RE: AMR Air Tractor 402-B 22% with Wren 44 Turboprop
Wow! What an awesome project. I've got the chance to work on these things in real life and seeing a model of it, and how everything is exact to the real thing to the last detail is just awesome! Love the turbo prop exhaust ducts. You don't realize how big these things are until your up close and personal to them. The Air Tractor 802's are insane! Can't wait to see the finished project. Hopefully the wings don't crack like the full scale birds do! [:)]
Posted on: 9/3/2012 11:03 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11216539

RE: Almost Sod-Rocketed Her Today
I almost put my GoPro on the plane that day but thought to myself, "No I better wait and get more comfortable with this thing again before I try anything stupid" Would have been an awesome vid...as far as luck/skill goes? Not sure how to classify that one. All I did was react the best I could to the given situation, Found out 6 foot is about the minimum you need to perform a half barrel roll[:D] In all seriousness I really need to use the rudder more. I generally use ailerons on final, will rudder/elevator combination be enough to right a plane on final? I know aileron effectiveness goes down drastically at slow speeds. Whats the technique for you guys using for rudder on your landings? I understand keeping the nose pointed down the center-line but what would it do if the plane is constantly rolling back and forth from wind gust? Wouldn't ailerons be used to counter?
Posted on: 9/3/2012 10:43 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11216524

RE: First Time Kit Builder: Project GP Super Decathalon
Another update, after a lot of studying of the plans and measuring multiple times I got the engine mount holes located and drilled in the firewall. Got the engine holes drilled in the engine mount, as well as the fuel line holes, and fuel proofed the tank area. As stated above the wing is glasses(still need to mock up ailerons and wing tips. I kept on with the fuse and sheeted the upper nose and started the cabin buildup. Upper bulkheads installed and LH cabin side glued in, eyes started getting heavy(2am) so I'll knock the RH side out in the morning. Starting to look like a Decathlon boys! Here's some eye candy: [image]http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q31/ninjasixfiveo/IMAG0208.jpg[/image] [image]http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q31/ninjasixfiveo/IMAG0207.jpg[/image] [image]http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q31/ninjasixfiveo/IMAG0206.jpg[/image] [image]http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q31/ninjasixfiveo/IMAG0209.jpg[/image]
Posted on: 9/3/2012 12:04 AM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11215298

Almost Sod-Rocketed Her Today
Well, just as I thought I was getting the hang of flying again...after a 2-3 yr hiatus mind you I JUST about put my Avistar in the dirt today. I was practicing touch and goes because I feel my "pattern" flying is fair. I can USUALLY 3 point land this thing with no bounce but can always use practice. Now, at the moment, where Im flying there is cornfields on both sides of the runway. They act like a good wind break once you get into ground effect but until then there's a about a 6-8ft corridor until you get up to the wind blast when you get atop the height of the corn. That said I was coming down on final, wind probably "steady" at 4-5 mph gusting 8-10 MAYBE at a 45ish degrees to the runway. I get it down probably 6-8 ft off the ground and all of a sudden she's starting to get a bit squirrely on me. Out of now where my LH wing dips so I can see almost the whole underside of the plane...and my thumb was already on the left stick to correct for a little up draft right before that! Needless to say I pucker up and DUMB THUMB it...LEFT! Now its almost 3/4 inverted and loosing altitude fast. I then proceed to very quickly flip the right stick and somehow get it right side up and gun it out of there. Don't ask me how. Pretty sure one of my main gear kissed the grass once it got righted and I pulled up for the GA. Holy Crap boys and girls! This is a first for me. I don't know if I got a freak gust of wind and at the height (same as the corn beside me) made a vorticity type action but all I know is...actually I dont know...how I recovered from that one. I guess I just reacted but man my heart sunk and thought for sure I was going to pick up pieces. From start to finish it couldnt have been more than a few seconds but looking back it seems like it was much longer than that! The Avistar is a fun bird, but it still gets a lot of lift. Any wind gust and it grabs the wings like crazy! I know I wasn't stalling, as I usually come in fairly hot. I think I was about 1/4 throttle. Anyway, one for the books. Need a little more "seat time" before I'm ready to maiden my Decathlon I'm in the process of building. [:D] Sorry for the pointless post...just wanted to share. I will say though, you couldnt wipe the smile of my face right after when I was safely in the air at a safe altitude, flying right side up!
Posted on: 9/2/2012 9:10 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11215197

RE: First Time Kit Builder: Project GP Super Decathalon
Got back from the hobby shop today, was going to break in the engine today but decided to wait. It's going to be a while before I get to fly this thing, I don't want to break it in and then let it sit until spring to fly it. I will use it as mock up and break it in once the weather gets nice again next year. That being said, to the folks that have owned and flown the GP decathalon, how did you mount your engine? I have a .70 4 stroke that I am leaning towards mounting sidways(per the plans) Is it possible to mount this think inverted? Also, do you test fit the cowling at this time also to make sure it lines up with the engine crank? How does one go about getting the crankshaft to get square with the cowl opening before you mount the engine to the firewall?
Posted on: 9/1/2012 3:28 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11213749

RE: First Time Kit Builder: Project GP Super Decathalon
Well haven't posted on here for a bit. Noting huge to report. I'm hoping to get some good progress done this Labor Day weekend. I'll be heading down the hobby shop early tomorrow to pick up my engine, fuel tank, and some other tiddly bits. After some research I decided to go with the Magnum .70 four stroker. I'm to the point of locating the engine on the firewall so I need to get that to continue on to fuel-proofing the fuse and keep on keeping on with the kit. As far as whats been done since last post, I have the lower triangle stock and lwr fuse skin done. Glassed the center wing section, and installed the aileron torque rods. I feel that the wing LE back to the aileron hinge well is complete. I finished sanding and blending the LE with the wing skin & ribs. Next up is mounting engine, fuel-proofing the fuse, and continue on with the upper fuse build up. Hoo-rah Cant wait!
Posted on: 8/31/2012 10:24 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11213259

RE: Fuel-Proofing Before Locating Engine Mount?
I've got a build thread going also on this section and there are a few guys that put a 70 4 stroke in there and love it so that's the line I'm heading if I decide to do 4 stroke. For a 2 stroke I was thinking a .55 AX or .61. I think a 2 stroke .61 may be overkill in this plane though. I'm used to 2 strokes, but am kinda leaning towards a 4 for this build...Going to make a few phone calls to the hobby shops around and see what they have and their prices. Tower is running free shipping and 20 bucks off anything over 150 so if my LHS doesnt have anything in this category I may just place an order by the 31st. I planned on using the heat gun method for fuel proofing. Ive heard good and bad about using alcohol, were if pure alcohol wasn't used it becomes sticky/oily ect so I think Ill just mix up some 30 min and heat it with my heat gun and let it flow.
Posted on: 8/30/2012 9:35 AM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11211594

RE: Fuel-Proofing Before Locating Engine Mount?
[quote] Personally, I make the engine decision before starting construction. The reason why is it is so much easier to drill the firewall and set the blind nuts before the fuselage is built. But if you have to set the blind nuts after the firewall is built in, it is easy to keep the fuel proofing epoxy resin from fouling the blind nuts, just fill them with vaseline. Then mix up your 20 minute finish cure epoxy and slather it all over, inside and out. No problems. [/quote] Normally I would but this kit has been sitting forever, as well as my flyer. I decided to get back in the hobby after a couple year hiatus so this is all developed pretty quick. I didn't expect to be at this point already to find an engine. Once you get going on one of these things its hard to stop!
Posted on: 8/29/2012 4:41 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11210802

RE: Fuel-Proofing Before Locating Engine Mount?
[quote] I always make sure there is a drain hole at the lowest point under the tank compartment just in case.[/quote] I've read into this too, I think its a good idea just incase. At least would help evacuate the leaked fuel so its not finding other places to soak into.
Posted on: 8/29/2012 12:34 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11210526

RE: Fuel-Proofing Before Locating Engine Mount?
Wow thanks for the quick replies guys. Since this is a "scale" build I think I am going to go with a 4 stroke for the first time. SO I will need an engine mount and the engine before I can configure my throttle and fuel line holes. I will get everything mocked up before I go with fuel proofing everything. [quote]Yeah I just built the GP decathalon. I know what your saying because of going from 2 stroke to four. I would still fuel proof the tank area regadless of the power. You can get your blind nuts in still if using 4 stroke. Just my .02 cents. [/quote] If you dont mine me asking how did it fly? Im a little concerned with all the horror stories plagued by this bird. I hear one pilot saying it snaps and tip stalls constantly and to modify the plane during the building process to help its tendencys...then I read about folks that build it per plan and it flies great? I dont get it? And ArcticCatRider...Not to get off topic but what sled do you ride? Love the Cats and current Pilot an 06' F7 SnoPro...4500 miles and counting!
Posted on: 8/29/2012 12:22 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11210511

RE: Fuel-Proofing Before Locating Engine Mount?
That's what I kinda assumed, makes sense. Guess I need to decide and pull the trigger on a powerplant for this thing.
Posted on: 8/29/2012 11:09 AM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11210429

Fuel-Proofing Before Locating Engine Mount?
Hey all, Im in the process of building my fuse and to a point where I will be sheeting the top of the fuse and "dash" area. At this point in the manual it states to fuel proof the area around the fuel tank. Problem is I haven't quite decided what power plant I want to go with yet. If I go four stroke it will mount right to the firewall, which is what I'm concerned with. I will have to put my blind nuts on the back of the firewall. Will I be able to do this with hard epoxy coated on it? ...Granted it will be a thin coat of epoxy. I really dont want to get everything finished and have to try and fuel-proof the front fuse when its all covered up. Also, when I fuel-proof how crazy does one get. Do you slop the epoxy on all sides of the inner fuse or mostly just the bottom and firewall? It's a decathalon so I will be doing a few aerobatics with it so if there is a leak in the tank it is possible to get on the upper and sides of the fuse. That said I don't want add any more weight than I have to. Thanks for the help!
Posted on: 8/29/2012 10:14 AM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11210377

RE: First Time Kit Builder: Project GP Super Decathalon
If Great Planes is embarrassed about it that makes me feel real warm and fuzzy inside! BUT, I know it flies, and I will deal with its quirks when I stumble apon them. I've already got the tail made up so I think I'm just going to go per the plan and hope for the best. Obviously there are pilots that love to fly this bird as well, just have to fly it different. I can tell you, however, I will probably be a nervous wreck when I go to maiden her. Back to the subject, I've seen a few "lightly used" .70 four strokes on flea bay ranging anywhere from 100-200 depending on condition. Would it be worth buying a used engine? If you can trust the history of some of these it may not be terrible. Some have said to have a couple of flights on them? There is also a magnum .70 brand new for 150...if it runs like crap I guess I'd be out 150 bucks...not much for this hobby lol.(hope I didn't start an engine debate) Another question I had was about the tail gear. I keep reading about how almost everyone replaces the stock tail gear on many kits and ARF's. Is this one worth a darn or should I go ahead and plan on replacing it too?
Posted on: 8/27/2012 7:12 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11208424

RE: First Time Kit Builder: Project GP Super Decathalon
Man there's some good info coming in! A .91 in a 40 Decathalon though?...whoa. I can definitely see how this bird can become a handful, and I am in no way expecting to perform like a high wing trainer. With a fully sym airfoil, and its short fuse I can only imagine the carnage...err I mean Fun! It will take some getting used to but, like anything, once you get to know her characteristics there's no doubt it will be a blast to fly. I love the full scale decathalons and Taylorcrafts. Can't wait to get this one at home in the air! Back to the build, I found out the hard way not to rush bending balsa sheeting. Was putting the lwr fwd sheeting on the bottom fuse last night. Had it wetted and was slowly bending it over the radius and snap! Must not have been wet enough. Easy fix, rotated it 180 degrees to start with a fresh balsa edge and made sure it was good and soaked. Turned out pretty well 2nd go round. Lwr fuse sheeting, aft fuse bulkheads, and mlg ply mounting base installed. [image]http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q31/ninjasixfiveo/IMAG0197.jpg[/image]
Posted on: 8/24/2012 4:54 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11204891

RE: First Time Kit Builder: Project GP Super Decathalon
Thanks for the replies gents. Originally I was thinking 2 stroke but if both have ran a 70 four stroke with success I may throw one on. I'm used to 2 strokers and was thinking of putting a 55 AX up front. How are the different manufacturers of 4 strokes? Any to shy away from? I'd prefer a surpass O.S but if something else comes available at a better price I may jump on that too.
Posted on: 8/24/2012 3:33 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11204816

RE: First Time Kit Builder: Project GP Super Decathalon
[quote] Yes, you don't cut throttle while you are in approaching. You have two to four clicks on the throttle stick to keep some speed. It really depends on your link adjustment. Then you fly until the wheels touch ground or you are less than 6 inches from ground. A good tip is to practice very low speed at high altitud and watch how the plane stalls. You will get the right feeling of how many stick clicks you need to keep the plane flying at a reasonable slow speed for landing. [/quote] That's kinda what I thought. A while back after letting my plan sit for a few years it didn't want to idle for anything so I would normally come in hot at about 1/8-1/4 throttle to keep it running in case I needed to do a GA. Now that I have it tuned and running right I still find myself coming in hot until I know it's going to settle in. Guess its habit now lol. I will say the avistar floats a while with a lot of airspeed/ground effect. Observing the slow flight characteristics at a safe altitude is a good idea.
Posted on: 8/24/2012 9:39 AM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11204519

RE: Alpha Trainer Problems
One way I tune(and probably many others) is after the engine is completely up to temp take it to full throttle. Usually at the "factory recommended" needle setting it is going to be very rich. Close the needle valve a few clicks at a time until you hear a pitch change at WOT. After you do this step a few times take it to idle and check the transition between idle to full throttle. Another trick I do is take a needle nose pliers and with the engine at full throttle, pinch the fuel line for a split second. If you hear a slight RPM rise you know your still safetly rich and can fine tune from there if need be. If it cuts out or there is no RPM change you are lean. I'm pretty sure my .40 LA is slobbery rich but it still runs great and pulls my plane around just fine so I'm leaving it alone.
Posted on: 8/23/2012 10:19 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11204154

RE: First Time Kit Builder: Project GP Super Decathalon
Ya I've heard these have a tenancy to snap upon landing, also heard they can tip stall upon take off if giving too much elevator or taking off before the wing is ready to fly. I plan to fly the crap out of my avistar again and planning on getting another ARF before this decathalon is done. I consider myself to be coming into an intermediate category flyer in my opinion.. I'm re-joining my local club also, so if the time comes and I don't yet feel comfortable I may see if there would be a member who would want to buddy box me on it. How do you stay away from the snap on landing? Keep your airspeed up and "fly" it onto the runway?
Posted on: 8/23/2012 8:06 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11204065

RE: First Time Kit Builder: Project GP Super Decathalon
Thanks! As this is my first kit build I think I am going to stick to the plan. If it ends up like a brick...well I'll deal with it.[:)] Sorry for the "crappy" cell phone pics, my digital camera broke, with a little persuasion once I knew it was done, so my cell will have to work for now. Honestly I think my 5mp cell cam is almost better than my old digital. Anyway, thanks for the comment. Hope to hear from all of ya!
Posted on: 8/23/2012 9:37 AM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11203461

RE: Good 2nd Low Wing?
Ive thought about Pulse but for the price you really can't beat the the Escapade. For the price of the XT 60, I may as well grab up a 120 sized for a few bucks more. Oh the options...I guess as of now its between the Pulse and the Escapade. Anyone have other suggestions similar to these? Im really not digging the Tiger...looks like a boxy trainer with a wing stuck on the bottom.
Posted on: 8/23/2012 1:03 AM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11203011

First Time Kit Builder: Project GP Super Decathalon
Well as the title states I'm in the process of building my first kit plane. Figured since it's my first, and I'll probably have a bunch of questions I would just start a build thread...I mean who doesn't like those right? Unfortunately the model is discontinued but looks like everything is here. I got the kit from a co-worker years ago for next to nothing and decided to give it a go. I made myself a little work station devoted to this bird. Has been working out pretty well. I've got the wings mostly done. Need to install the wing tips and aileron control linkage yet, as well as sand it all down smooth. Tail feathers are also done minus some standing. My plan is to tinker on her over the winter and hopefully have it perfect by spring, ready for its maiden. As of now I'm thinking maybe a .46 or .51/55 2 stroke for power. I've heard these are a bit heavy so may stick a .55ax in there. That's later on down the road. Anyway, here are some piccs. Hopefully someone that's built one of these will chime in, as well as all you veteran builders out there to give me some insight on this thing! Workbench: [image]http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q31/ninjasixfiveo/IMAG0187.jpg[/image] Wing build-up [image]http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q31/ninjasixfiveo/IMAG0189.jpg[/image] Wing almost complete, starting fuse build up [image]http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q31/ninjasixfiveo/IMAG0195.jpg[/image] Tail feathers [image]http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q31/ninjasixfiveo/IMAG0196.jpg[/image]
Posted on: 8/22/2012 7:51 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11202824

RE: Good 2nd Low Wing?
Wow thanks for the quick replies guys...as for how I fly now I can do basic aerobatics with the avistar but its still a trainer and with a 40 LA my performance is pretty limited. I'm tempted to get a .46AX or .55 for the avistar to bump it up a notch. I do have to admit its still fun to fly though. Keep the suggestions coming! I've also tempted with the GP revolver but that may be close to the 330/edge 540/ Yak realm that in not sure I'm ready to tackle yet.
Posted on: 8/18/2012 10:50 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11198372

Good 2nd Low Wing?
Alright guys, I have a feeling this may have been beat to death but as the title says I'm back into the rc world and looking to get a 2nd plane in my hangar. I currently fly an avistar and am getting comfortable with it again after a couple year hiatus. I'm also building a kit but am feeling an itch to get a plane sooner and keep tinkering on the kit over the winter. It's a GP Super Decathalon. A plane that caught my eye is the .61 GP Escapade. I've read the threads on the .40 and .61 versions of it and it sounds like they got most of the early kinks worked out. In general I'm looking for a good entry level sport plane, in a .60 sized. Ide love a 330 or Yak but I'm trying to be realistic and think those would be a bit too big of a step at this point. I've also thought about a four star .60 or 120 but wonder if ide want more after a little while. Any of you have any suggestions on a good 2nd bird? I'm thinking a low/mid wing sport plane arf...let the debate begin!
Posted on: 8/18/2012 9:33 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11198341

RE: What Would You Do?...rx & tx question.
Problem is I dont have any way to test the capacity without buying a capacity tester. I will probably keep a close eye on them now and eventually get a new set of batteries for my current plane and tx. I also would like to get an upgraded tx and keep my other tx for a backup or for friends/family that want to give it a go and I can put them on a buddy cord and they can use my old Skysport.
Posted on: 8/17/2012 10:36 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11197519

What Would You Do?...rx & tx question.
Hey all, got a quick question about my current tx and rx situation. Currently I have gotten my bird out of the dark and started flying again. I've got a few flight under my belt after a couple year hiatus but I'm contemplating my battery situation. I always charge them over night before I fly(plane is nitro powered BTW) and I haven't had a problem yet but the batteries are fairly old. Last time I flew was last weekend and the transmitter is still showing 95%. I left the tx and rx on while I ran some erons tonight and over about 3.5 hrs the voltmeter was showing 35%...that's continuous power on but no movement of the controls and no flight load either. Is that acceptable? Most days I only take it up 2 maybe 3 times unless I devote a whole day to flying which hasn't happened in a long time. Now, that all being said I would like to upgrade my current radio with perhaps a 6 channel since I am planning on upgrading my current airplane as well...or adding to I should say. I have been looking at the Futaba 6J tx. It has more than enough features for me at this point until I muster the courage to drop a 2nd mortgage on a high end tx. What are your thoughts on this? Are there others in the same price range that are leaps and bounds better than the 6J-8J line of Futaba? Sorry if this has been beat to death, I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to the world of transmitters. My current tx is still a Futaba Skysport 4ch so there is much room for improvement.
Posted on: 8/17/2012 4:48 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11197282

RE: How many here fly full-scale?
Awesome to see how a hobby can ignite into bigger and better things. I have always been floored by aviation but just started flying R/C my Jr/Sr year of high school. I went to school for my Airframe and Powerplant ticket and flew my R/C on and off for a bit during but kinda let it sit while I was doing my studies. I started my Private license while in school also from a friend that I met that was a CFI taking the A&P course. I got about half way through and just ran out of time and money, working full time putting myself through college. Since I have worked for Cessna as a Test Flight Mechanic for the Citation Mustangs. Did that gig for a few years until the economy crashed and took a voluntary lay off to come back home. Luckily got a job at our local FBO and regional airport. Mostly single engine work and commuter planes(what a big difference compared to corporate jets!), while being on call for Delta airlines(now American) for their CRJ's that fly in and out. I worked there for a while but the economy slowly dwindled down the pilots coming in to get their work done...cant blame them when most of the work is private owners. The first thing to cut was their toys. After working a few years at reduced hours and quite honestly not enough pay I decided to take a step in another direction. Im currently a Product Development Specialist for a major Ag firm up here and get to do R&D testing for all their new products coming out. Currently in power systems testing engines. It's not airplanes, but my A&P got me this job(part of a pre-requisite) so I guess thats just the way the cookie crumbles. I recently starting getting back into flying R/C and am currently building a GP Decathalon that I got from a coworker when I was at Cessna...and just now getting to it at age 25. It's all complete, the guy just never had time for it. 20 bucks and it was mine. Cant wait to get it up and going. I also am fortunate enough to fall into a restoration project from a pilot who heard of me from a friend. I havent done much with it yet but its a 1948 Piper PA-17 Vagabond that needs ALOT of work. But the owner wants to trade off mechanic time for flight time so I can finish my Private so I guess the world has a way of making things all work out in the wash. He also has an airworthy Vag that I will be doing work on here or there whenever its needed. Got a well paying cush job for the week, and get to use my A&P on the side...I dont thing thats a bad deal at all Keep the stories coming, love hearing about folks with the same interests!
Posted on: 8/16/2012 8:38 AM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11195730

RE: tim's wow take off
Great...I'm in the process of building a gp decathalon. My first tail dragger. Hopefully I won't biff it my maiden flight like this character almost did. Looked like it flew real nice after the dicey take off.
Posted on: 8/14/2012 1:48 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Crash & Rebuild"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11193411

RE: Byrons 10% Aero gen 2 Safe To Run?
Well thought I would give a little update. Ran down to DSM this weekend for my little nephews 1yr old bday so while I was down there I had to go the the Hobby Haven. Picked up a couple gallons of SIG champion fuel. 13 bucks a gallon, I thought that was very reasonable. That said, now I have almost a full gallon of the 10% Byrons that I wont be using. Would there be any harm in sparingly mixing this into the Champion fuel over time to use it up or is it a lost cause? I should just post if up for sale but I don't know that there is a real market for folks wanting to buy nitro fuel, or if there is a lot of folks around here that "home brew" their own fuel.
Posted on: 8/13/2012 11:01 AM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "RC Fuels"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11191748

RE: CA Kicker ?
Kicker is an accelerant for CA glue, it comes in handy when you don't have to hold 2 pieces together for an extended period to let the CA dry. You can either glue the pieces together and spray the kicker, or spray the kicker on your pieces to be bonded and once the CA hits it, your bond is complete. Thin, medium, and thick all have their place. Majority of what I use is medium. It's gap filling but yet viscous enough to flow into crevices. Generally ill use thin to tack, then come back with medium or thick CA. Or use it between but joints, it has great capillary action to get sucked into the tiniest of spaces. Lastly I use thick for high strength areas or when you need to position a piece in place before the glue sets(most thick CA will give you plenty of time to get things aligned and clamped if need be before it's too late.
Posted on: 8/12/2012 9:21 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11191137

RE: Byrons 10% Aero gen 2 Safe To Run?
[quote]It's not a total waste. Use it in your RC Car. It'll run fine in it. Either that or buy a big SuperTigre. [/quote] I would but my T-Maxx isnt exactly in running condition. I finally blew the transmission long long time ago and its been sitting ever since(XTM .24 conversion) Gotta love all the money you dump into something like that and there is sits. I can't even list all the mods I've done to that thing. Maybe ths would be a good excuse to get a big ST...I eventually want to fly the big boys anyway haha.
Posted on: 8/9/2012 9:02 PM by Author "Avistarpilot" in the forum "RC Fuels"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11187754