Great Planes Venus 40

John Mc wrote on 13/02/2012:

Strengths: I FITTED AN OS 55AX AND WOULD SAY IT IS ONE OF MY BEST FLYING PLANES.wILL DO THE BOOK AND IS STILL GOING STRONG AFTER 100 FLIGHTS IN TWO YEARS.

Weaknesses: COVERING IS POOR AND CONSTANTLY NEED AN IRON.

Overall: GREAT AEROPLANE. i HAVE NOW BOUGHT ITS BIG BROTHER - THE VENUS 2 WHICH FLIES JUST AS WELL

Andy Blackburn wrote on 23/07/2008:

Strengths: Flight performance is very good, with just sufficient power from an O.S. 46 LA. Couldn't detect any bad habits at all with the c.g. at the forward end of the range. And, following an unfortunate incident involving a lack of Loctite, I've discovered that the undercarriage mount is actually very robust.

Weaknesses: Construction is generally straightforward but there are some issues with the cowling and engine mount. The stated position of the drive washer from the firewall is 125 mm and for a short engine (e.g. OS 46 LA), some 6mm ply packing pieces are required which you have to make yourself. After all this had been set-up, it transpired that the cowling wasn't long enough on the right hand side because of the angled firewall, and one of the 6mm ply packers had to be removed to enable the cowl to fit. Drilling the cowl retaining screws as described in the instructions produced holes that just missed the hardwood reinforcement inside the fuselage, and the screw holes had to be re-drilled about 10 mm closer together. Not what you normally expect from Great Planes...

Overall: Very clean and progressive controls, does exactly what it's told and is very easy to fly. I wouldn't buy another one unless I had a good 70 four stroke; 2 oz of nose weight was required even with an 1100 mAh battery fitted under the tank. Mine required 10% aileron exponential to make them feel the same as the elevators. If you're thinking about one, consider mounting the engine sidewinder because the fuel tank *may* be a little high for an inverted installation.

cymaz wrote on 17/07/2008:

Strengths: Great for a windy day, cuts well through turbulance. So smooth to fly. Great to land but tends to float on an on.

Weaknesses: Poor servo tray attatchment,needs more bracing. Wing bolt mount fell out, lack of glue-beware.

Overall: This would do for a pilot who has passed the A test and has flown a trainer for a long time.