Learning To Fly?

[Coatesy351]

Hmm just brought this. I think it's going to be a crash

[HoHoHo]

I have something similar - an F15 which flies quite fast yet controllable but needs a good 'chuck' to get it going

Please post a picture post first flight

[dave_s13]

LikesBikes said:

An update...

I'm now the excited owner of a trainer, one of these. It's all put together and patiently impatiently waiting in the garage. It includes a second set of "sports" wings to move onto once you've mastered the training set up, plus the radio/battery/charger etc. I've set it up as best as I can to get the control surfaces lined up in their neutral positions and such like and that's as far as I can go on my own. Ideally I could do with someone who knows a bit to check it over before a flight but no hurry for that as yet.

Does anyone know a good club in the Swindon area, I've emailed a few as asked and not had any replies at all in a fortnight? I'd like to pop up on a flying day (without my plane) to get chatting and just watch over someone's shoulder with a view to joining. Currently, finding someone to speak to is proving challenge enough.

Any help is appreciated as always,

Darren.

Just find a large, deserted field and give it a whirl. You'll be fine!!

Just make sure there is bugger all wind.

[LikesBikes]

dave_s13 said:

Just find a large, deserted field and give it a whirl. You'll be fine!!

Just make sure there is bugger all wind.

Not sure you're serious but that's where my thinking is now. I've sorted the landings on the simulator, although I struggle with making sure it's flying straight on there - the dodgy graphics and lack of reference points on there don't help but I suspect that aspect of it will be easier in reality.

[Stig]

LikesBikes said:

Not sure you're serious but that's where my thinking is now. I've sorted the landings on the simulator, although I struggle with making sure it's flying straight on there - the dodgy graphics and lack of reference points on there don't help but I suspect that aspect of it will be easier in reality.

I see no reason why you shouldn't teach yourself - I did, albeit with my fair share of crashes it must be said, though IC/Balsa planes are far less forgiving than your average modern Park flyer. Some modern kits come with stabilisation receivers too which makes flying almost too easy!

The sagest piece of advice I can give though is to learn to fly 'two mistakes high' ie. get some decent altitude before practicing various manoeuvres.

[LikesBikes]

I'm not sure what you mean by an IC plane, mine is one of these polystyrene type things. No flying aids on it, just the usual 4 channels.

Conditions are ideal at the moment, fighting the urge...

[Stig]

LikesBikes said:

I'm not sure what you mean by an IC plane, mine is one of these polystyrene type things. No flying aids on it, just the usual 4 channels.

Conditions are ideal at the moment, fighting the urge...

IC = internal Combustion, ie Nitro engines

Noisy, messy, temperamental beasts - that said, a 4 stroke in a decent Warbird model sounds great.

I switched to electric flyers a couple of years ago. Now batteries give such great performance it's a no-brainer.

If you've got a 'styrene plane - then just make sure you get a bottle of Gorilla Glue

[LikesBikes]

Been busy, apologies for late reply. I get it (INternal Combustion that is), thought by IC you meant a type of construction, been racking my brains. Doh!

As it happens the chairman at one of the clubs emailed me back apologising as he'd been away and arranged for me to go up as a guest. The first time was a bit windy for a beginner but he flew my plane for a quick shakedown to see if its airworthy. Was up again Sunday and flew myself under instruction for three batteries worth and even logged a couple of landings.

Hooked now, can't get enough