I first tried this model on a calm (for the UK) evening and I have to admit I had very high expectations. The original Firebird Xl was too underpowered and the wings snapped easily. Our Firebird Xl 400 overcame these properties and with the speed wing you could also get more glide time and better control so what would the Golden Eagle be like? The 3 channel version has full elevator control The first thing you notice is on ground take offs is that it will actually lift off from grass. The undercarriage seems strong enough to cope! I was very impressed with the climb rate compared to the Firebird XL 400 and it really got up there that bit quicker. After a couple of gentle circuits to get the model trimmed up and get the feel of her, I cracked open the throttle and started throwing her around. The turn rate is very rapid the trade off been that she doesn’t return to neutral as quickly as the FXL 400. This may make the initial flights a bit harder for the novice. The new wing works very well, flying into the wind you get loads of lift even at low throttle opening. The glide seemed excellent (more later). After 20 min’s of heavy duty battery abuse the motor cut telling me it was time to land. Being careful I did a gentle turn and lined up for a landing in to the wind, BIG PROBLEM she just kept gliding!! After flying so many of this type of model I expected quite a rapid loss of height but this little beggar just glided right past me. That wing really provides an amazing low speed lift! She touched down about 40ft from my intended point. So off I stomped to collect her. I hate having to walk!! | 
