Canadian Dollar
FT Jenny XL
Step into vintage aviation glory with the FT Jenny XL—a majestic 58-inch tribute to the legendary Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny” biplane, designed by Dave Jester for lightning-fast builds and delightfully slow, graceful flight!
In just three hours, go from foam board to soaring skies and relive the golden era of barnstorming. This 4-channel beauty (aileron, rudder, elevator, throttle) flies so gently and slowly that large backyards, parks, or soccer fields become your personal flying circus—no massive runways required.
This special project holds deep meaning: created as a heartfelt surprise for Jen Bixler, the incredible backbone of Flite Test and Josh Bixler’s wife, who dreamed of a “Jenny” in the hangar for over 10 years. Dave Jester and Josh collaborated to craft a larger, ultra-gentle trainer version—perfect for Jen, new pilots, or anyone craving stylish, confidence-building flight.
Powered for smooth performance, it’s easy to personalize: add optional 3D-printed engine halves or full cowling, apply custom decals to transform it from military trainer to vibrant flying circus spectacle. Best of all, the included flying wires provide incredible structural strength while nailing that authentic scale look.
Build it effortlessly using the FT Mighty Mini Jenny video as your base, plus the Jenny XL Build Supplemental Article for the simple upgrades and extra steps.
Grab your scarf, goggles, and hot glue gun—this isn’t just a plane; it’s a ticket to timeless smiles, memories, and pure flying joy.
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Specifications
- Weight with Battery: 2.7lb
- Center of Gravity: 2.2” from top leading edge
- Control Surface Throws: 12 to 16 degree deflection
- Wingspan: 58.5" (1493.52 mm)
- Length: 41" (1041mm)
Recommended Electronics
- Motor: FT 2814 1100kv motor
- Prop: 12x4.5 CCW Propeller
- ESC: FT 40 Amp ESC
- Battery: 3300 mAh 3 cell
- Servos: (4) 9 gram servos
Package Includes
Note: Kit includes airframe only
- 4) Lasercut Maker Foam Sheet
- 4) Swappable Control Horn
- 1) Velcro
- 4) Zip Tie
- 2) Thick Landing Gear Wire
- 4) 16" Pushrod Wire
- 2) 4.3" Wheel
- 2) 3.1mm Wheel Adapter
- 1) 24" Nylon 1mm Cord
- 1/8" Plywood Jenny XL Kit
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FT Jenny XL
Love it, I am a vintage airplane lover and this is just awesome I ordered mine with the radiator and dummy motor and along with the fly wires it has pure good looks I own the FT Scout XL and the FT Triplane XL and the Jenny XL fits right in with the old school vintage looks. The Jenny XL is super slow and looks amazing in the sky if you are thinking about purchasing this airplane you will love it too. Shanon Rc OutLaw approved.
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Jenny XL assembly instuctions
A concern or two has shown themselves regarding the assembly instructions of a recently purchased FliteTest (FT) Jenny XL. Trying to follow the “Mini-Jenny” video and the Jenny XL Supplemental instructions unfortunately leads to my concerns of lack of stepwise kit specific instructions, assembly and part identification clarity, and placement.
FT has done a great job of creating and releasing assembly instructions of their product via YouTube (in many ways I like it versus written instructions). However, in the case of the Jenny XL, the builder is told to follow the “Mini-Jenny” YouTube video assembly steps. I found this video falls short when trying to translate from the Mini-Jenny to Jenny XL. There are too many differences in parts and their assembly. I think that was noticed by FT when FT released its Jenny XL Supplemental instructions to fill in a gap of assembly information. Those instructions also need to be reviewed.
I recommend FT eliminates the Jenny XL Supplemental assembly instructions and the Mini-Jenny references and create a unique, standalone FT Jenny XL assembly YouTube video which FT has done so excellently in the past on many of their airborne kit products.
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Part- 3 Post-build/fly notes
You may or may not want to add this one as the 3rd and final entry for this one... Your choice!
1. Use collets on both sides of the wheels.
2. Paint after all gluing is done (last?) even though masking all the struts is hard work.
3. If you run short of "string", you can purchase more. This type seems to match well: 150# test, 12-strand+ braid, black fishing line. Or include a couple more yards in the kit?
4. 1/4' O.D., 1/8" I.D. black latex tubing can make a great finishing touch, glued to the cockpit openings. Nice and smooth black as opposed to the jagged-finish of the opening.
5. The tail dragger strut can be reinforced with wooden skewers inside the board before gluing the wooden "foot" in place. A ground loop can break the foam at the interface with the "fuse", (foam board part is fragile to shear-stress from side "loop" impact).
6. If you get a warp in the wing, all is not lost. I had one and I corrected it by using 2 wooden paint stirers, pinched on the trailing edge, last 2.5", of the main wing NOT touching the ailerons, and making a very slight "pseudo-flap" adjustment, up one side and down the other. Trim adjustment requirements will indicate what may be needed. The paint stirers put a nice straight seam/indent so it didn't look too shabby.
7. NOW GO FLY! IT'S A BLAST!!!
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FT Jenny XL Power Add-On
This Power Add-On includes everything you need to equip your XL Jenny aircraft with an unique prop driven power system, minus your receiver and battery. Following describes the contents of this...
