RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
It was Evergreen Scale Models part # 294 - 1/8th angle stock.
Posted on: 8/27/2012 1:52 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11208040

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Just finished two days of flying my new Caelestia...finally!! Started flying with my radio setup from my Xigris (ya I am lazy:-) and CG on the center of the wing tube as per others.. Some minor adjustments to ensure the stabs were identical and the elevator halves were perfectly aligned. I also lowered the batteries as low to the wing plane as possible... this made for very axial rolls. Tracking/trim flights went ok but I needed some more adjustment on the radio as my very small mixes that I had built in to my Xigris data created K/E tracking issues. ( maybe I was too lazy LOL) Took all the mixing out (ex up & down line) and was amazed at the K/E tracking....awesome! Dialed in some slight throttle/rudder mix for verticals and adjusted the down line throttle /elevator mix (plane goes to canopy... as they all seem to do)... and voila... one very happy pilot! This plane speeds along pretty good compared to my Xigris. Some more very minor trimming and snap condition setup and some prop combination testing to slow my flight speed down a tad and I'll be ready to go.. (Started with a 20.5x14.5 Falcon Light (too fast) then used a 21x14 Falcon Light but will be trying a Mejzlik 22x12 when it arrives from F3A Unlimited) . Got the Spin99 brake working well and down line speed control is strait forward. Really looking forward to the next couple weeks flying as our BCPA Championships go September 8th & 9th in Victoria. My fellow flyer Michi Akimoto (see picture) is also flying his Caelestia and we are both very pleased with it's performance. I am still trying to get used to the colors as it's a big departure from my "normal" schemes... a little variety is always good :-)
Posted on: 8/26/2012 2:13 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11206707

2012 Canadian Nationals & F3A Team Trials
Hi folks For those interested I have started another blog on the upcoming 2012 Canadian Precision Aerobatic National Championships and F3A Team Trials selection. http://patternwestnews.blogspot.ca/ Thanks
Posted on: 6/29/2012 4:23 AM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11136193

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
And finally a picture after the maiden flight. Great to finally get this plane up!
Posted on: 6/25/2012 7:31 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11129445

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Chad is correct in that the new planes should have been modified..... that said, for those airframes that are delivered with only the two 4mm bolts installed... here is what I did... 1) Make a 1/8th light ply template/jig with your two 4-40 holes spaced across the inner portion of the gear base allowing sufficient room for blind nuts underneath and easy access :-)(or just drill two extra holes where you like:-) 2) Drill out your landing gear base plates using your jig. 3) Attach your gear using the supplied two 4 mm bolts 4) Now the hard part... using your drilled gear base as a template, start to drill out your two 4-40 holes (I used my fingers as I could not get my drill in there.. took some time but worked fine.) 5) Drill out the holes & then remove your gear. 6) Take a piece of CF reinforced 1/8th plate ( you know the stuff sitting around our shop that you saved for that special job :-) and using the top gear plate, measure and cut out the required piece. 7) You'll try to place this plate under the mounting plate.... it will not fit due to the space constraints and formers....arghhh! Cut this plate in half at a 45 degree angle and mark them. 8) Once cut, dry fit the two pieces until snug. (sand the 45 degree angle until it fits easily) 9) Remove the installed 4mm inserts by inserting the bolt and slowly working the bolt around until the inserts pops out. Mine came out very easily. 10) Mark and place each half under the existing gear plate and, using the drilled 4-40 holes, mark & drill out the locations for the blind nuts and the inside 4mm hole as I elected to reuse this supplied cap screw. (remove the lower plate and re-drill the holes a bit over-sized to allow the blind nuts to sink into the plate. Also drill out a hole for the remaining 4 mm bolt's insert.) 11) Sink in the 4-40 blind nuts and insert the 4mm blind nut thingy (a little thin ca locks them in nicely) 12) Dry fit the plate(s) and when happy, apply some 45 minute epoxy (or what every you like) 13) Assemble the gear plate, gear and bolts and tighten snug. 14) Once the plate is dry, take it all apart. Note: If you used too much epoxy and it's creeps into the bolts.... your really done :-) Also... If you look at my picture of the gear plate (above pics) you'll notice I also added some 1/4 stock along each fore and aft edge (top & bottom) to add even more strength ;-0 This was all done with minimal weight gain and an overall improvement in the strength of the gear mounting system. One also has the option of ditching the 4mm bolt altogether and going with three 4-40 bolts but you'll need some sort of shim because the 4mm bolt hole is already drilled into the cf gear. This is why I stayed with the 4mm bolt. There should be very few airframes that will require this or any modification.
Posted on: 6/25/2012 7:26 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11131882

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
more.....
Posted on: 6/23/2012 10:47 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11129444

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
I'll post a couple sets of additional pictures.....
Posted on: 6/23/2012 10:44 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11129443

RE: CAELESTIA NEW F3A 2011
Hi folks Watching the thread... looks like everyone is enjoying the new Caelestia. I had numerous head winds during my assembly with the slow delivery of my servos being the biggest contributor... and my complete lack of free time. arghh! My airframe arrived in the same shipment as Chad's and was one of the first two to hit North America. I was very impressed with the quality and the overall fit and finish of this composite airframe. The assembly was straight forward and I had very few issues. I took my time and made sure the engine mounts, esc and servo trays all were placed in proper positions. You do have flexibility here as engine choice etc will dictate correct placement. I am using the Plett Advanced with a Jeti Spin 99 ESC. Futaba servos, 6008-HS RX and 5.9v DigiSwitch. I mounted my servo tray above the top air exit. This allows for lots of room underneath to access the rear wing bolts and aileron servo hook ups. You can use the middle (between exits like Chad) as well but as he pointed out... do not go below the exits :-) My box came with a servo tray, ESC mounting tray, engine mount for the Advanced, and a bunch of custom decals... simply awesome service! It appears I had some pull..... probably all the money I've spent at ZNLine over the last 10 years :-) Only a few minor things cropped up during my assembly that one should check and consider. I elected to add two smaller 4-40 bolts to the gear instead of the original two 4mm bolts. In doing so I added a second CF plate under the original to mount the 4-40 blind nuts to. It creates a stronger gear with less twisting motion. I suspect the newer kits may have this already. Also the wing & stab roots need to be cleaned up a bit as I had some burrs that caused some alignment issues. Minor detail and easily remedied with a Dremel tool. The nylon bolts that hold the wings on seemed a bit tight and one of my inserts was slightly deformed and would not accept the bolt. I ran an M-5 tap through them and they are perfect now. The stab tube was a bit loose in the socket as well so a little thin ca or tape on the CF tube worked perfectly to snug things up. Following a through inspection with another set of eye balls, today was the maiden flight and there were no surprises. It flew great and my Xigris set up that I copied made it even easier :-0. I had the batteries forward and will move them back before doing any kind of mixing. I'll use the triangulation trimming method that has worked great in the past and get the C of G set then start trimming and adding mixing if required. Really looking forward to flying it on a regular basis.
Posted on: 6/23/2012 10:31 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11129432

Team Canada F3A 2011 Blog
Hi folks For those interested I am trying to carry on the tradition we started in Argentina back in 2007. Things have changed slightly since then but needless to say I will try and report on our teams exploits at the World Championships in Muncie. I'll have a slightly different perspective but it should be interesting non the less. Our main page will be at http://teamcanadaf3a2011.blogspot.com and I'll make every effort, time permitting of course, to update with posts and add links as they start being published. Thanks
Posted on: 7/15/2011 7:31 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10623199

RE: Team Canada F3A Raffle update
Hi folks We just drew the lucky winners of our Team raffle with the following results: The Wind S Pro, Plettenberg Advanced 30-10, Futaba Servos, Thunder Power 5000 packs, Speed controller and Duralite Power Box Digi Switch & TP 900 RX pack, APC prop was drawn and the winner was: Lee Smith The 2nd Prize Winner of the Carden Yak was: Dwayne Matear Congratulations to these two individuals. Oh behalf of the Canadian F3A Team for 2011, I would like to thank all those folks that bought tickets in support of the team. Thanks again,
Posted on: 7/1/2011 7:21 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10602146

RE: Team Canada F3A Raffle update
Just a quick update on the Canadian F3A Team Raffle.... Congratulations to our latest early bird winner Bob Jestico who picked up a Duralite/Power Box Digi Switch and Thunder Power battery combo. There will be one more CRC Products Throw Meter given away before we draw the big prizes on July 1st (Canada Day). We have had a great response throughout the pattern community and we greatly appreciate the support that these funds will bring to the team. Good luck to those who have picked up a ticket.... although limited there are still some available at http://dezso.homeip.net/teamf3a_2011/raffle2011.html Thanks
Posted on: 6/27/2011 9:52 AM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10594544

RE: Team Canada F3A Raffle update
Congratulations to our latest winner John Gelata of Calgary Alberta on his early bird prize win. Thanks for the support John.
Posted on: 6/13/2011 9:14 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10572687

Team Canada F3A Raffle update
Hi folks Our team's raffle is quickly coming to a close with the final draw date of July 1st, 2011coming up fast. If your interested in supporting the Canadian team and want a chance to get in on some great prizes check out the teams page at http://dezso.homeip.net/teamf3a_2011/raffle2011.html Congratulations to our latest recipient Dave Blaby on winning one of the many early bird prizes. [:D] Thanks
Posted on: 6/6/2011 3:41 AM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10559086

RE: Team Canada F3A Raffle
Just a quick update on our team raffle draw. We still has some tickets available for those interested in supporting our efforts. We just had another early bird draw for a Power Box Digi Switch and Thunder Power 900 Mah battery combo. This is the standard setup for most all the team's airframes to supply power to the flight control servos & RX. The lucky winner of this Early Bird was[b] Xavier Mouraux [/b]of Laval, Quebec!!! There are many more to come for anyone purchasing a ticket early! Tickets are available on our team website at http://f3acanada.org/
Posted on: 4/30/2011 7:22 AM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10492924

RE: Team Canada F3A Raffle
Hi Brian Ill quickly jump in here. I suspect the MAAC events will be posted shortly but they usually show up at this location http://www.canadaf3a.org/events/default.htm I also try and keep a list of events on my website at http://members.shaw.ca/patternwestnews/patternwestnews/Welcome.html (click events at the top of the page) but you will see there is not much action in the Winnipeg area. Wish there was :-( Dave
Posted on: 4/30/2011 7:17 AM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10492920

RE: Team Canada F3A Raffle
Looks like ticket sales for the Canadian F3A 2011 Team raffle are moving quickly. The sales have already generated two “earlybird� draws and I have been informed that both Brad Baigent and Jon Harwood are the lucky winners of a CRC Throw Meter. These “earlybird� draw tickets will be placed back into the draw for the two larger prizes to be drawn July 1st, 2011. Details on how to get your tickets are available at http://f3acanada.org/ If your interested in a chance to win a fully equipped precision aerobatic aircraft don't delay as tickets are limited. Thanks to all those who have purchased tickets to help support our team.
Posted on: 3/3/2011 8:25 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10377834

Team Canada F3A Raffle
Hi Folks As many of you know our Canadian FAI F3A team has been hard at work planning for the upcoming World Championships in Muncie, Indiana this summer. In order to help offset the costs associated with this event our team is having a raffle. We are pleased to offer these tickets to the pattern community at large. Tickets are very limited and the odds of winning something are about 9 to 1. A fully equipped Precision Aerobatic plane is up for grabs along with numerous "early bird" prizes. Full details are available on our team website at http://f3acanada.org/  Follow the links to our poster with all the relevant details or check out the attached file. We thank you in advance for your support.
Posted on: 2/20/2011 10:17 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10351866

RE: Columbia 2010 WOW
Hi Bryan Thanks for the update.... always appreciated. Sounds like a first class event. Looking forward to the final day's scores and that video from Chad.
Posted on: 11/6/2010 2:09 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10118878

RE: Columbia 2010 WOW
A good friend sent me these... Score through round 3. It's on the other thread as well... but what the heck. http://images.rcuniverse.com/forum/upfiles/283326/Ge95218.pdf
Posted on: 11/5/2010 10:55 AM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10116925

RE: Columbia 2010 WOW
It looks like they posted the scores for round one at [link]http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2087205&id=1109512285#!/photo.php?fbid=1616887057948&set=a.1612941559313.2087205.1109512285[/link] but I can't read it... anyone else???
Posted on: 11/3/2010 8:58 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10113937

RE: 2011 Worlds and AMA Dates
Thanks for the update Derek. We will adjust our schedules accordingly and look forward to the event. I suspect we will have a large contingent from north of the border with many coming to fly at the Nationals immediately after. From our perspective the scheduling allows maximum participation for us.
Posted on: 10/9/2010 12:14 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10057689

RE: Team Hong Kong in the Asian Oceanic Championships
The Aussie's blog has been updated but issues with connectivity seems to be playing a part in the lack of updates from Roald. Bummer! http://f3a-australia.blogspot.com/ Can anyone read the finals sheet?
Posted on: 9/25/2010 12:30 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10026340

RE: Team Hong Kong in the Asian Oceanic Championships
Thanks for the updates and pictures Roald. Always great to see the different team perspectives & pictures and hope you keep them coming. Say Hi to Alex for me!
Posted on: 9/19/2010 11:50 AM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10012565

BC Precision Aerobatics Championship
Hi folks For those interested I have updated the Pattern West iNews website with results for the [b]BC Precision Aerobatics Championships[/b] with pictures commentary and results. Website: http://members.shaw.ca/patternwestnews/ Results selection page http://members.shaw.ca/patternwestnews/result10.htm Thanks
Posted on: 9/13/2010 5:09 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9999631

RE: Canadian FAI F3A Team Trials
What! No logo on the avatar...Basic Member? That's it... your on thin ice now buddy.... calling the alternate as I type [:D] I attached the gif file.. copy it and past it in the settings section... sheeesh this managing is way too hard.
Posted on: 9/8/2010 10:46 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9989041

RE: Canadian FAI F3A Team Trials
Thank you JP! Yes the 2010 Canadian Team Trials are now history and we will now turn our attention towards Muncie and the 2011 World Championships next year. The team of Chad Northeast, Mark Byrne and Dezso Vaghy will represent Canada. Many of you have seen Chad fly at both the AMA Nationals and previous Worlds events and will be a strong presence for us next July. Mark Byrne has been the Team alternate (2007) and has worked very hard to make the team. Dezso Vaghy is also well known and has been a team member for as long as I can remember :-) We will be employing some team synergies with respect to airframes & power and you can expect an all electric formation to take to the skies over Indiana. My own passion for precision aerobatics was bolstered when they collectively asked me to be the Team Manager. I accepted and along with my able bodied assistant Hartley Hughson, we will be working hard in our own way to make the team the strongest it can be. With the close proximity to Canada and the fact that the AMA nationals will convene right after the Worlds, I suspect we will have a strong contingent of supporters and fliers respectively for these two events. A win-win for any pattern pilot! In due course we will have the team website up as well as other social media portals. More details to follow on fund raising.... it's expensive let me tell you [:D]! Here is our Team Logo for 2011.
Posted on: 9/8/2010 4:43 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9988397

Canadian FAI F3A Team Trials
Hi folks For those interested I have a couple links to the FAI F3a Team Trials going on this weekend in Victoria, BC Canada. News is already happening! Pleas[:)]e feel free to forward this on to anyone that you think might be interested. Pattern West News Website http://members.shaw.ca/patternwestnews/ Canadian FAI F3A Event outline http://members.shaw.ca/patternwestnews/eventinfo/cdnf3ateamtrials10main.htm The "Daily Dish" on the event http://members.shaw.ca/patternwestnews/eventinfo/cdnf3ateamtrials10.htm Pictures will be posted here http://picasaweb.google.com/Dave.Reaville/2010CanadianFAIF3ATeamTrials# Xavier Mouraux's trip and event pictures http://picasaweb.google.com/xavier.mouraux/2010_Team_Trial_voyage?authkey=Gv1sRgCKHRpqrBnov8zQE# Thanks Dave
Posted on: 9/1/2010 10:31 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9975195

RE: Recent Canadian Pattern Contests
If everything went well Murray picked up a replacement Wind 110 on the following Monday. He will then head to Edmonton and back down to Calgary for their respective contests. Murray is flying very well I might add.
Posted on: 7/30/2010 12:19 AM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9898298

Recent Canadian Pattern Contests
Hi folks For those interested I have posted some links to results and pictures of the "Pattern In The Valley" and "Oakville" contests held this past weekend north of the border. Go to [link]http://members.shaw.ca/patternwestnews/result10.htm[/link] Thanks Dave
Posted on: 7/28/2010 3:12 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9894487

RE: 2010 US Nats... share YOUR story
So Jason or Chad ..... does anyone have a picture of the Semi scores for us folks in cyberspace??? Yes we want the details! LOL
Posted on: 7/21/2010 10:29 PM by Author "patternjockey" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9880056