclips.net/video/dPZFn_2OtTM/видео.html
ruclips.net/p/PLMXlQTNNNkYGCdcgmxH3MiSV2xoXo34LL
Thank you for the kind feedback, Scott!
Glenn
I'm looking at getting this for my first plane. I love flying my quads with fpv and would want it on this plane.