Problems with EFlite Apprentise 14e

[HPetersen]

For experiencing some easy, low concern flying, I purchased a total of 3 Apprentices. Two of these experienced structural failures in that the elevator surfaces delaminated. The last incident occurred today, 9/2/18. The plane was 2 weeks old. The situation is an ongoing defect that is confined primarily to the elevator component. Eflite constructs the elevator as a sandwich of thin foam, overlaid with a plastic film covering. Initially, the edges open up, peeling off the film, causing the foam to pull out as well. This can happen at any point, with no activities incurred that impacted the surface edges. Also, the planes were flying in the intermediate level mode (minimal stress). When the elevator disintegrates, other portions of the tail section (rudder) are also impacted. I own a half dozen E-flite planes, but my experience with the Apprentice is quite poor.

[rifleman_btx]

Mean the 15e? We just got one today, i have noticed the tail delaminating but ill have to look at it close and see what can be done.

[xviper]

The Apprentice is not the only one that suffers from this "defect". The Radian sailplane has it, too. Perhaps other Eflite planes with similar laminated control surfaces has it as well. There are many of us at the field who own Radians and Apprentices. Nobody really worries too much about it. When it happens (and it generally WILL happen), we deal with it in one of a few ways. The most common way is to apply a wrap around piece of Blenderm along the edges where the peeling occurs. The other way is to squeeze a tiny bit of FoamTac along the edge and work it under the peeling layer and massage it back while the excess is mopped away with a paper towel. We continue flying and life goes on. Of course, you have another option and that is to contact Horizon and file a complaint and wait for their response.

[Btc624]

Totally agree as my apprentice suffered from fluttering decals flapping in the wind during mid flight, now a roll of packing tape is in my flight box, Not the best look but I’m a beginner and could care less about looks, I just need to do whatever I can to keep things flying and getting as much stick time as I can.