RE: JR DS8911 Servo Slop
I've switched to Futaba BLS 157s. Nice and tight after 100 flights.
Posted on: 5/20/2013 9:45 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11517206

RE: Fresno 2012 Jet Rally, no turbines?
Just like pretty much all IMAA and IMAC events, the "after hours" flying is for those planes that don't meet the criteria for the event. Wouldn't make sense that it would be okay for people to fly "prop" foamies and helis after the official event is winding down for the day? This might apply to turbines as well...ducted fan all day and then the after hours planes could include a turbine or two... I'm moving to Norcal and am looking for some good turbine friendly fields and jet events...I've enjoyed the Fresno field in the past and would love to see a big "all inclusive" jet event there again. I'll be looking for advertisements and announcements in 2013! Good luck with this year's event...maybe the beginning of something great.
Posted on: 8/15/2012 9:28 PM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11195314

RE: Bad boy Lipo charger poll
The real tragedies are when a charger fails and then your jet goes up in flames...I've only read about chargers failing, but that would be a bad day. When a person has charged carefully, is near by, but since they leave LiPo batteries in the aircraft end up losing a composite turbine model because they couldn't get the battery out fast enough.
Posted on: 6/29/2012 5:14 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11136241

RE: Something that I have to ask
I attended the First in Flight Jet Rally last week in NC. The overall attitude was good. Like with any other hobby there are a few grumpy folks that think they have something to prove and want you to go through the same learning process/curve they did. I was doing my research and am going to get into jets at the end of the Summer. One gentleman was particularly helpful and took me under his wing. He showed me the ins and outs of the RC turbine by allowing me to ask questions, walk with him and spot for him while he explained how the fueling system, retract system and ECU worked. He allowed me to watch the start up sequence and explained each stage. It was very educational. On another note, there were a few guys that were just there to fly. They cut in the line-up for take-off and were always in a rush everywhere they went. Not the kind of guys I wanted to hang out with. They were like a group of disgruntled warbird pilots who had plenty of cash lying around to get into turbines. I too got the one guy that explained that jets were really hard to fly and that I needed to fly really big, heavily wing loaded warbirds before I should even consider a jet. I guess I don't want the kind of jet he has... After all the research I'm happy with the majority of the friendly people in the jet community and will be starting out with a Futura aerobatic jet since it has lots of room in the fuselage to work, lands at a reasonable speed for grass strips and is a smooth flyer. Turbine technology really has come of age and I learned as long as you follow the laws of physics (and manufacturer recommendations) they are quite safe, stable and fun. Thanks for posting...let's change the negative tone of some jet groups and be positive, helpful and have fun!
Posted on: 6/1/2012 9:46 PM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11103338

RE: Am I ready for the Parkzone Habu???
My experience hand launching tells me that your friend should get a good strong launch with a slight upward vector, say 10 degrees nose up. Don't be afraid to fly it...as long as your dual rates are set up you'll be okay, sometimes on landing you'll need a little more throw to control the plane at slow speeds. Good luck![8D]
Posted on: 1/10/2010 1:42 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9402998

RE: Losi Mini Monster Baja VS Min-lst2? Whats the differ
The Mini LST2 comes with a NiMh battery with the Lipo as an aftermarket option. Good luck!
Posted on: 2/14/2009 8:22 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "1/16th, 1/18th, Mini & Micro RC Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8475283

RE: calling all mini lst/lst2 owners
To fix the servo problem I followed the advice I read on another thread: 1. You'll have to replace the servos...HS85s will work, but so will replacement stock Losi servos 2. Remove the servo savers by taking off the servo arms...cut off the spring so there's 1/16 inch less total height on the spring. 3. Replace the servo saver arms with the newly shortened springs. 4. Enjoy. I've had my Mini LST2 and have run it with the stock steering servos for a month now, with the mod...NO PROBLEMS! Good luck!
Posted on: 2/14/2009 8:16 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "1/16th, 1/18th, Mini & Micro RC Cars"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8475276

RE: Supplement Code 550
Because AMA chartered flying sites and their rules are accountable to the insurance companies. I think it was said once before...the insurance company said they'd be okay with "trying this out" with planes 10 pounds and under...so here we are. If you want to fly an FPV aircraft over 10 pounds, go ahead. Just do it somewhere other than an AMA chartered flying field. You then are solely responsible for your actions.
Posted on: 12/31/2008 3:31 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8301361

RE: Supplement Code 550
Thank you to typicalaimster for laying out the facts and keeping all of us straight. Thanks for explaining how a smaller aircraft is safer...smaller payload and less of an impact itself. I'm sure there's a lot of math around some of those decisions out there.
Posted on: 12/29/2008 8:55 PM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8296290

RE: Supplement Code 550
[quote]ORIGINAL: KidEpoxy Uh, there is no difference. The PIC takes over for 20lb Turbine trinees just fine & safe but has problems taking over an 11lb plane just because the guy that lost control was using a camera instead of being unskilled or stung by a bee? I was talking about the degree of safety of a Buddybox is now somehow dependant on the weight of the plane that the trainee lost control of? When a 20lb turbine trainee loses control it is safer than the forbiden 11lb cameraplane losing control? That is the gist of the new BuddyBox use restriction: Buddyboxes are safe for 20lb 100mph unless the guy that totally lost control was looking at a screen prior to losing control and having the PIC take over? [/quote] One thing I recommend to FPV pilots to help with orientation is an FMA Autopilot. This system can make things a lot more fun and take away some of the guess work when it comes to flying safely. The BIG difference is between pilots who want RC to stay around for a few more years and those that are just out to have fun for a couple flights and really don't care. This difference is evident at every flying site, AMA or otherwise, around the world. The effort taken to train to become a safe and skilled pilot, improving with every flight and ever learning, is evident after flying with someone for only a few minutes. Remember, flying RC aircraft is a PRIVILEGE, not a right. AMA is not creating a first person pilot training and evaluation program...they are making it so a few enthusiasts can operate at the same airfields and under the same basic rules as the rest of the RC people...NOT UAV rules! I don't ever want RC to fall under UAV rules, EVER! If you fly an RC aircraft with FPV and no safety pilot, you are operating a LOS (line-of-sight) UAV. The radio signal is the only thing that is LOS. Have you ever flown a FPV aircraft larger than a small foamy? Have you ever flown FPV aircraft at any faster speed? Have you ever flown an FPV aircraft that had more than 3 channels (i.e. has ailerons?). If you have you'll know how quickly a person can lose orientation while looking at a two dimensional TV screen or goggles and flying in three dimensional airspace. Visual disorientation is common among full scale pilots that sit in the plane and have the luxury of using instruments to aide their control of the aircraft. Even VFR pilots need an altimeter to tell how high they are! FPV pilots, without instruments (except for a few with telemetry systems) and very little first person flight training, are a recipe for disaster. Like I said before, well trained and equipped pilots will be safe and promote the hobby. Untrained and poorly equipped FPV people will keep depending on their safety pilots to keep them from crashing. I regularly fly as a safety pilot with the master control for some older gentlemen that don't have good vision or reflexes...I prevent them from crashing and keep them flying and enjoying the hobby...otherwise they would have to quit. The SAFETY PILOT decides how far the other person goes before they can't recover...VERY safe...NOT at all like getting stung by a bee or making a bad decision to fly through the sun. Most accidents/crashes in RC can be prevented by safe operating practices and staying within the operating envelope of the aircraft and the pilot. This is also true of full scale aircraft. The safety pilot ensures that the aircraft doesn't leave the safe operating envelope...therefore, NO CRASHES. I HIGHLY recommend that KidEpoxy try training a new RC pilot using a buddy box system to fully understand how this works. If you haven't been on the master control side, you won't know how the decision process is made in the name of safety. Ask the instructor that taught you how to fly if you aren't ready to be on the master end of a buddy box. [:D] All of this is said with the best intentions. Maybe others will read and make wise decisions with regard to FPV flying and RC flying in general.
Posted on: 12/29/2008 8:46 PM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8296253

RE: Supplement Code 550
Thanks for the rundown...this is exciting! I think there will be many neat opportunities in the future. I like the potential to hook some new pilots just because flying FPV is much more like flying a "real" plane. I may just start with a Multiplex EasyStar with a 900MHz downlink camera and some goggles.[8D]
Posted on: 12/29/2008 11:41 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8294298

RE: Supplement Code 550
To make it simple, it will be just like training a student on the buddy box. Pick the guy who has the master control carefully. If he has the right skill set he'll know when you're getting close to the limits of his comfort zone and rescue the aircraft before the situation develops beyond his control. That is the difference. Most will agree that in control means the plane is going where intended somewhat smoothly and the next turn or two is thought out ahead of time. You're right, many people can't fly this way looking at the plane from a third person point of view...they need focused practice before they start getting on the end of a master control for someone else. When the guy wearing goggles will not know he needs assistance until the situation has developed beyond his ability to recover. Flight training. Simple. Yes, with some outside references (a fence, trees or other land marks) and some flight training, it is definitely possible to fly FPV unassisted. Make that LOTS of flight training for most people. Now you're flying a plane just like being in the real thing, except that it is harder because you can't feel the flight loads on the airframe.
Posted on: 12/29/2008 2:19 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8293274

RE: Supplement Code 550
Notice that FPV is only SECONDARY control! The primary control is done by the person on the primary controls...the person on the buddy box can control via FPV. This eliminates any real danger. The aircraft still must remain in sight of the PRIMARY PILOT. I think some people are getting the wrong idea, thinking that someone is controlling an aircraft with FPV and no safety pilot. Any time the FPV pilot gets too far away or starts to lose control, the primary pilot simply releases the trainer switch and corrects, giving the FPV pilot time to get re-oriented and back on track. There is NO added danger of flynig FPV as long as the safety pilot has PRIMARY control. Way to go AMA! I can't wait to give this a try...just have to find a pilot I trust to fly my planes! [8D][;)]
Posted on: 12/28/2008 3:14 PM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8291103

RE: Why are you an AMA member?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Stickbuilder Who have you taught within the hobby, and what have you taught them? Who taught you, and what did they teach you? Are you interested in learning more, or are you satisfied with your place within the hobby/sport? What would you like to learn? Bill, AMA 4720 [/quote] I teach people how to fly, from the very beginning and even later when they discover the rudder. I also learn from each student and become a better flier because of it. We use simulators and the buddy box to get to solo in a safe and timely manner. I built two RC planes and had them hanging on the ceiling...I wanted to fly but didn't know how to get started. I was taught in the late '80s, before anyone around had a buddy box. My fiend wasn't interested in RC, but his dad flew, so I would get a ride with him to the field on Saturday. We would hand the controller back and forth...I learned patience and persistence as well as how to take constructive criticism. I've learned that the right attitude makes all the difference. Each of us has to approach flying with the intent to learn if that is what we want to do... I'd still like to learn to perform precision aerobatics under pressure. The harmony of solid equipment, a well practiced routine and trusty caller battling the elements intrigues me.
Posted on: 12/28/2008 3:04 PM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8291073

RE: What Does Your Club Do To Attract New Members?
[:D] Much like other clubs, ours has flourished by concentrating on the members. Club officers fly at the field, take time to say hi to members when they show up and help maintain an overall sense of mutual respect at the field. 1. Keep and get new members: No matter what you fly, you are important and vital to the existence of the club. We have tons of volunteers on club work day and relationships between members is great. 2. Strive to maintain a friendly environment: We've experienced an influx of members leaving other clubs over 20 miles away to join ours...the reason? Because a friendly and respectful atmosphere made it a lot more fun to fly! 3. Be ready to share the hobby with those that are interested: It seems that the best we can do is make it really easy for anyone interested to get involved...we can't force people to join our hobby. Bring a trainer and buddy box with you to the field, just to have on hand if there is a visitor! Getting a person out on the field for a successful and fun first flight has made many a new member! Good luck!
Posted on: 12/28/2008 2:19 PM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8290958

RE: I Volunteer With My Club. Yes/No
It looks like the clubs represented here have about the same issues as every club I've been in. 20% do the work, the other 80% complain about how it is done![;)] We've been fortunate to have that 20% show up on work days. The guys that do the work are consistent and are the ones that fly the most. These people have pride in their flying field. I helped start a new AMA chartered club, was president for two years, safety officer for two years, club flight instructor, show up each work day, trade off mowing with a couple other members. For me, working at the field is part of the fun...it is nice to get out and get my hands dirty. I like working with members, getting them signed up, field orientations complete and start training as required. Personally, I wouldn't want some people working on the field...if a person doesn't care chances are the work will have to be redone anyway. Good luck, have a great 2009 flying season! www.bealeblackbirds.com
Posted on: 12/28/2008 12:12 PM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8290562

RE: Ultimate Engine Test Stand
Eagle Tree Systems makes a pretty good telemetry system, I am pretty sure it can send info to your laptop computer. http://www.eagletreesystems.com/Plane/plane.html That doesn't solve the thrust problem, but everything else should be taken care of. You could even put this in your aircraft and get the data while flying...the ultimate in accurate testing! Good luck...I'm interested in seeing some results! Thanks for doing this.
Posted on: 7/27/2008 1:05 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7776124

RE: GIANT SCALE BEGINNERSTIPS OF THE WEEK
My .02 is to start hanging out with the guys at your field, or another field, that fly 50cc and larger gas planes. Don't buy anything yet. Watch and listen, you'll soon know which gasser you really want and which ones to stay away from. Also, it doesn't hurt to have a mentor give you a few tips at the field where you can see what they are talking about, rather than just get your info from reading advice here in the forums. Seeing the gassers in person was all I needed, I was hooked! Be careful...[:D]
Posted on: 5/14/2008 2:24 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7493961

Radio Active Airshows
Has anyone heard of the new AMA Airshow Team? Radio Active Airshows is being advertised on other forum sites and recruiting pilots across the country. http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/fg107/27381-radio-active-airshows.html#post413183 www.teamama.com www.flyradioactive.com Who's paying for those nice painted trailers in the pictures on the website? Looks interesting! [8D]
Posted on: 3/15/2008 10:10 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=7227988

RE: LETS SEE YOUR CLUB
I love the "field cam" too...must be nice to live near "Silicon Valley." Our field is much more humble. www.bealeblackbirds.com This picture on the homepage was taken two years ago by a former member who's moved out to Ohio now, Bert Garrison.
Posted on: 12/20/2007 8:47 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6781745

RE: X9303 and R921 affected by outside "interference"
Thank you for your time.
Posted on: 12/18/2007 10:42 PM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6776156

RE: X9303 and R921 affected by outside "interference"
[quote]ORIGINAL: dsnyder 1. You could be having a battery or power issue or connector issue causing the problem. 2. No, only if the source is very close, even still it would be very unlikely. 3. That indicates that there is some other issue, see #1. 4. There wouldn't be anything that you could have done while the aircraft was in the air. The remote wire becoming disconnected would not cause the lights on the main RX to drop out, that means that the receiver was not powered. [/quote] Please read the FULL message/question I asked. To answer your points: 1. Did you see my set up list...I included those facts to make sure you knew IT COULD NOT HAVE BEEN A POWER ISSUE. Dual DEANS connectors from 5600mAH Li-Ion batts through the Smart-Fly Power Expander, worked flawlessly for ten flights and held those servos perfectly at neutral during the failsafe condition. All connections were still solidly plugged in, even after that horrific crash![:D] 2. Well, it is REPEATABLE with PCM gas planes, and I'm not going to try it again with a 2.4MHz gas plane...it ONLY affects gasoline powered planes. 3. The fact that this loss of control happened in the SAME part of the sky that causes PCM 72MHz systems (several different planes owned by different people) to go into some psuedo failsafe is proof that this IS NOT A SET UP ISSUE that is plane specific. 4. It is nice to know I did all I could while the aircraft is in the air. For now we will limit gasoline aircraft flying at our field with a HUGE "fly at your own risk" disclaimer and identify that part of the sky as a "no fly zone" for gassers (this spot does not affect glow/electric powered planes).
Posted on: 12/17/2007 11:26 PM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6769741

X9303 and R921 affected by outside "interference"
Greetings Danny, I wrote two years ago asking about an interference issue that scared me a bit. My R945 PCM system was NOT going into failsafe and was NOT responding to my inputs, then I would get the plane back after approximately three seconds. It was always in the same part of the sky at about 300 ft above ground level. We suspect a high powered directional "beam" that is swamping out the RX and making it act strange at the same time. A link to my previous question two years ago is here: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3622416 Well, this happened again, this time with the[b] 2.4GHz X9303 and R921 combo[/b]. I landed immediately and checked the receiver with the data logger...NO HOLDS were recorded. Nine frame losses on the right remote receiver and five on the internal receiver. I couldn't believe it...not only did it not show any holds, but the plane did not respond for at least two seconds as I was holding the ailerons over to roll upright on the back side of a cuban eight. Set up: 38% Colombo Anderson Extra 300 JR X9303 R921 with one external RX and data logger DA-150 Smart-Fly Power Expander EQ10 Smart-Fly Turbo Regulator Twin 5600mah Li-Ion batteries connected through Dean's connectors DS8611A servos Since the data logger didn't show any holds I thought maybe I was just "over reacting" since there are so many skeptics out there bashing 2.4 technology. So, I decided to trust my data logger and fly again. After all, the 2.4GHz system is impervious to the same interference that plagued the 72MHz band. See the picture below for a graphic result of the following recap. While flying an immelman, having just leveled off at the top while powering back, and about to complete the roll, my aircraft ceased to roll and the throttle stayed at 1/4. It flew a nice level inverted pass at about 300 feet above ground level, with the throttle maintaining 1/4, NOT going to idle as my failsafe was set (during the binding process). After about five seconds the aircraft descended inverted, wings level as I held full down elevator and full right aileron so when I got control back I would know it and could recover. No recovery was afforded. Impact was more than a 1/4 mile away. I completely forgot to bring the data logger with me to retrieve the aircraft. Big mistake there, no data to share as a result. There were no lights on to indicate the R921 was operating, maybe because the remote RX had been pulled out during impact. Please shed any light on this if you can. Specifically: 1. How I am getting a hold on the throttle instead of the expected idle during a presumed "failsafe" condition? 2. Is RX swamping possible by flying through a line-of-sight transmission, such as a surveilance video? 3. Why did I not get a "HOLD" on the DATA LOGGER when this happened the first time? With no control I had lost all three RX links simultaneously for at least one whole second. 4. Is there something I could have done to get my link back after the plane went through the swamped area and was trying to reacquire the TX signal before the crash? Thanks for you help in advance. Thank you.
Posted on: 12/17/2007 4:51 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "JR Radio & Spektrum Radios"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6763310

RE: Eq10 programming questions
Robert, While programming my EQ 10, I encountered something I don't understand on 2 separate occasions: both were while programming the aileron servos (2 per wing half). While programming the endpoints, the servo connected to port A worked normally while the servo connected to port B would go to the endpoint in one direction and then freewheel when the other endpoint was selected. I was using the endpoint hold function. To check the servos, I went back to the run condition and the servo connected with port B would freewheel when commanded the same as it did during programming. In the first case, I switched to a new channel on the EQ 10 and programming went normally. In the second case, I moved the servo plugged into port B to port C and programming went normally. Before switching ports, I tried resetting the individual channel in each case and reprogramming with the same result (freewheeling of B servo). I find this strange...what could I be doing wrong? If these ports are failing, what's to keep other ports from failing spontaneously? Thank you, Albert.
Posted on: 11/15/2007 11:52 PM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "Smart-Fly (Quest Engineering) Support Forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6631374

RE: Pacific Aeromodels Edge 540T 40/70
No worries. It looks like the .40 version of this plane is no longer on the Winner RC website, it might be discontinued. I sold mine to a gentleman in Florida and it is still flying well. I hope everyone is having as much fun with theirs as I did with mine. Good luck.
Posted on: 11/12/2007 8:17 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "User Product Reviews"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6613477

RE: Funtana X100
THANK YOU to everyone who posted problems/solutions and experiences with this plane on RCU. I've read the whole forum and incorporated everything into a FUNTANA X100 build that was finished today. By friend has been flying the club's ARROW trainer for the past few months and he was ready to get his own plane. We built the X100 over the past week. The only thing we didn't do was mount the fuel tank up against the wing tube since he didn't want to spend the money for a pumped four-stroke. He's going to be doing a lot of sport flying at first and wants to grow into doing the 3D maneuvers he's learning on the simulator (AFPD). Power: O.S. 120 FS Prop: APC 16x4W Guidance: DX-7 Servos: Metal gear Hitecs on ailerons, DS821s on throttle, elevators and rudder 1. Pinned the firewall. This one came with triangle reinforceing inside the motor box. 2. Strengthened the gear block with some 1/16" plywood and triangle stock. 3. Used a Sullivan tailwheel for up to 12 lb. plane and the heavy spring. Maiden this week. [:D]
Posted on: 10/22/2007 12:03 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "3D Flying!"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6521610

RE: My first giant
[:D] It looks very nice and I'll bet it flies great! Good luck and have fun.
Posted on: 10/6/2007 12:11 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "Giant Scale Aircraft - 3D & Aerobatic"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6455403

RE: Begginer plane
After a few months of focused practice and regular sim time, both with an instructor, you'll be ready for the Skybolt. When you can land and take off with NO RESERVATIONS, ON CENTERLINE and with ten miles per hour of wind, then you'll be ready for the Skybolt. Remember, even the ARROW comes alive when the CG is set correctly as determined in flight testing. With my battery and receiver in the foam tray as depicted in the instructions, my ARROW just slightly drops the nose in an inverted 45 degree upline...just barely nose heavy. Perfect for a trainer! This testing was done with an almost EMPTY tank of gas, very important step! If you had a competent instructor a 4* low wing symmetrical airfoil plane would be a wonderful trainer. Tail dragger planes are a little more tricky to handle on the ground, but not bad. I would still recommend jumping on the buddy box with someone else on their tricycle gear trainer for a few flights, especially when it comes to learning how to land. Many instructors own their own trainer and would have no problem helping you. Stick with the sim...don't let up![;)]
Posted on: 7/13/2007 9:19 PM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6108199

RE: Begginer plane
[quote]ORIGINAL: Kavik Kang I think I am going to skip the whole "second plane" thing, but would recommend that most people don't. I have a lifetime of relevant experience to flying these planes, and a long history at excelling at exactly this type of thing. Most people probably should use a "low wing trainer" as a second plane. [/quote] Many people would classify the ARROW as a first and second plane...it is a 'first plane' when the control throws are toned down and your instructor is helping you along and through the solo. It is a 'second plane' when you start flying inverted, doing rolls, loops with rolls at the top and some knife edge flight. You can instantly verify how good you will be flying an R/C plane. Go to your local hobby shop and pick up the simulator transmitter. Make sure the plane selected is a trainer plane, just to be fair, then take off and try to fly it around. You'll know within about ten seconds if you already know how to fly or if you'll need a little instruction. Oh, and with instructors that are helping you for free, a little humility will go a long way. Best of luck! You'll do great.
Posted on: 7/11/2007 12:30 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6096364

RE: Begginer plane
[quote]ORIGINAL: Kavik Kang Thanks for that great review. After looking around I'm just sticking with the Arrow like I originally planned. Nobody really has anything bad to say about it other than the tail falling off, which isn't actually a problem when you know about it and can pre-emptively fix it. It really seems like exatly what I want. In fact, the more I read the more I think I can just skip the whole "second plane" thing and go straight to an Edge or Ultimate from an Arrow:-) [/quote] You know, once you learn to keep those wings level on landing and use small inputs to guide the plane down to landing, you'll do great with an Edge or Ultimate. Remember to keep the throws at the "low rate" setting for your first few flights and you'll be fine if you have mastered the ARROW. Mastered= 1. Land on centerline, even with a slight crosswind 2. Steer well down the centerline upon landing and on takeoff using rudder 3. Get a good, light weight Edge or Ultimate...my favorite .40 class Edge is this one http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_1935138/mpage_1/key_Pacific%2CEdge/tm.htm 4. Remember to use low rates, especially during T/O and landing Good luck! Find a good instructor or two and stick with it, you'll be doing all the maneuvers in no time![8D] P.S. Two new students met me at the field this evening after it cooled down a bit, the wind calmed to a light breeze and the sun moved to our backs. They had a ball flying around the ARROW and are now hooked on a new hobby. After only a few minutes through the first flight each of them were able to guide the plane through left and right turns, figure 8's and a loop or two, with only minor instruction. Getting those wings to level when the plane is coming toward us was the most difficult thing for them to master...many reminders to put the stick toward the low wing...[;)]
Posted on: 7/10/2007 2:27 AM by Author "FlyinTiger" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6091920