I'm still here, just on holiday...

Haven't had the time or the weather for flying since my last entry. It has been cold, windy, and wet for a couple weeks now. Plus, with the Christmas Holiday, etc...I've been busy with family things.

Also, this Christmas brought no new flying RC toys my way...so, I've got nothing really new to report anyway. I did, however, finish the construction of a non-flying wooden toy Curtis airplane of one of my kids. The instruction weren't friendly for any age or skill level -- basically a take these wooden pieces, look at the picture on the box, and put her together kind of deal. I had to improvise and make some parts out of the spare balsa cutout sheets. I'll post a pic later.

Flight Log 12.14.07

Got a flight in...whew! It's been cold, wet, and windy...but, I got a break today, at lunch, and had one of my "Lunch Fly's". Took some video too...but, been to busy to upload it.

Flight Log 12.10.07

Another nice, but colllld day in Oregon. Did my usual lunch fly with my Super Cub. Hopefully I'll have something new to fly in a couple weeks :D

I want this, http://www.parkflyers.com/html/gee_bee_3d.html, if anyone's taking notes...But, I've read some negative feedback about the ParkFlyer's company...So, I'm torn???

Flight Log 11.06.07

Had a real bad morning at work...nothing was going right at all. So, I charged up the cub's battery and snuck out around 10'ish for a flight. The rest of my day was still crap, but those 10 or so minutes were awesome.

No flying this weekend

Lots of weather like this...yuck!

Flight Log 11.30.07

Had another fun lunch flight at work with my HobbyZone Super Cub. Checkout the video:

Your donation will now benefit the AMA too!

Announcing that as of today...

20% of all donations to JoeFlyer
will go directly to the AMA for support of its services

If you like what I've been posting and want to support my efforts, that's awesome...And now, in an effort to give back to the RC Aircraft Community, your donations will benefit the AMA as well.

Thank You!

Flight Log 11.28.07

I flew in this today :) My flight happened just on the edge of this wall of rain...So, I didn't get washed out. Just as I landed, it started to come down pretty good -- it's all about timing.

It was cold and a little wet...but, it was fun!

I use weather tools like the Weather Underground and the WeatherBug to keep track of my flying windows.

Save 10% from RedRocket

	Save 10%	Take 10% off any order over $100 at www.redrockethobbies.com Order minimum does not include shipping charges. Hurry, offer expires November 30th, 2007. Use Checkout Coupon code: thanks Rebates Rebates and more Rebates: Use our coupon and get an additional rebate on these items: Heli Max Axe EZ Helicopter Axe CP Helicopter SkyFly RTF Plane ElectriStar EP NexStar 46 Gas Trainer RTF FlyZone Piper J-3 Cub Miss Vegas Hydroplane Boat
	Offer Expires: 11-30-2007 for coupon & 12-31-2007 for rebates

Flight Log 11.27.07

Made two laps around the field by work, using my Super Cub, before the battery gave out :(

I thought my battery pack was charged, but alas...it was not.

But, as my friend Adam put it...it's better than no flight at all -- which is true :)

Save money at www.hobbyzone.com

Holiday Sale - Exclusive Email Offer

Place an order by Friday, November 30 and receive 10% off the subtotal. During checkout, enter the following coupon code to receive the discount: 5RM9KR5WXC

click here to save

Flight Log 11.26.07

Brrrr, coooolllldddd! Flew the Super Cub at lunch today and it's like 34 degrees out, overcast, and cold. It felt like this frozen planet picture. There was enough breeze though that I got some good hang time in the air...you know, when you're plane isn't stalling, but it's also not really moving forward too much either...it's like a natural wind tunnel.

SC Flight Characteristics Take a Dive

So, for the last couple months...I was finding that my SC kept wanting to dive for the ground, no matter how much UP trim I gave it or how much I adjusted the elevators servo linkage. Plus it was getting ridiculous looking to have the elevator controls it such a large UP position just to fly level.

At one point I was even taping weights under the tail section to try to keep the nose up. That was really getting silly.

Finally it dawned on my that my main wing was sitting a good half an inch back from being flush with the windshield area -- it didn't seem like a big deal...But, when I took some packing tape, and taped the wing into a "flush" with the slope of the windshield position...My SC started flying normal again

Notice the gap that is now between the trailing edge of the main wing and the area of the fuselage where the wing normally butts up against to keep it in place. I used packing tape on the leading edge and the trailing to keep it in place and then when I fly I also put the rubber bands on to keep it there during the stresses of flight.


Click here for larger version.

Since making this change, my SC has been flying great!

I posted this tip to the "Super Cub Club", see link on the right, and it was suggested by others that I should also put something firm, like a piece of balsa wood in that gap along the trailing edge of the wing. That's a great idea, that I'll be doing soon.

Oh...If you're curious, the rectangular hole is where I stick my Cobra DMC300 (FlyCamOne copy) 5-n-1 camera for OnBoard videos.

Video from today's flight

Flight Log 11.24.07

Flew the Super Cub at a new field today...Yeah! The field near our local Synopsys building. Synopsys has been good to our local schools, so I'll give them a shout-out!

I added a Google Map link to the field under "Favorite Places to Fly"

And, I'm uploading an aerial video soon.

Came across a cool GWS jet

The GWS-15...Check out their factory web site: http://www.gwsus.com/english/product/airfly/gws-f15.htm

Some forum info on the jet can be found here.

Some video of one in flight is here.

Flight Log 11.23.07

Flew the Super Cub at one of the local elementary schools...see favorite places in the right margin (#2). It was near the end of the day, still sunny, but cold. I gave the video a negative look to match the music -- to try to make it look like a night shot. My HobbyZone Super Cub is 14 months old and still going strong...what a great plane!

Video from today's flights

Flight Log 11.20.07

Flew the Super Cub twice today...at the field by work. Nice crisp day. Took some video...I'll try to render / post it later.

Flight Log 11.19.07

Saw this huge cloud of red, orange, and yellow...and decided that before it got to me...I had to fly.

So, took my warmed & charged up optional 8cell NIMH out to the HobbyZone Super Cub and tore up the sky.

I feel I've completely mastered the Super Cub now...It's a complete joy to fly. You should get one.

I didn't take any video...I'm already behind on my editing...so, you'll just have to imagine the crisp fall air, the wet fallen leaves, and the misty clouds that loomed over head.

Flight Log 11.15.07

Flew the Super Cub at the Duck Pond this morning...it was a little breezy, but fun.

I took more video, which I'll edit and post later tonight.

The heli turns 100 today

Check out this post on WIRED

Flight Log 11.13.07

Beautiful AAA day!!! I just took a 15 minute break from work and flew my super cub...Got some nice crisp Autumn video too, which I'll post later. Look at those poofy clouds and the sun!

Wow, I wish I could get paid for this...

Cool Heli / Airplane Crash Video

More weather for 11.12.07

Getting swamped today with typical winterly Northwest weather

Don't think I'll be flying outside today

Cold, Wet, Rainy, and breezy...

Click the picture to enlarge.

Up Coming Events

Check out this link to find RC events that might be in your area:
RCUniverse Community Events

Christmas is coming...

Have you made out your list yet?

Here are some ideas for planes being released in November:
ParkZone J-3 Cub BL RTF, Due November
E-flite Blade 400 3D RTF, Due November
Hangar 9 B-25J Mitchell ARF, Due November
E-flite Pitts Model 12 15e ARF, Due November
E-flite Piper Pawnee 15e ARF, Due November
E-flite Taylorcraft 450 ARF, Due November

Here are some ideas for planes being released in December:
ParkZone J-3 Cub BL PNP, Due December
E-flite AT-6 Texan 25 ARF, Due December
E-flite S.E. 5a ARF, Due December
E-flite Enticement F3P ARF, Due December

That Piper Pawnee 15e has a cool retro look. I also like that Texan...Who am I kidding, I'd take all of these...if you're listening Santa :D

Cold, Wet, and Breezy today :(

Means no flying, and that's a sad day.

Maybe I can fly tomorrow?

Video from today's lunch flight

Flight Log 11.08.07

It wasn't as sunny today, as it has been, but that didn't stop me from flying the Super Cub at lunch today. I have some video of the flight, that I'm editing right now -- I'll post that later.

I also attempted to fly this little foamy plane I have, that came with LED's so you can fly at night. I've been inspired to try some night flying by my Columbian flying friend, David.

It's a pretty underpowered plane...and it flies pretty bad. The slightest turning thrust usually causes the plane to just spiral to the ground. But, the lighting system works pretty well and I did get some NIGHT-flight time -- pretty fun. I'm thinking I might rip the light system out of this plane and adapt it to my Super Cub.

Betty Info:

FEATURES:
• Made From Durable EPP Foam
• Radio Doubles as 5 Cell Battery Charger
• 3 Bright LEDs for Night Flying

SPECS -

• 5 Cell 150mah NiMH Battery
• 2 Electric Motors
• 2 Working Props
• Working Landing Gear
• (8) Venom Power AA Alkalines™

Most places sell them for about $50...I didn't and I wouldn't spend that much on one of these.

E-flite has a new plane

The new E-flite P-38/F-5E Lightning 400 ARF is a highly pre-assembled replica of an F-5E variant that served in the European theater during the invasion of Normandy. This long-range interceptor also earned popularity in the Pacific flying reconnaissance missions with specially equipped cameras. It includes many details like invasion stripes, cockpit details, appropriate squadron markings, removable drop tanks, counter-rotating props and spinners, functional scale elevator mass balances and much more!

Here's a great article on it: http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=928

Flight Log 11.07.07

As I predicted...The fog lifted as the sun took over the afternoon and there was yet another AAA day in oregon for flying my Super Cub. I stormed the field by work for about 10 minutes and had a blast. The Super Cub is such a fun and relaxing plane to fly -- I can't say it enough, HobbyZone did a great job on creating this plane!

Too foggy to Fly this morning...

But, it should burn off by this afternoon!

Flight Log 11.06.07

Another AAA day for flying. I flew my Arrow Flight today at the duck pond...for maybe 4 minutes -- I still need to get some new batteries for this plane.

Before flying though, I bought some nylon rope and repaired the hole I made, oops :), in that soccer net I landed in yesterday (see the video below).

Remember, you gotta look out for the community you fly in...or they'll stop allowing you to fly in it.

Flight Log 11.05.07

Finally...after a weekend of no flight activity, I get a chance to fly! I wanted to fly somewhere different, but I only had time to fly at my tried-n-true duck pond. Below is some video of the flight. On landing, I misjudged my surrounding and flew my Super Cub directly into a soccer net -- all things considered, it could have been worse. It actually seemed to be a good way to land :D


Blogger's been erroring out on me for hours now...I tried posting this for two days, now that it's 12:11am :(

Two Days and No Flying...

I've had my batteries all charged, but things like work have gotten in the way :D -- I know, that's terrible, huh? Letting something like work get in the way of R/C, that's ridiculous.

But, I did find this great video and info of a Sopwith Camel ARF. I'd love to do my own review of this plane...anyone from Green RC Models or Powerline Hobbies want to send me a loner?:

Wingspan:	37.8"
Wing Area:	450 sq. in. (approx.)
Weight:	29.5 oz. RTF
Length:	25.6"
Wing Loading:	9.44 oz/sq. ft.
Servos:	4 micro servos (included)
Transmitter:	Futaba 6EXAP
Receiver:	Castle Creations Berg 7
Battery:	Vampower 11.1V 1300mAh LiPo
Motor:	Outrunner (included)
ESC:	20amp (included)
Manufacturer:	Green RC Models
Available From:	Powerline Hobbies
Retail Price:	$199.99

Flight Log 11.01.07

Another AAA day! Took 15 minutes at lunch time to tear up the sky with my Super Cub...I'm getting behind on my video editing though -- so, time consuming -- I'll try to catch up.

If you have a Super Cub, you need the optional 8 cell battery, buy one today. You more speed and power, yeah!

Flight Log 10.31.07

Awesome Autumn Afternoon for flying!

Flew the Super Cub at the field by work. Just flew it...no video...just pure flying. Had lots of fun.

You should buy a HobbyZone Super Cub...You will not, I Guarantee, regret it.

Video from one of today's flights

I'll try to edit the other one to post tomorrow...

Flight Log 10.30.07

Flew twice today...so far :)

Once this morning at the duck pond and once during lunch at the field by work.

I will post video later tonight...this mornings flight includes some close encounters with the geese at the duck pond.

Missed my chance today...

Over slept and then had to help get some kids, who missed the bus etc., to school...Then I had to work :(

Then...it rained and got breeezy...and then, it got dark. Oh well, tomorrow's another day.

Found this video today...very cool:


Please send me your suggestions for my next plane...see below.

I need a new plane

I love my Super Cub and my other little planes, but I need something different.

Leave me a comment, with your opinion, of what a good plane would be for someone who's never flown with ailerons before.

Planes I'm thinking about:
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/hobbico/hcaa28.html

http://store.bananahobby.com/1074.html

Flight Log 10.28.07

I flew at a new field today. It's near the duck pond...which is my favorite place, because of the scenery...but, you need to change it up sometimes. Plus, there were a lot of people enjoying the duck pond, so I thought it best to go where there weren't so many people.

Here's the video:

Flight Log 10.27.07

Flew the Super Cub this morning...here's the video:

Flight log 10.26.07 -- Beautiful day...but, breezy

The sun is shining, the birds are singing, but it's windy...dang it!

I tried to enjoy a Super Cub flight this morning, but the wind was already too much for the plane. I made one loop around the duck pond park and safely put her down on the cement pad - whew! The brightness control on my onboard camera freaked out, so the video is worthless, sorry. But, it was getting tossed around like mad -- it even spooked the geese on the ground a bit :)

The wind is not letting up, so that's probably all the RC'in I'll get in today.

So sad :(

Flight Log 10.25.07

I took about 5 minutes, at lunch today, to take the cub back up in the air. It was pretty breezy...I'd say 10-15mph gusts. And, I knew it was probably too much wind for the cub, but I wanted to fly...so, I put her up.

It was too breezy, and after a few crazy laps around the field -- the plane was really being pushed around -- I landed it.

Bummer. Not enough flight time...but, there's always tomorrow :)

2nd Cub Flight Today...

Got video of it too!

Great picture of a "real" cub

The picture says it all...

The Super Cub Flew Again!

Yeah!! Everything worked, it was such fun. I had issues again with my video camera...so, I have nothing to post :(

It's too bad too, because I had figured out a new maneuver -- pulling all the way back on the elevator and giving full left or right rudder...produces a cool spinning roll like maneuver.

I'll try to do some video at lunch...the weather looks to be clear.

The Super Cub Will Fly Again!

I got my new receiver today...I fried something the last time I tried to use a lipo battery on it -- the one that came with my Blade CP Pro.

It's installed and everything appears to be working fine. So, baring any weather problems tomorrow...She Flys!!

Another Arrow Flight Day...

Didn't make it to the hobby store yet...so, flying what still works, my Arrow Flight.

Got maybe 5 minutes out of it...but, they were quality minutes. I wish I could upload the smell & feel of the day -- it was such a nice day :)

I hope all the RC'gonians (RC + Oregonians) took advantage of the day.

Nice and sunny...

I should be able to fly something in this weather!

This is the view from my office, to one of my favorite places to fly. I hope they never build anything in that lot ; )

I'll update you later and how that goes...

The Frappr Map...

You may have noticed my Frappr map, in the right border. But, did you know you can customize your entry?

Just click on the top user icon, on the frappr's left scrollable user nav area. It should have a popup that says "You!".

A bubble then pops up in the map area and it has a link for customizing your info. You can add a picture and a brief message or an URL to your own web site i.e., free advertising :)

Check it out...I'd love to hear from you on my frappr.

Didn't get a lot of RC stuff done today...

So sad :(

I had plans to go to a hobby store and get some parts, but I stayed up late watching my download of the IRCHA 2007 video...and, I kinda slept in. By the time I woke, my wife and I had to get some groceries etc. then she had to work. Even if I had made it to the hobby store, it was pretty wet and stormy today...so, flying for the better part of the day, wasn't going to happen.

But, I did put in some FMS simulator time...I'm trying to practice the heli maneuver where it circles around on a horizontal plane with it's tail down and inward and the front of the heli is pointing out of the circle and upward -- wish I knew the name of the trick -- but, I think I'm figuring it out.

Anyone watch "My Name is Earl"? It's all about karma...you do good things, and good things happen to you. Well, I stayed up late with downloading and burning the IRCHA video to DVD, and then I gave an RC friend of mine a copy I promised him...and he, unexpectedly, gave me a disc with RC videos on it that I hadn't seen yet. Thanks Karma! So, help out your RC buddies, and they'll help you :)

Finished my download of the IRCHA 2007 video, Finally!

It was worth the 2 days of downloading...so, look below for my previous post, if you haven't already, and start your download today. Or, if you find a friend who's already downloaded it...copy their DVD (that would be faster).

Lots of impressive 3D flying. My only critique would be, "Where's the scale heli's?" there were a couple stills of some tables with scale heli's on them, but no video of them flying : (

This video was all put together by the people at HeliFreak.com...so, if you liked this...you should check them out and support them:

When did you get the HeliFever?

I got the fever 1 year ago...

Checkout this link to see a kid who got the fever at 4, wow!

This is some of the text, from the email that informed me about this video:

Before you can view this video I want to make sure
your ego is tough as steel and that you're not as
delicate as a flower because when you lay your eye
balls on this video, you might squirt a few tears, I
did.

Remember, if you're feeling extra sensitive today, for some
strange reason, don't watch this video. It might make
things worse...

Want to fly a flying saucer?

Checkout JLN Labs.

FREE IRCHA 2007 DVD torrent

Go to this HeliFreak forum to get the info and torrent file: http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=44166&page=37

I've been able to download the "teaser" video, that is part of the this torrent, and there's some pretty cool stuff. I can't wait to get the whole 2 hour DVD downloaded...but, my internet isn't that fast, so it'll be a day or two :)

I took the teaser and cut out all the chatter, leaving only the heli's...and here's that video:

Product Announcements & Release Updates

Product Announcements

E-flite Piper Pawnee 15e ARF $134.99 Due Nov.
One-of-a-kind scale rendition of the Piper ag workhorse.

E-flite Taylorcraft 450 ARF $164.99 Due Nov.
Easy to assemble, lightweight, scale park flyer.

E-flite S.E.5a SF 250 ARF $49.99 Due Dec.
Vacuum-molded foam fuselage, carbon reinforced stab, stained plywood interplane strut.

Product Release Updates
ParkZone J-3 Cub BL RTF, Due October

ParkZone J-3 Cub BL PNP, Due October

ParkZone T-28 Trojan PNP, Due October

E-flite At-6 Texan 25 ARF, Due October

E-flite Divo 3D ARF, Due October

E-flite Blade 400 3D RTF, Due November

Hangar 9 B-25J Mitchell ARF, Due November

E-flite Pitts Model 12 15e ARF, Due November

E-flite Enticement F3P ARF, Due December

Flew the arrow flight again today...

I had a spare 20 minutes to go to The Duck Pond (see link in the right nav) and fly my arrow. After flying, it seemed like such a nice day, that it would be a shame not to film it. So, I made this little 3min film, enjoy:

Hotshot Heli Pilots can win $3000

...in 3rd Annual Micro-Heli Cup

TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Are you a hotshot micro-heli pilot? Do you have the right stuff? Wanna win some moola, cash, dinero? If so then click on over to www.empirerc.com and download the pilot application for more details. If selected to compete you will have a shot at winning cash and bragging rights in the 3rd Annual 2007 World Micro-Heli Cup sponsored by Empire RC and RC Universe.

Total prize pool is $3000 with first prize in mini class at $1,500!The event will be covered on RC Universe and in various other websites and media.The event takes place on October 20th and 21st at the iHobbyExpo in Rosemont, llinois.

New high score on the heli game

1368... See original post.

Only flew in simulation this weekend

Not as fun as the real thing...but, it usually makes me look pretty good. I use FMS (because it's FREE), and my new favorite heli model is the "Colco Lynx-380XL.par" -- it's a fun 3D heli.

Oh Gee!

Anyone have one of these? It's made by ParkFlyers.com


It looks really cool...but, is it as great as it seems...leave a comment if you have one, thanks.

Cool Blade Upgrade

...the airwolf canopy at HeliDirect. This will be my next upgrade I think. Here's a video of someone who's done the upgrade already.

I got nothin...

So, sad :( no RC anything today...

Flightlog entry...for 10.10.07

I flew my arrow flight again. It's such a great plane for a spare 5 or so minutes of flight. It was very breezy...the windsock was indicating 10-17 mph gusts. But, the arrow took it pretty well!

I'm sad though...I believe the planes NIMH is dying out :( I'm sure I can find a replacement somewhere, but that's a hassle.

Only had time for a couple RC things today

Flew one of my favorite planes...The Arrow Flight!
This plane is throttle and rudder only. It handles and prefers a good wind for it to soar in...and I picked it up for under $20 at Toys-R-Us. It has been an awesome plane, because it's portable and functional.

Here's some video of this plane in flight from a past flight:

Find another video here RCUVideos.com



I also added some basic RC Airplane Controls info to my Flightschool section of my JoeFlyer site.

Flew the Blade CP Pro at the duck pond

Had a good flight...nothing broke. I came down kindof rough one time and my plasti-blades did slap the boom, but I was experimenting with a homemade protection system and it seems to have worked -- I'll probably post more on this in future after more testing.

I took some onboard video, but it came out pretty shakey...if I can make it worth watching I'll post it.

Now the bad news. After getting home tonight I thought I'd fly in the street and I had rigged a new way to mount my camera up front of the Blade...Things seemed to be going pretty well and then I got disoriented and crashed it...Bent the shaft, broke the boom, and knocked the camera around hard enough that I lost all the video it had shot !@#$%&!@*&%!!@

Oh well...

Windsock Info

We see windsocks at most club fields...but, does everyone know how to read one? Here's some info I've gathered:

• Wind direction is the opposite of the direction in which the windsock is pointing (note that wind directions are conventionally specified as being the compass point from which the wind originates; so a windsock pointing due north indicates a southerly wind)
  
• Windspeed is indicated by the windsock's angle relative to the mounting pole; in low winds, the windsock droops; in high winds it flies horizontally
  
• Per FAA standards...a 15 knot (17mph) wind will fully extend the windsock; A 3 knot (3.5mph) breeze will cause the windsock to orient itself to the wind...i.e., 3.5mph of a breeze is what it takes to move the sock around the pole.

The knot: 1 nautical mile per hour = 1.852 kilometer per hour exactly. Other convertions:

• 0.998383 geographical miles
• 1.150779 miles (statute)
• 2025.372 yards
• 6076.1155 feet
• 1 meridian arc minute at sea-level surface distance

Today's weather, overcast & breezy

Have you seen this?

Weather Report Desktop Tool
Choose your plane and closest airport to receive current flight weather stats. Displays temperature, wind conditions, air pressure, visibility, and more.

Sorry foreign friends...it's currently a US only product that requires Windows XP to run

Here's where to get it

Some video of the breeze...from a little bit later in the day then when I took the snapshot of the FSX Flight Weather Report:

My PiccoZ...knock-off

Dark video...sorry:

More heli flights this morning

It was a little misty at the duck pond this morning, but worth it. I met up with my ESky HoneyBee buddy and we flew our heli's. I'm pround that I used up two full batteries on my Blade CP Pro without breaking or bending anything -- what satisfaction.

É um dia grande a voar! (Look it up, it's Português)

I also flew my new imports: the 2-channel heli and the yellow & red planes. They flew great too...until I ran out of plane battery mid-flight with the little yellow plane. It went right into the pond! But, guess what...It's foam and it floats. After about 10min. it drifted back closer to the pond's edge. And...I was able to use the prop to propel it closer to me, so I could grab it!! And...it still flys too! So, I'm really pleased with this plane.

The only bad thing about flying this morning was that halfway to the park I realized I had left my video camera at home :( and so I got no shot of my little yellow sea plane -- maybe next time it goes in the pond I'll be prepared.

Join my Frappr Map

You can mark where you are on a map, leave a picture of yourself or your favorite RC Vehicle, and give a shoutout to the world.

Look down the right side of this blog an add yourself to my frappr map today!

Fun times with my RC Toys from China

I spent about 45min today, at lunch, flying my two small planes and my 2-channel heli that I got from China (see previous posts for the snapshots) a couple weeks back. I had a great time.

The red low-wing plane even flew well -- I was amazed. The yellow top-wing is still the better flyer, but the low-wing was fun today...I got it really high, that helps.

I also took some more video of the 2-channel heli in flight.


I got at least 8-10 min. of flight time out of each craft -- that's pretty good!

You get what you pay for??? part three

I'm warming up to my cheap 2 channel heli -- see previous posts...I flew some more today, and it was pretty fun. It's still more of a loop around or boomerang flight, but it lands well and takes hard landings reallllly well.

I also flew the little yellow top-wing plane that I got with the helicopter. I've listed in a previous post that a con was it's either on or off throttle...but, it didn't seem to bad today. I think it's because the plane can also glide pretty well without the motor. You can get this little plane pretty high, and a slight breeze is also a plus, and this little guy will fly for quite some time.

So, I think I might order some and make them available for order...stay tuned.

These look cool...

Precision Micro Heli's

Nice & Clear == Fly

Flew my Blade CP Pro this morning at the Duck Pond. Tried some onboard video again, but it came out really blurry and showcases a crash, ooops, too -- so, noone wants to see that ;)

But, my second flight went really well until I ran low on battery, came in kind of too confident, and crashed. Now, I need some new parts for my main rotor head...maybe I'll go aluminum???

Check out this site for cool aluminum mods...

My buddy showed up with his fixed pitch Honey Bee. This is a pretty indestructible heli...and it flies really smooth too. I think this is probably one of the best entry level heli's one can buy...it's a step above the co-axial one's, and a notch below the the collective pitch models (explanation of fixed vs collective here). Here's some video of the flight today.

Rainy & Breezy == No Fly

Look at all that yellow, orange, and red...plus, the wind was gusting in my area at around 21mph.

So, another flight simulator day.

Replaced another Blade CP Tail Boom Today

I'm getting real good at this! I even replaced my tail motor...the original one was poping it's gear out on me -- the hobby shop guy says that's normal for these things. And, as you might guess, if the gear from the motor pops away from the big black tail rotor gear...you have no more tail rotor...and if you have no tail rotor, you're spinning out of control.

Tip: It's definately easier to replace the boom by un-soldering the wires from
the tail motor and sliding the boom off the wires...than trying to disconnect the wires from the receiver and pulling them through the boom that way.

Hey Joe...why you replacing your tail boom anyways? Good question. I have had my last few flights (See previous posts) on a boom that was slightly damaged and held together with some tape. Today, while making some tail rotor adjustments with the tail motor pot onboard the Blade...an adjustment I made was a bit too extreme, so I crashed and ruined my already damaged boom : )

The new boom and motor run great in my hovering tests...I can't wait till the next flying day to do some real flying.

Cascade Rotory Wings Fun Fly Day 2

It was a cold and breezy day, but it was fun. As a first impression (Since this was my first all heli event)...I'd say RC helicopter people are more "Hey, look at me!"...while RC airplane people are more "Hey, look at you!" I still enjoyed myself though and don't get me wrong, noone was mean...it just seems to be a more 'me' based side of the hobby than my airplane experiences so far. Anyway, here are some pictures and video I took.

Here's a T-Rex with a cool custom paint job...It was a nice change from most of the standard paint schemes everyone else had.






One heli that didn't make it today...

So sad : (

More Cascade Rotory Wings Fly In, Fri. Night

Here are the videos.

This heli had light strings all over it defining it's shape. My cheap video camera could only capture the lights on the rotors...Heli's are totally cool when lit up at night!


This heli was lit-up by a huge flashlight!

And this is video of one of the heli's with light strings defining it's features.

Friday Night at the Cascade Rotory Wings Fly In

I went to the Cascade Rotory Wings Fly In tonight and took some pics and some video. In was a tight-knit group of people huddled around their campers and tents. I felt a little bit like an outsider, but nobody was unfriendly when you spoke to them. But, I kindof felt the way I did when I started surfing in Southern California -- like you're maybe not truly welcome until you've proven yourself in the air...But, like I said, noone was unfriendly when I spoke to them...it just felt different than the airplane based fly-in's I've gone to. It could have also been just a side effect of the night??? Here are some pictures...