RC Plane / Helicoper Thread
Discussion
jamieduff1981 said:
I love(d) it. It's fallen by the wayside a bit as it was a good 40mins to my nearest club site so a flight needed a whole morning really and that's not compatible with being any sort of parent to very young children nor much of a husband for that matter.
I have some land these days and started trimming a runway to use but it takes time to get one good enough in quality for wheeled models.
I've posted photos of some of my balsa models before but foamies are great too, especially because you don't need a huge amount of space if you're responsible with it. I've also been slowly teaching myself to fly collective pitch helicopters using those insanely cheap Trex 450 clones from Hobbyking. Breakages are inevitable though, and I've had a few...
This little Phase 3 EF16 ducted fan 3 channel was probably my favourite foamy ever:
I even let other people fly it!
I had a couple of the EF16's which were great. 1st one I bought off a friend and flew it lots. Got really good over at my local rugby field doing aerobatics, etc. One day I was showing a mate how good I was at flying upside down but got distracted and pulled up, which of course that way up was down and smashed it to pieces. Bought a new one which I made myself, but it never flew as well, could not get it balanced properly and after the crash on the first flight, it wasn't the same.I have some land these days and started trimming a runway to use but it takes time to get one good enough in quality for wheeled models.
I've posted photos of some of my balsa models before but foamies are great too, especially because you don't need a huge amount of space if you're responsible with it. I've also been slowly teaching myself to fly collective pitch helicopters using those insanely cheap Trex 450 clones from Hobbyking. Breakages are inevitable though, and I've had a few...
This little Phase 3 EF16 ducted fan 3 channel was probably my favourite foamy ever:
I even let other people fly it!
Prior to that I had a Sky artech Cessna, then a Super Cub, then bought a P51 which after numerous crashes I finally managed to be able to fly. I was held together with more sellotape than anything, but it looked great in the air. My favourite was the T28 Trojan from Parkzone. Ready built that thing just flew so well. Really well balanced and a joy to fly. Strapped a small camera to it and used to fly around my local field before the days of drones and GoPro's! Still got that one but they are all in the UK now (I'm in the USA).
Must admit after the last couple of crashes, I would be very nervous flying again. It's that initial launch after first building it and it's brand new - having to trim it mid flight, makes me shudder!
If it's any consolation, I crashed that EF16 twice. The first time was pure error of judgement on my part and thus all the more annoying - I dived at the field at full power and leveled out at around 10ft high then pulled up into a 45deg climb and rolled inverted and pulled through the half loop which I would have finished about 5ft below ground level. Or in short, I screwed up a quarter clover and pancaked it.
What really killed the EF16 though was attempting to hand launch on a defective battery pack. I could hear and feel it was down on power but threw it anyway, and immediately stalled, flicked inverted and lawn-darted it.
Generally my models have a long life and this one was no exception, but I still *hate* breaking them.
My interest really is in plans and scratch builds but recognising lack of time I bought one of those Max Thrust foamie Mustangs just over 5ft span. It flies really well but the undercarriage mounted in foam wings is too fragile for my field at the moment. I still haven't bought a roller...
What really killed the EF16 though was attempting to hand launch on a defective battery pack. I could hear and feel it was down on power but threw it anyway, and immediately stalled, flicked inverted and lawn-darted it.
Generally my models have a long life and this one was no exception, but I still *hate* breaking them.
My interest really is in plans and scratch builds but recognising lack of time I bought one of those Max Thrust foamie Mustangs just over 5ft span. It flies really well but the undercarriage mounted in foam wings is too fragile for my field at the moment. I still haven't bought a roller...
For maiden flights, so long as all the pre-flight checks work out ok, the engine/motor is adequately sized and runs well and the c of g is in the right place (always worth checking that front to back and side to side) then it should be fine.
My dad maidened a "Panic" bi-plane with a tuned pipe 61 2t in it - in his haste he managed to not check the elevator reverse switch - full power, took off, started to climb, pushed stick forward, plane went up because elevator reversed, pushed more forward stick as he thought he didnt have elevator authority ( because its reversed), plane did a neat full power loop into the ground about 3ft from where it took off. Total time 5 seconds I reckon - it had foam wings (destroyed) and the fus was fit for the bin.
We realised in the post mortem what had happened, many swear words were said.
My dad maidened a "Panic" bi-plane with a tuned pipe 61 2t in it - in his haste he managed to not check the elevator reverse switch - full power, took off, started to climb, pushed stick forward, plane went up because elevator reversed, pushed more forward stick as he thought he didnt have elevator authority ( because its reversed), plane did a neat full power loop into the ground about 3ft from where it took off. Total time 5 seconds I reckon - it had foam wings (destroyed) and the fus was fit for the bin.
We realised in the post mortem what had happened, many swear words were said.
I realise I probably look like a prat, but I forced myself in to a habit of speaking control checks out loud before every flight. My radios don't have reverse switches any more but they do have model memories and I have once tried to set up a new model on an existing memory.
Every flight therefore is a ritual of "up - up, down - down, left - left up right down, right - right up left down, left left, right right, throttle up up, back back".
I figure it's better to look a prat like that than through performing unintended aerobatics on takeoff followed by the bin bag routine.
Every flight therefore is a ritual of "up - up, down - down, left - left up right down, right - right up left down, left left, right right, throttle up up, back back".
I figure it's better to look a prat like that than through performing unintended aerobatics on takeoff followed by the bin bag routine.
n3il123 said:
Just been browsing this thread and its sparked a twinkle about having a go at planes (done the cars, don't fancy boats).
First question (obviously the easiest!) whats the best way to start?
Join the British Model Flying Association, membership (£40ish per year) provides you with public liability insurance and you'll that to fly at virtually any location.First question (obviously the easiest!) whats the best way to start?
Link: https://bmfa.org
Then find and talk to your local club, the BMFA will help you with that. If the club you join is any good they'll get you up and flying in no time.
There's plenty of good trainer models to choose from, even ones that land themselves!! I'm very happy with my choice but I'm only a newbie so I'm not going to advise.
I made a plane last year but never flown it. What size garden do you need to fly an RC plane without affecting the neigbours?
I reckon if I was good I could fly in my back garden but seeing as I'm not I suspect the tight turns and cramped landing might do for th eplane on its first flight
I reckon if I was good I could fly in my back garden but seeing as I'm not I suspect the tight turns and cramped landing might do for th eplane on its first flight
ash73 said:
hman said:
Boatbuoy said:
Join the British Model Flying Association, membership (£40ish per year) provides you with public liability insurance and you'll that to fly at virtually any location.
only at a flying club - not in your local park .http://bmfa.org/Insurance/Insurance-FAQs
"CAP 658 says;
Models between 7 and 20 kg must not be flown
above 400 ft agl unless with ATC permission (if in
controlled airspace – Ed) and should be flown well
clear of any congested area of city, town or
settlement; 150 metres is suggested. (note that the
CAA definition of ‘congested area’ includes playing
fields that are actually in use, i.e. if a football match
is in progress - Ed).
Arranging to fly on a site already cleared for model
flying could save you some problems."
I wouldnt want to test the BMFA's insurer out by clouting a member of public with a plane and potentially maiming them only for someone to point out that the plane WASNT being flown well clear (150m) of any congested area of city town or settlement - including playing fields in use (they mention a game - but is that an informal one, or a formal one and does "in use" mean someone going for a jog, walking their dog.
You know its safer to fly at a designated site - for one thing you wont be inadvertently contravening any local byelaws - Plus you minimise the risk of a member of public:-
A) being annoyed that you are flying in their park - through noise (Elec does have prop noise and motor noise still) or just flying your plane around
B) getting hurt
C) running across or just being present on your ad-hoc T/O landing strip -causing you more problems at T/O or landing.
D) letting their dog take a physical dislike to your plane whilst taxiing/ landing / t/O ( bar hand launch)
I think you see what I mean - dont you?
julian64 said:
I made a plane last year but never flown it. What size garden do you need to fly an RC plane without affecting the neigbours?
I reckon if I was good I could fly in my back garden but seeing as I'm not I suspect the tight turns and cramped landing might do for th eplane on its first flight
Dont do it.I reckon if I was good I could fly in my back garden but seeing as I'm not I suspect the tight turns and cramped landing might do for th eplane on its first flight
You wouldnt get into a real plane and attempt to fly it without tuition and experience would you?
These are more difficult to fly than a real plane!
For one thing once the plane gets too far to see it clearly you will become disorientated as to which direction its going and have a fly away- potentially the plane could come down on a house, person, car, road etc.
The only thing to fly in your garden are those pico planes - or an RC heli for hovering practice.
Go to a designated flying club or a massive open area miles from habitation if you want to not cause a massive risk for other people.
hman said:
julian64 said:
I made a plane last year but never flown it. What size garden do you need to fly an RC plane without affecting the neigbours?
I reckon if I was good I could fly in my back garden but seeing as I'm not I suspect the tight turns and cramped landing might do for th eplane on its first flight
Dont do it.I reckon if I was good I could fly in my back garden but seeing as I'm not I suspect the tight turns and cramped landing might do for th eplane on its first flight
You wouldnt get into a real plane and attempt to fly it without tuition and experience would you?
These are more difficult to fly than a real plane!
For one thing once the plane gets too far to see it clearly you will become disorientated as to which direction its going and have a fly away- potentially the plane could come down on a house, person, car, road etc.
The only thing to fly in your garden are those pico planes - or an RC heli for hovering practice.
Go to a designated flying club or a massive open area miles from habitation if you want to not cause a massive risk for other people.
As for the disorientation I guess thats why you do it. If it was poo easy I wouldn't be the least interested.
I shall probably fly the plane straight into the ground but its been out for a few off and lands with no problem. I shall probably go slow and take it a piece at a time.
I just don't have the time to join a club and to be honest I'm not a sort of clubby person. For me its a hobby like fishing, quiet, bit of mechanical interest, but preferrably done alone.
My garden is a four acre mowed lawn backing onto about forty acres worth of field so I reckon I'm not being too unreasonable. Just need to make a little gap in the trees for a long approach
Smallest space I will attempt to fly a fixed wing is 30 acres. (c.400m x 450m open grass)
I self taught on a plot that was 8 acres. It was a mistake and I will admit that but it was many years ago and it cost me in crashes!
That's why I now fly on a 30 acre field. The 8 acres was tiny and a circuit was about 200m followed by a sharp 90 degree turn and another 200m leg and turn etc...
Almost impossible to do anything else. To get a run onto finals I like a good 300m run in and on a plot any smaller than 30 acres that's very hard.
I can take off, make a climb out, do some loops, stalls, spins, inverted flight and not have to worry about space.
For anyone that follows Bruce Simpson (RC Model Reviews) the area he flies in (or used too!) is about the same, 30-35 acres. That's the first 1/3 of the runway plus the field on the other side of the runway from the hangars.
Skip to 5 min for the flying https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYLEStNxKwg
I self taught on a plot that was 8 acres. It was a mistake and I will admit that but it was many years ago and it cost me in crashes!
That's why I now fly on a 30 acre field. The 8 acres was tiny and a circuit was about 200m followed by a sharp 90 degree turn and another 200m leg and turn etc...
Almost impossible to do anything else. To get a run onto finals I like a good 300m run in and on a plot any smaller than 30 acres that's very hard.
I can take off, make a climb out, do some loops, stalls, spins, inverted flight and not have to worry about space.
For anyone that follows Bruce Simpson (RC Model Reviews) the area he flies in (or used too!) is about the same, 30-35 acres. That's the first 1/3 of the runway plus the field on the other side of the runway from the hangars.
Skip to 5 min for the flying https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYLEStNxKwg
For the sake of your neighbours property use the 40 acre field.
I don't reckon you would get in a plane and try to fly it - you would be grown up enough to consider the consequences wouldn't you?
Only an idiot with no concept of what is right and what obviously extremely dangerous would contemplate it.
I don't reckon you would get in a plane and try to fly it - you would be grown up enough to consider the consequences wouldn't you?
Only an idiot with no concept of what is right and what obviously extremely dangerous would contemplate it.
You see this is what I hate about clubs. Whole bunch of hand wringers with stories about how dangerous and how idiotic. Like a little mothers meeting circle.
It makes me want to just yell 'Man up'.
I take on board regarding the limitations of flying in quite a restricted area and that I am far more likely to damage the plane in that scenario. I also take on board peoples commenst about what areas they fly in and why, and thank them for the feedback.
But the comments regarding danger and the threat to life and limb of neighbours or myself are just irritating nannying comments.
This is the same garden I fly around racing quad bikes, have built several rockets from plans and launched them, have built several itterations of jet engines from CNC milling (although I do have to admit none have been successful and most end with a bang). Have flown large scale model helicopters before the home made engine went pop.
My next door neighbours have never even heard what I'm doing unless I invite them in for a demo. I think people could at least do others the people the courtesy of not assuming they're idiots before posting.
It makes me want to just yell 'Man up'.
I take on board regarding the limitations of flying in quite a restricted area and that I am far more likely to damage the plane in that scenario. I also take on board peoples commenst about what areas they fly in and why, and thank them for the feedback.
But the comments regarding danger and the threat to life and limb of neighbours or myself are just irritating nannying comments.
This is the same garden I fly around racing quad bikes, have built several rockets from plans and launched them, have built several itterations of jet engines from CNC milling (although I do have to admit none have been successful and most end with a bang). Have flown large scale model helicopters before the home made engine went pop.
My next door neighbours have never even heard what I'm doing unless I invite them in for a demo. I think people could at least do others the people the courtesy of not assuming they're idiots before posting.
If flying a 'park flyer' type aircraft, as I did, I don't think it's necessary to join any club or get insurance, as long as you are sensible. They'd probably laugh at your aircraft anyway as not being 'proper'.
As long as you're sensible and don't fly in a public park with lots of people around, it should be fine. I used to fly over the field next to our house or take it to a local rugby club and fly there. Got questioned once, but they were fine about it. We also used to fly at a local school, until they fenced it off.
Take off is the easy part, you can just throw it if need be, but don't underestimate how much distance you need to land the damn things! The approach can be long, it's easy to over shoot and you need a smooth area else the wheels with catch and flip it over. Or choose a field with very long grass and perform a controlled crash landing :-)
As long as you're sensible and don't fly in a public park with lots of people around, it should be fine. I used to fly over the field next to our house or take it to a local rugby club and fly there. Got questioned once, but they were fine about it. We also used to fly at a local school, until they fenced it off.
Take off is the easy part, you can just throw it if need be, but don't underestimate how much distance you need to land the damn things! The approach can be long, it's easy to over shoot and you need a smooth area else the wheels with catch and flip it over. Or choose a field with very long grass and perform a controlled crash landing :-)
LarryUSA said:
If flying a 'park flyer' type aircraft, as I did, I don't think it's necessary to join any club or get insurance, as long as you are sensible. They'd probably laugh at your aircraft anyway as not being 'proper'.
The thing I hate with my local club is that anything not gas powered is not 'proper' or serious. Even if I turn up with an electric 3m airliner with >2 kW of power, or a jet with nearly 3 kW I am looked down on. But they have a tarmac runway so I put up with it 
But seriously insurance is invaluable with anything over 500 gm. Radio is not infallible.
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