FMS 1100mm PC-21 PNP

This “21st-century trainer” delivers scale performance

- Andrew Griffith

FMS has been producing models that are often unique in either design or color scheme, and its new Pilatus PC-21 is no exception. Featuring a 43.3-inch wingspan, the PC-21 is a sharp-looking and unusual subject modeled in a convenient size. The high degree of prefabrication means that much of the work required to get into the air is already completed for you.

The PC-21 is constructed of high-ratio and low-density EPO 52 foam. EPO 52 is quite strong but weighs 15 percent less than high-density foam. The model comes factory painted in a striking bright red Pilatus factory color scheme that uses an environmentally friendly water-based paint. The sleek lines of the fuselage, the swept-back wings, and the mean-looking 5-blade propeller combine to make the PC-21 look a bit like a Ferrari with wings—poised to go fast!  to have a wish, I’d ask for the landing lights to be equipped with functional LEDs; then the already great-looking model would really pop! I put a lot of flights on the PC-21 over the course of two weeks and never had any issues with the electric landing gear—indeed, half my club must have flown it on Model Aviation Day.

All of the control surfaces come prehinged with molded foam hinges, and all of the pushrods and hardware are already installed. The only control surface that needs to be connected is the elevator pushrod when the horizontal stabilizers are installed. On the subject of the horizontal stabilizers, they slide together over a carbon-fiber joiner rod and are held in place with two screws on each side. The elevator joiner is square shaped, ensuring perfect alignment of the elevator halves.