RE: Spin training
Now the question. Do you think it helped with your ability to anticipate, recognize, and prevent a stall and maintain yaw control, or not?
Posted on: 9/2/2012 12:41 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11214660

RE: Spin training
I was one of only two instructors at the time that would spin a student where i taught in Houston. The two owners of the school would send all of their students to me if they showed an interest or if they were having difficulty with stall training. I found that most students that had trouble with stall recognition and/or recovery would do amazingly well after spin training. It's not for everyone but has some real benefit in helping a student not just how to recover, but how to recognize the signs and control inputs that lead up to a spin. Reading a book and discussing it are a poor substitute for the major feed back you get from causing an aircraft to get into a spin, and the confidence that you can recover easily.
Posted on: 8/28/2012 9:22 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11209872

RE: How many here fly full-scale?
What's the trouble you are having with landings? The flare, the approach, the level off?
Posted on: 8/28/2012 9:09 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11209863

Spin training
How many instructors teach spin training to their primary students. How many pilots received spin training and at what point of your training. There are two schools of thought on this and am curious of what the majority do and their reasoning. P.S. i would make this a survey, but I have no idea how.
Posted on: 8/27/2012 7:26 AM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11207503

RE: Metallic Blue P-40's?
Back in my old sheet metal days we would spray that same blue color on aluminum so the scribe lines and marks were easier to see, and it cleaned off very easily. This may have been the same idea.
Posted on: 8/15/2012 9:34 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11195321

RE: House of Balsa WWll 1/2 A Warbirds
I have a Super Tiger .10 1250 Kv motor and am very impressed with its power. It was fairly cheap for a name brand motor. I'm running a 25 amp speed control (you might want to go just a little bigger on the amps, I don't run it full throttle) and a 1600mAh 2s 25c LiPo.
Posted on: 8/6/2012 3:52 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Glow to Electric Conversions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11183335

RE: noob in boats with an electric plane question.
Here is just one of many options for a boat speed controller that can be set up as a forward only or a forward/reverse ESC. http://www.nitrorcx.com/rcboatesc.html and they are water cooled. You would need one for each motor. P.S. Most fast boats and cars run inrunners as they turn higher RPM's. If you want to turn a larger prop slower, as in a scale fishing trawler then an out runner may work well. If you have a speed boat then an in runner will be better, and may need a gear box depending on the prop size.
Posted on: 8/2/2012 7:39 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11179187

RE: Most Blatant
Tony, you must not have a good LHS near by. I have one I visit that is not near by but is on the way home from where I drill for Guard. They carry HK products and it is very near the prices I would pay for them with the shipping, as I wouldn't have large orders. I figure paying large mark ups on small occasional items and small mark ups on the occasional large purchases is worth the convenience of having LHS support and keeping a local business open.
Posted on: 8/2/2012 5:30 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11179062

RE: chipmuck
The definition of torque: "Something that produces or tends to produce torsion or rotation; the moment of a force or system of forces tending to cause rotation." They are all "torque effects" and they all effect our aircraft to a certain degree. As said before every plane battles each to varying degrees. Without using sophisticated computer modeling or old school wind tunnel testing we will not have any hard data for you. We have to do it the old fashioned way. Try different fixes and test each one in turn, and since each plane is different we can only offer up what can be causing it and possible fixes, but I will tell you that I have 30+ years of model airplane experience and 19+ years, most of which was is as an instructor, of full scale experience, and when I fly a model just like a full scale, low and behold, it responds just like a full scale., For any of us to say, without actually being there, that one specific effect is the culprit and therefore one specific fix is the remedy is just not realistic. He has heard the various effects and each of their roles in the equation and now he needs to decide which fixes he will look into making and if they work for him or not. Speed you have contradicted yourself and proven my point. You have said yourself it takes you upwards of 50 hrs of adjustments and testing to get it right for each airplane, and yet you can say, without knowing how his plane is set-up and how he actually fly's it, that right thrust [i]is[/i] the fix. It is one of many things that alone or combined may be the issue. I would agree it is one of the most common issues, but without seeing the plane and flying it myself I know I can't say with any real certainty what will or wont fix it. Landing gear, thrust line, vertical stabilizer canted to one side, trims set way off, tail wheel alignment, etc... any one, or any combination, of these can be the culprit and they should all be checked in turn. He may find that many adjustments need to be made and will have a far better flying plane by the end.
Posted on: 8/2/2012 6:37 AM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11178292

RE: chipmuck
Speed when you start scaling weight, reynolds numbers, compressability, etc... you will find that while your Extra has better performance, it is not that much different, and all of the same rules apply. Models can just eliminate some of the compromises required when there is a pilot onboard, and strength to weight ratios go up as size decreases, but the laws of aerodynamics don't change.
Posted on: 8/1/2012 7:54 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11177936

RE: chipmuck
Not all trikes suffer from a yaw during rollout, during climb out they are all the same. All four forces work together to cause the yaw, but some aircraft have characterisics that reduce some of the effects. Some tailwheel aircraft also don't yaw on takeoff.
Posted on: 7/31/2012 9:16 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11176757

RE: chipmuck
[quote]ORIGINAL: speedracerntrixie I still have the question of how much right thrust the airplane has. After watching the vid two things come to mind. I did see a bit of drift to the left on downlines and once saw a large drift to the left on an upline. This still leads me to beleive it has little or no right thrust. The fast landing speed is either high wing loading ( The vid does not support this ) or CG too far forward. Your sone does a great job of flying the airplane BTW. [color=#FF0033]Yes a little right thrust can help, but without knowing how he has it trimmed and what the throttle settings were you won't have any real clue as to the culprit. It could be he has his rudder trimmed incorrectly and is fighting it with aileron trim, or his wing is way out of balance and is fighting it with aileron trim.[/color] I know I'm going to get alot of flack on this but most guys just havent flown a really well trimmed model. If they had, there would not be all this conflict of opinions here. I spend hours getting my aerobatic models to fly as well as I can get them. It makes the airplanes easier to fly and that leads to higher scores. If you are one who on a maiden flight pushes the trims until strait and level flight is accomplished at one speed and call it fine or just live with a bad habit figuring that it's just the way the airplane is you need to pay attention and maybe learn something here that will lead to you spending more time getting the airplane to fly better. [color=#FF0033]I don't think anyone will argue that you can make a plane fly better by spending time trimming and tweakin, however there are traits to every design that will not go away without a redesign. These traits are usually desirable for the type of plane and if you don't like it your best bet is to get a plane that better suits your preferences. IE: a trainer is designed to self right, this means if you trim it for straight and level it will maintain that airspeed and wings level without inputs. If you loose control and let go the higher airspeed will cause the nose to come up and the dihedral will cause the wings to level. Great for a trainer, but not for a stunt plane. Short of major changes you will not eliminate those traits, but it is a trainer, like it or not.[/color] One comment that sticks with me is that this is what a CG Chipmunk does so just learn to use the rudder. To me thats like saying all Car make XXX model XXX pulls to the left on the freeway so just man up and tilt the wheel to the right. We wouldn't accept that answer when it applies to our cars so why would we accept it here? It dumbfounds me that after I explain to people that I have been an R/C pilot for 35 years, have been a sponsored Heli pilot, competed for a spot on a US soaring team, took second place in point standings for the 2006 IMAC southwest region advanced class that when I attempt to help someone trim their airplane to make it easier to fly, it is met with these type of responses. [color=#FF0000]Yes you have a lot of experience setting up your planes to perform to your standards, and you were there the whole time testing and tweaking. Yes again right thrust may help, but to say it is the fix is jumping to a big conclusion. I am also curious if there is right thrust but it is too early to say that that is the problem. I would like to see a sticky with your procedures for determining what is wrong and the correct fixes, including ways to determine when you have reached the point of diminishing returns. this would do more for most pilots than throwing out what you think might be the issue without enough real background.[/color][/quote]
Posted on: 7/31/2012 6:56 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11176602

RE: chipmuck
No that is not the fix. If you add enough right thrust for a steep climb it will be too much for cruise speed, enough for cruise then not enough for climb. Models fly exactly the same as full sized aircraft. Yes you can get closer to the ragged edge with models and eliminate some quirks but otherwise the aerodynamic principles are the same. For the record F/S aircraft also fix these same issues with right thrust and even a slightly canted vertical stab. The problem is, P-factor is transitory and varying so there is no magic fix, for F/S or models. Pilot input is needed nothing else will fix it. Remember he has a scale aircraft so it will react more like the original, you can design a model that lessens the effects and they tend to be the sport and stunt planes that are not scale replicas or are replicas of high performance aerobatic A/C that have done the design work to lessen the effects. Put a yaw meter in one of your planes and you will find your plane does not hold yaw nearly as well as you believe.
Posted on: 7/30/2012 8:04 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11175374

RE: Drones
[quote]ORIGINAL: kentishnomad Do you honestly need that question answered? Eyes in the sky... militarisation of domestic security... control grid maintenance...  People should shoot these drones down when they can, obvious tools of oppression if you ask me. This is before we get into the obvious safety issues.  [/quote] So in that same logic when they started selling Hummers commercially that was an attempt to militarize our roads? When they talk about drones they are referring to A/C used as cell antennas, mobile repeaters, commercial photography, ag applicators, search and rescue, border patrol, and yes a very small minority used by local police as a cheaper alternative to helicopters. They are not talking about 30,000 predators and Reapers flying around with Hellfire missiles and mk82's.
Posted on: 7/22/2012 7:19 AM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11164371

RE: Ultra lights
An X simply means that runway is closed to normal flight ops. It can still be used with prior authorization or in an emergency.
Posted on: 7/12/2012 7:01 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11153271

RE: Ultra lights
You would have to have the permission of the field owner, and there can't be any local ordinances against it. The only way the AMA factors in is they will not cover the ultralight operations should there be an accident.
Posted on: 7/11/2012 6:14 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11151955

RE: BIG HEAT!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: Gray Beard LUCK???????????The Gray Bearded Old Poop has read about humidity once and decided never to live anyplace there is any!. Not luck, Choice!! Once upon a time, way back in the olden days, my rich uncle needed my help. He put me and a bunch of other fellows into funny looking green clothing then stuck our young butts way up in those Ozarks, so far in the Ozarks we had to drive 125 miles to dance with a girl. I said dance, back in the olden days girls didn't want to get to know young men that wore funny green clothing? As I recall the other elf's told me that sticky crap was Humidity!! My rich uncle kept me there for a couple of years and when he asked me to stay I said no thank you sir! I didn't like humidity even a little bit and have never gone back to any place that had it. I haven't looked but I think our humidity is at 6 or 7%. AZ is hotter then here and you guys catch the Monsoons before they get here. We have monsoons to look forward too pretty soon, that is often fun but they bring along some of that humidity crap and it sticks around for a day or two. No thank you Gary, I get along quite well without seeing what I'm breathing. Gene [/quote] That same uncle loaded up a bunch of my brothers, sisters and I and shipped us off to this quaint little place called Qatar. 120 in the shade with 98% humidity. It would cool down to 100 with fog in the morning though.
Posted on: 7/10/2012 10:29 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11150947

RE: FPV SURVEY
Yes I should have been more specific, there currently is no FAA regulation that can be used to punish a hobby flyer operating an fpv aircraft for sport/fun.
Posted on: 7/10/2012 3:07 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11150464

RE: FPV SURVEY
I in no way consider the AMA as an orginization as goosesteppers but there are some individuals out there trying to shove [b]their view[/b] of what the AMA is down everybodies throat. I have been a member off and on since the 80's, and have only had lapses when I was away from model flying due to flight school, flight instructing (ironic) and starting a family. I think its a great organization and encourage others to join, that is why I want to make sure the information is understood correctly, lest some get a bad taste in their mouth abouth the AMA. Right now there is no real way to punish anyone until there is an incident. The new regulations will now allow for offenders to be punished before an incident, but they have the potential to change the face of model aviation, and not necessarily in a positive way. That is why we need to be proactive and show we can continue with innovation in a safe manner. This will limit the regulations impact on those that will promote safe practices, even when they are pushing technology and expanding our hobby in new and better ways. That is after all what the AMA is supposed to be about.
Posted on: 7/9/2012 8:40 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11149500

RE: FPV SURVEY
John, Thank you for the apology and I understand your frustration. I can see how it is easy to come to your apples to oranges comparison due to the prevalance of Youtube videos clearly showing a blatant disregard for the safety of others while flying FPV. I took your statements as a more apples to apples comparison and others, that may just be learning about the AMA and the rules of model aviation, may also see it that way. When we write we know what we are thinking and read it that way, however when someone else reads it they can infer a completely different meaning if you are not [i]very[/i] specific and complete in your explanations. My motive in this has never been to "call you out" as being wrong, but instead make clear what the rules are, as they stand now, for others that may have also missunderstood your statement and reasoning. There are enough AMA goosesteppers out there that would love nothing more than to have everyone believe that the AMA card is an actual license and is required to fly models. AMA should never be a regulatory organization, thats what the FAA is for. It is as the name implies a facilitator for like minded individuals to come together to learn to build, fly and experiment with model aircraft. FPV is a new facet of model aeronautics and should be included, using the same standards of safety that has proven the AMA a success. It is only with this attitude that the AMA will live up to its potential as the best and largest organization for model aeronautics. There are many that would rather it be a controlling entity with them in charge. As with the US, the concept is sound its just some of the people are flawed.
Posted on: 7/9/2012 6:15 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11149333

RE: CRAZY YAK 100
Check your engine thrust line. If it has too much (any?) down thrust it can act like that. This would be your best bet, however not the only possibility.
Posted on: 7/9/2012 10:29 AM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Aerodynamics"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11148835

RE: Hi Guys,Newb needs help !!!
sounds great[:D]
Posted on: 7/9/2012 3:47 AM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11148389

RE: FPV SURVEY
[quote]ORIGINAL: JohnShe Am I straining your limited reasoning skills.  My statement was well qualified. <div style=''margin-left: 40px;''>The jails should be full of people who cause property damage or injury by flying where they aren't supposed to   As I recall, causing property damage or personal injury whether by accident or intention may be subject to local or regional ordinances. Nevertheless, my expression was only my opinion on the possible consequences of irresponsible behavior. [/quote] Causing injury or property damage will have the same results whether you are at an AMA field or your own personal field. If you have a legal right to be there you will be subject to the exact same ordinances and consequences. The assumption that flying "outlaw/rogue" automatically makes you irresponsible and a law breaker is exactly the kind of arrogance/ignorance that is driving potential members away. I have seen every bit as much irresponsible and dangerous behavior at AMA fields as at non AMA fields. Having the AMA card and their blessing at your field does not relieve you of accountability. You profess to be rule minded, perhaps you should reread the forum rules before you attempt to belittle and degrade others. It doesn't bother me personally, but resorting to childish behavior does take away from the legitimacy of the thread.
Posted on: 7/8/2012 5:33 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11147967

RE: Hi Guys,Newb needs help !!!
#1 Yes if they are ailerons one will move up the other down. #2 Whatever size looks best on the plane. I usually use around a 2" spinner, or smaller, on a 10x6 prop. Now I have two questions. 1. Is this your first airplane? 2. Do you have someone available to help you learn to fly it?
Posted on: 7/8/2012 4:16 AM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11147244

RE: Big Stik Low Wing Mod
I have a Midwest Das Little Stik, built in '84 per the instructions with dihedral. It was a great transition from a high wing trainer, especially since I was learning on my own. The fact that I still have it is a testament to it's durability, forgiving nature and fun factor.
Posted on: 7/7/2012 9:19 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11147134

RE: FPV SURVEY
[quote]ORIGINAL: JohnShe [quote]ORIGINAL: TexasAirBoss Are FPV drones/models required to maintain 500' seperation from people/structures ? [/quote] The FAA regulations have not been published yet, so we don't know what the regulations will say.  Therefore there is no FAA answer to your question.  The only answer right now is you can't fly anywhere without FAA approval, except at an AMA club field. [b]If you fly at an AMA club field you will be held accountable to the posted field rules and any applicable AMA policy. If you choose to fly somewhere else, you are on your own.  The jails should be full of people who cause property damage or injury by flying where they aren't supposed to[/b]. [/quote] While you did not use the term illegal, you implied it by claiming if you fly at an AMA field you are safe, but to fly anywhere else you risk jail time. Last time I checked they can't throw you in jail unless you break the law. Whether someone gets hurt or not has no bearing on the legality of an activity, it is either illegal or not. I'm not attacking you just trying to explain what we objected to. It's statements like these that get people believing that the AMA card is your [i]license[/i] to fly model airplanes. While I am in favor of AMA membership, it should be a choice based on facts. I understand your strong feelings on the matter and don't believe you intended to mislead, but that is how it came across, to more than just me.
Posted on: 7/7/2012 9:01 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11147119

RE: FPV SURVEY
[quote]ORIGINAL: JohnShe I was referring to the use of UAV and FPV flying.  You will note that the buffoon at Alcatraz was cited for numerous violations of local ordinances and soon may be further cited by the FAA.  You cannot fly commercial UAV anywhere except at FA approved locations and solely for the purpose of R&D or pilot training.  The only safe place to fly FPV is at an AMA flying field, and I stand by that statement. [/quote] So your [i]opinion[/i] is, that is the only safe place. I can respect your opinion even if I disagree, however your statement was it is illegal to fly anywhere else and that is the statement that was false.
Posted on: 7/7/2012 3:04 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11146819

RE: More Drone stuff. INTERESTING!
I don't forsee the military handing over their GPS codes to civillian companies or local law enforcement, and I don't know if the satelites have the capability to transmit more than one code. This is a good way for the FAA to comply without really complying. Just require all drones to fly with encrypted GPS data.
Posted on: 7/5/2012 6:26 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11144634

RE: FPV SURVEY
The FAA as well as most local govs. consider Model A/C flown for enjoyment as a hobby A/C. A/C flown for hire or for research is a UAS and will fall under more stringent rules, even now with the temp restrictions in place. The original statement that you are safe with the AMA and headed for jail without is where we disagreed, but as of right now there is no restriction on hobby A/C even though that is ending very soon. Alcatraz has many regulations around it and any one of a number of them can affect everything from boating to flying models around it, and the FAA need never get involved.
Posted on: 7/5/2012 7:18 AM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11143759

RE: FPV SURVEY
You can fly anywhere that there is no local ordinace against it or a temp flight restriction, and if not for hire (that gets real muddy). AMA is insurance only at this point and provides absolutly no protection other than monetary.
Posted on: 7/4/2012 9:35 PM by Author "cfircav8r" in the forum "AMA Discussions"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11143414