WLtoys A300-Beech D17S EPP 4CH RC Biplane Review: Unboxing, Assembly, and Test Flight

Hi, I'm Tim, and in today's blog post, we're diving into the unboxing, assembly, and test flight of the WLtoys A300-Beech D17S, a 4-channel RC biplane modeled after the iconic Beechcraft D17S Staggerwing. This plane is packed with features like a brushless motor, 3D/6G gyro stabilization, and LED lights, making it an exciting addition to any RC enthusiast's collection. Let’s break it down.

About the Reviewer: Tim McKay

Before we get into the details, let me introduce myself. My name is Tim McKay, and I’ve been flying radio control model aircraft since 1972. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep passion for building, designing, and flying a wide range of RC model airplanes. Some of my designs have been published in RC Modeler and Quiet and Electric Flight magazines, with over 25 additional designs offered for free on my YouTube channel.

In addition to my experience with RC models, I bring a wealth of knowledge from my time flying in the US Air Force, working as a Certificated Flight Instructor for general aviation aircraft, and most recently, as a B-777F airline pilot. I also cover a wide range of aviation topics on my channel, where I share insights from my decades of flying experience.

Unboxing the WLtoys A300-Beech D17S

When I first opened the box, I was immediately impressed by the presentation. The kit includes everything you need to get started: the wings, fuselage, servos, and batteries are all neatly packed and ready for assembly.

• Wingspan: 550mm (about 21.5 inches) – a nice size for smooth, controlled flights.
• Brushless motor: Ensures efficient, powerful performance.
• 2S battery: 7.4V 600mAh, which gives you decent flight time.
• LED lights: Installed on the wings and fuselage for visibility and style.

The included USB charger makes battery charging easy, and I appreciate the attention to detail with components like the propeller with a constant-speed mechanism. The servos are pre-installed, so that saves time during the build.

Assembly Process

The assembly of the A300-Beech D17S took me a little over an hour. The instruction manual could be clearer in some areas, but the diagrams are very helpful. A few points to note:

1. Wiring:Ensure all the connections for the servos, ailerons, and LED lights are secure before screwing in the wings. Once assembled, you won’t be able to access the internal electronics.
2. Wing Installation:The wings are secured with small screws and reinforced with plastic posts, which helps maintain the plane's durability.
3. Landing Gear:Simply slot it into place. It’s a sturdy design, so you don’t have to worry about rough landings.
4. Gyro Setup:The built-in 3D/6G gyro stabilization system provides smooth, stable flight by automatically adjusting the control surfaces. It's particularly helpful for novice pilots or when flying in windy conditions.

Test Flight Experience

Taking the A300-Beech D17S to the field, I was excited to see how it performed. The model didn’t disappoint.

• Powerful Takeoff:With full throttle, the biplane climbs effortlessly. The brushless motor provides plenty of power, allowing for smooth ascents and sharp turns.
• Adverse Yaw:As with many biplanes, I noticed some adverse yaw during turns. It’s essential to use the rudder in combination with the ailerons for coordinated turns. This is typical for scale models of older aircraft like the Staggerwing.
• Stability:The gyro stabilization system worked wonderfully. It constantly adjusts the ailerons, rudder, and elevator to keep the plane stable, even when the wind picks up. This makes the flight experience much smoother, especially for beginners.

I did experience a bit of hunting in pitch during the flight, likely due to the gyro settings. However, this can be fine-tuned on the transmitter, and I recommend experimenting with it for optimal performance. Overall, the plane handled well, with solid flight characteristics mimicking the real Beechcraft D17S, which was known for being a "heavy metal" aircraft of its time.

Final Thoughts

The WLtoys A300-Beech D17S is a beautiful scale model of a historic aircraft, offering an enjoyable flying experience with its brushless motor and gyro system. Whether you’re a fan of scale models or just looking for a capable RC biplane with solid features, this is a great choice. The LED lights, smooth handling, and historical appeal make it a standout model in its category.

If you’re interested in adding this classic to your collection, I highly recommend it. It's a blast to fly, and with some tweaking to the gyro settings, it could be a perfect addition to your RC lineup.

For more details or to purchase the Wltoys A300, check out the product link here.

Stay tuned for more reviews, and don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel for the full test flight video!