Sky Fighter Flying Toy on a String , Grey

A very well made, accurate P-51 Mustang model that looks great zooming in circles. When I found this, I planned to buy two for my grandson's bedrooms, but then found out ceiling fans in their rooms did not allow for space for them. So I bought myself one and put it on my home office ceiling. I did have some trouble finding the knack for properly launching it, but part of that was because I was doing it in the wrong direction at first. It will only work in one direction, I think because of the engine torque, kind of like how the engine torque has a turning effect on a real prop plane. If looking down from the ceiling, the rotation must be clockwise. Then it is a matter of launching it at the right speed and direction such that it maintains the right direction without spinning. Many reviews have noted this issue. I almost deducted one star for this, but decided it is otherwise a very high quality model--no cheap plastic crap--that I left it at 5 starts, especially after I figured out how to correct this one flaw, as I will describe. After changing the battery one time, I could not get it to work right again. Maybe the next battery weighed differently and affected the plane's balance...I don't know. But as an engineer who has always been an airplane buff, I realized the rudder just wasn't large enough to keep the plane pointed in the direction of flight, making it difficult to get started correctly. I suspect that is the reason for the kite tail that comes attached to it--to add some extra drag to hold the tail back. But I made a simple modification that allows me to launch it right first time every time. I tested my theory of the rudder not being large enough by sticking a 2"x2" post-it note on the rudder, and it instantly worked great. But it looked really tacky, so I replaced the post-it note with a piece of clear packaging tape folded over itself with about a quarter inch of adhesive exposed to attach it to the rudder, then trimmed it to the same height as the rudder, which about doubled the size of the rudder. See the picture. When it is flying, you can't even notice the clear tape, and it launches correctly every time, even if I give it a bad toss. It actually flies better now--before, it would seem to fly somewhat sideways, like it was skidding around the circle, which looked unnatural. With my rudder modification, it flies "straight". I've since bought a 4-pack of rechargeable batteries and keep it running for hours a day. Each 2000 mAh battery lasts about 3 hours. I'm growing older, not up. I highly recommend this plane for kids or airplane buffs like me, and if you have an issue getting it to fly right, try enlarging the rudder with some tape as I did to make it perfect. I will buy a second to take to work once this virus passes.

I bought this plane a very long time ago, and my kids played with it for years. It’s held up great, so definitely good quality. Ease of assembly and ease of use made it super simple for them to enjoy right away. The size is just right for little hands, and it's great value for money. Flies well on the string and kept them entertained for hours. Would buy again!

The propeller doesn't generate enough pull to get it going forward and to counter act the pendulum effect generated by the "gentle launch" recommended. The trick is to launch it from a high point with a fully extended string

Sweet little airplane for the money... exceeded my expectations to be honest. My only complaint is I have a heck of a time getting it started in a circle. After I turn it on and put it into motion it wants to twist around and not get into a flight path. Once you get it going it is great... just getting there is tough.

Great quality and flies perfectly. Anyone having issues doesn't realize it flies in only one direction. If you can't get it to fly, try the other direction.

Does not fly around on the string, the plane is so heavy and the motor is so weak it just basically wobbles a bit on the end of the string and in no way resembles flying around. It doesn't even produce enough power to blow the included streamer up behind it. This thing is better for just a Mustang model with a spinning propeller than anything else. Save yourself the frustration and don't bother. PS, I build Scale RC planes for a hobby and have a lot of experience with mechanical and powered systems. This product meets none of the requirements for it's intended purpose.

This plane is set up above my office desk and is awesome! It’s a bit tricky getting the battery to seat in correctly and to button up the hatch. I took my time and didn’t force the plastic to the point of breaking. I put custom decals on evenly. Once hooked to the ceiling with the three tiny screws and the fish line hooked into the plane it’s ready to go. Flip the on switch and gently give it a clockwise push. The plane will correct and start its flight pattern circling. Stopping it is a little more tricky. I reach up and gently use my soft hands to catch it. Don’t worry the propellers won’t hurt. Turn motor switch off. I leave it on the hook dangling when not powered. I’ve gotten plenty of compliments. Happy with the purchase.

This Flying Skyhawk On a String feels cheaply made and is a little short on detail, but it is colorful and functions decently. The instructions leave a little to be desired, and I suspect some people will misread/misunderstand them and be (unduly) disappointed in the toy's functionality as a result. First, you have to assemble it and apply the included decals. This takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Then, you have to mount one of the included swivel mounts to your ceiling with three screws. This part is a bit frustrating, since I was hoping installation wouldn't require a drill and screw mounts. So you have to be pretty sure about where you want to mount it, and then once you do, you'll have a length of fishing line dangling there semi-permanently (fortunately, you can at least unhook the plane to save your head from bumping into it). This is one of the main reasons I deducted two stars. It should be possible to unhook the fishing line from the mount, so that you can leave the mount screwed into the ceiling without having a dangling line. Instead, to remove the line, you'll have to unscrew the mount--leaving behind three holes in your ceiling. Once the mount is screwed into the ceiling, you hook on the plane, turn it on, and give it a push in a "clockwise direction." Here is where the instructions feel most confusing (another reason I deducted stars). Since it's hanging overhead, I bet most people will think of "clockwise" as moving in a circle from left-to-right AS YOU LOOK UP AT THE FLIGHTPATH. But actually, they mean clockwise AS YOU LOOK DOWN (FROM ABOVE) AT THE FLIGHTPATH. Of course, trial and error will fix it. After two minutes of watching it fly in a pathetically angled (almost sideways) attitude, I tried pushing it in the opposite direction and suddenly it was flying beautifully. A final word of caution: You'll need about a six foot diameter UNOBSTRUCTED space for this to fly. Since we have a ceiling fan in our daughters' small bedroom, it was tricky but we found one corner where it could fly without hitting the wall or the ceiling fan (though the fishing line swings unnervingly close to the latter). And as the plane flies, ours emits noticeably whirring as well as a rattling noise. I would expect a toy this simple to function more quietly (yet another reason I deducted stars). All in all, not a bad purchase if you have a budding aviation buff, like my one-year-old daughter, who squeals with glee when she sees a plane. You get what you pay for and this is adequate, but some more detail, a detachable fishing line (from the mount), and less rattle as it flies would make it substantially better.

Honestly for the price tag the quality is wayyy below average. The package was broken and the plane is really cheap quality. Very disappointing considering the price and time!

Cuando era niño, tenía este juguete y me encantaba. No lo volví a ver hasta que se me ocurrió buscarlo en Amazon. Ahora podré compartirlo con mi hija.

Received but the front propeller was broken.

Good

I bought this because I had seen them flying around in circles dangling by a fishing line. This one does not, not enough air moved by the propeller on this one. Little grandson disappointed.