Summer's here! Who's been flying?

[John Privett]

Posted by Adrian Smith 1 on 05/08/2014 21:28:08:

... I have been flying 4 days in a row!

Err, no, sorry... I'm not familiar with that concept!

Though having said that, I did fly 3 days in a row a week ago - I had the week off work, though I was elsewhere for the first part of the week. I might have flown 4 days in a row one Easter, though I'm fairly sure it wasn't this year, probably not last year either.

[John Privett]

Posted by Masher on 11/08/2014 07:11:17:

Is our club typical?

We have reached our self imposed maximum membership limit of 50 at the moment with 5 more on the waiting list. Yet on Saturday, I was the only one at the field

Fairly typical I'd say. We have nearly 5 times as many members, and there can still be perfectly-flyable Saturdays when nobody else turns up and I end up hanging around for an hour or so or going home again.

[David Davis]

I feel it's been a good summer if you're retired. I've done a lot of flying this summer, my landings have improved.

I took these two to the flying field last Thursday; our club only allows i/c models on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. My main intention was to sort out the erratic running of the engines. The Thunder Tiger 54 FS in the WOT 4 required a new plug. The model flew beautifully after replacing the plug and some minor needle tweaking. I was impressed by the model's ability to go vertical indefinitely with such a small engine. Truly a great design.

On a previous occasion I had noticed bubbles in the fuel feed to the carburettor in my Acrowot. This model was an eBay purchase and it came fitted with a filter in the carburettor feed. I re-plumbed the tank last Wednesday evening and the engine, an OS 61SF, ran beautifully. Unfortunately domestic committments meant that I couldn't spare the time to fly the model.

As for non-flying club members, I suspect that we all have members like that. Some of ours never fly from one year's end to the next, but they all turn up at the AGM. Strange.

[cymaz]

I can only fly Saturdays and Wednesday when on holiday at our club. Bank holidays as well if I've been good at home!

We have about 35/40 members, like everyone else only about 10 core fliers.

Trying to get anyone to enter a club competition for fun is very very hard......it's like herding cats.

[Yoda]

I have been flying most flyable days this summer. Today looks good with only 15 mph winds predicted at their height. I fly an Acrowot and a Jive. I had two crashes within 7 days. Both were interference! Pilot interfering with the transmitter controls. The Jive sustained a broken aileron and completely broken engine mount. Just waiting for a new engine mount and all will be well again. Acrowot pancaked into the ground in a perfect 3 point vertical landing, leaving the aluminium undercarriage flattened and one blade of the prop snapped off. All repaired now, i have definitely been lucky this season. Lessons have been learnt but I still push the limits at times. I WILL master the flat spin.

Edited By Yoda on 16/08/2014 07:51:55

[cymaz]

Got down to the site today. Ran the club Clubman Aerobatic Contest. Only 5 entrants but the show must go on. Dodged a couple of showers, 4 planes crashed ( not all by me!!!!), everyone enjoyed my dear wife's bread pudding ( which she always makes for the lads). Came second in the competition. Test flew the Stampe with the set up changes I've put in.

Home at 6.30pm after 8 hrs down the site....not a bad days work. Time for one or three of these later,...

Edited By cymaz on 16/08/2014 19:30:45

[john stones 1 - Moderator]

It's hard work getting folks to enter the club comps Cymas, they don't seem to get that it's just for fun and won't take part. 2nd eh ...not quite got the hang of judging then

John

[cymaz]

Posted by john stones 1 on 16/08/2014 20:29:28:

2nd eh ...not quite got the hang of judging then

John

Not enough of a backhander in a plain brown envelope ....ahem

[Former Member]

[This posting has been removed]

[Pete B]

Family have been out here for the best part of three weeks now but I've been getting some flying in when not feeding them, doing grandadly things and varnishing shutters. Phoenix Tiggie, Rainbow and Decathlon, Bixler, Black Magic, Reichard Champion and E-Flite Sea Fury (still going strong!) have all had an airing or three.

Found a bit of lift on Sunday with the Champion, topping out at 2365ft :

And a screen grab from the Mobius at that height:

Unfortunately not all has gone as well After a fairly spirited 10 minute flight with the Dec last evening, I found I should have landed after 9 minutes when the LVC cut in as I was starting my landing circuit. I ended up facing this:

Too late and slow to turn it onto the upper slope, I went to the right of the lime tree and clipped the smaller tree next to it.......:

..... and down she went:

Next steps are 'pending' at present......

Onwards and upwards!

Pete

[Cuban8]

I belong to two clubs, both are similar in size having 115 and 125 members respectively. Each club has its hard core of flyers who appear at the field on a regular basis (including winter) but I'd estimate that 70% of the rest fall into the not at all, rarely, or once or twice a month flying sessions categories. I don't actually recall it being much different going back over the 35 years that I've been involved with the hobby.

One thing I have noticed is that the majority of those who 'really go for it' and fly whenever they can, maybe a dozen + flights per session and always seeming to have a new 'plane every few weeks, will burn themselves out after a couple of years and more often than not, go to another interest. Not all of course, but maybe it's in the character of some people that they throw themselves into a hobby and then when the initial thrill falls away, they look elsewhere for another fix?

Those that pay their subs dutifully each year but hardly ever fly are subsidizing most clubs, and providing they're happy to carry on, then that's OK.

[Erfolg]

Arriving at the field of club number 2 yesterday, I was confronted not only by a pretty full car park, but also a couple of Police cars and crews. I have become accustomed to seeing recentl,y differing police departments at our field, but today they were bagging up something, in the car park. It seems we have our very own Skunk Works somewhere in the area. Not a aviation department, rather of the Royal Department of Horticulture type.

I ha decide to take a few models, one in particular was taken to try and sort out handling issues. I had decided that I would start with this model, get any obvious candidates for crashing out of the way early. The model is my canard, nothing to date had improved its handling much, beyond OK to oh my God, when will I crash it. This time I had moved the CG forward, to see if that would improve its handling issues. Unexpectedly my very own test pilot was present, could he be persuaded into yet another buttock clenching experience? Fortunately it turned out, it was a reluctant yes. Immediately at launch, it was apparent to me that all was not well, the rocking being far worse. After a few circuits, it was landed. The conclusion was that it was far worse and would not turn left at slow speed. It was decided to take out the additional nose weight, and the model re-launched. Back to where it was, that was 10 times better than with a more forward CG, but still not acceptable.

I will now dial some differential Aileron and see if that helps and also re-check the geometry.

I then flew my other models.

Enough about me though, what did other members do? Well a rather large Extra type model, with an enormous petrol engine (probably 50cc) took to the air. It gyrated here then there, tumbling end over end, clawed it way vertically into the sky when commanded. What could it not do I wondered. Ah, yes, that is fly in a straight line, it would seem.

Some other big models cruised around in a relaxed manner. A learner was tutored on a buddy lead trainer, on chatting, saying how much more relaxing and confidence building, that the model was quickly brought back under control, if things went Pear shaped. A impressive EDF multi-coloured Hunter streaked most impressively around the sky. For once not a single model went in, or found a tree.

All in all a good afernoon, although for me just the snatched couple of hours that I normally undertake

Edited By Erfolg on 21/08/2014 12:20:28

Edited By Erfolg on 21/08/2014 12:21:54

[Yoda]

Although yesterday was a good flying day, due it also being my birthday and I was being taken out to lunch I did not fly. I had a great time none the less. However today was a great day. Awoke at 6.30 and got sorted. I went for breakfast at the local all you can eat so was fuelled up for the day. Went up to the site at about 10.30 expecting to be the first there but was greeted by a couple of guys ready to go. Any way I had my Acrowot and Jive fully repaired and was raring to go. While setting up some others turned up increasing numbers of flyers to about 10 which is about the most I've seen for a good while. I flew the Acrowot first and practiced my rolls, loops and other things. Rolls are definitely getting better!!! After about 10 minutes I landed and some others flew. Eventually sneaked my Jive in for a quicky as I hadn't flown it since it's repair and need to make sure nothing was too 'off'. All was well even without the extra 80 g of lead in the nose! Second flight with the Jive and she dead sticked which was unusual for that engine as it usually runs like a dream. Any way went back to the pits and tried to start it. I put it down to the previous crash that some settings had changed though there was no visible damage. Tried for 10 -15 minutes to start her twiddling the top end and bottom end. Checked the plug. All well. Sat back befuddled. Then I looked at the transmitter and DOH!!! I must have knocked the engine cut switch carrying the plane back to the pits and not noticed.

So a lesson to reinforce what I know I should do every time..... CHECK THE SWITCHES ARE IN THE RIGHT POSITION BEFORE STARTING. Had a really great day flying and socialising, as you do.

[Former Member]

[This posting has been removed]

[john stones 1 - Moderator]

Been best one for years Percy, still way too brief though

I'm with Marilyn "some like it hot"

John

Edited By john stones 1 on 25/08/2014 20:32:16

[Former Member]

[This posting has been removed]

[ken anderson.]

red hot today in ne.... 1 land...they reckon(forecaster's)that its going to last until the end of November.......

ken Anderson ne....1....... weather dept.

[Kevin Fairgrieve]

Smashing day today.

Two flights with the Dawn flyer and half a dozen or so with the trusty Galaxy Magician.

The sun on my back felt quite warm.

Kev

[Old Geezer]

15+ vehicles at the field today - every sort of fixed wing powered plane you could think of, and only one of us not yet drawing his pension.

I took the aged electrified artf Wottie, the FunJet & the foamy Acrowot . And also my new favourite, the Bogey - not at all pretty but it does fly soooo well, well behaved and predictable on a 2200 3S pack, but can be a hooligan with 4S pack - it is genuinely possible to climb vertically out of sight. Flew the others too, once each, but flew out 3 3S and 2 4S packs with the Bogey.

The only downside is a little sunburn, and I'm going to be spending the rest of the day dodging in and out of the house re-charging a the used LiPos outside in the garden (extension cable to charger on an old stainless steel surgery trolley - well away from the house!)

[Simon Chaddock]

Days like yesterday don't come very often! Warm and virtually no wind

At least with my lightweight build types I can get some stick time without lots of batteries.

I flew 3 planes with just 1 battery each and managed close to 2 hours. Oh! and they are power planes, not gliders and it is a flat site with no hills!

First the 40" push/pull twin with its big compound proportional flaps. 3 flights total 24 minutes on one charge.

Second. The scale Super Cub also 40". 58 minutes but this did include a power off thermal climb in the company of some hawks to the limit of my visibility. A scale Super Cub with wing struts and oversize wheels thermalling!

Finally. 29 minutes with the 53" Cessna Skymaster (O-2) which included 4 vertical full power climbs (yes it can!) to about 600' with a slow (2 minute) glide down!

For duration there is no substitute for a low wing loading and relatively big batteries.

[weasel]

Going to the flying field shortly had a great day there yesterday ,, will be there all week weather permitting ,,

as Ken says great weather up hear at North East..... Test flying the seagull MXS-R the second one.

last one had sudden ... Weaz NE66

[Erfolg]

I certainly has been a unusual or is that changeable few days recently.

On Saturday, there were just two of us at our field, where it was to windy to fly, we just talked about outfield maintenance, and made some attempts at management to no avail.

Sunday was far better, the field was attended by a fairly large group of flyers. For me a frustrating day, firstly my canard is still not flying well, with a continuing refusal to turn left at slow speed. Although I now have differential aileron and exponential dialled in. I am starting to think that the issue is due to side thrust, needing some right packed in. I am assuming that at speed, the fins are dominate and keep the model going straight. However at low speed the effects of torque effects are greater than the fins and aileron forces combined. Having to go to St Annes that evening has meant i could not adjust the model for today. The final frustration was my TH, CS, plugging in the Lipo and there was nothing. A lot of checking confirmed a full Lipo yet dead at the Deans.

So I returned last night, put various Lipos on charge first thing in the morning, then went to do the weekly shop, whilst my wife went to play Golf, saying you can do the shopping tomorrow if you want, Grrrr, we have not a lot in. I did notice passing flying field of club No.1 a large flock of Lapwings flying. I did think, does this mean anything, ids summer ending, now!

By 13:00hrs I made it to the field of club No. 2. As Simon has written, very little wind, what wind there was came from the south. Car park was pretty full, yet no one was flying on the field itself. The discussion of out field maintenance was still under way, with some work taking place. It does seem that the club chairman has formulated a plan and programme of work for this winter.

So how did the session go, from my perspective great. As usual my Delta, just flew in a sprightly and flattering way. I am slowly increasing my aerobatic repertoire for this location, as if anything goes wrong, it can be catastrophic at this site, as the effective safe height is very much higher due to the trees, cutting of your view and escape routes, no withstanding the river and impenetrable jungle surrounding the site.

It was then time for my Parkzone Stinson Reliant, which is more trainer like than a trainer. It so forgiving it seems untrue. Loops are fine, decent rolls do show up my lack of technique. Yet it really is a fine stooger, takes off by itself, and seems to autol and, bang on the spot.

As for the the TH, CS, before e going to St Annes, i had identified that the problem was a faulty Deans, or something which i had done. A new plug and all was well. So it was time to test fly with a new much larger by *2, nothing different was expected as more Lipo replaced lead. And so it was, I was a bit tense through all the flight, but it behaved itself, being again a fine flyer.

Which just left my trainer, which is now my aerobatic training machine. By 15:00hrs the light was fading, my models now lacking colour, just a dark shape, where I reliant on the last command, and a memory of how it would look in various positions.

Perhaps far more interesting was a large Black Horse Extra, with a large petrol engine up front. Now sporting a new internal silencer. The sound although now more subdued, sounded far more authoritative. Again, the model was flown in accordance with the type, with great skill and in keeping with the type. Truly vertical climbs, from where it would gyrate i various manoeuvres on its way down, low inverted passes, stall turns, gigantic loops.

I am now starting to feel guilty, the club Mascot which got me through the A test, convinced other learners to go ic. This was on the basis that the Mascot and the Sc motor never missed a beat, ploughed on through the most atrocious weather and again just took off and landed itself without fuss. All the ic trainers have not been as forgiving, even the OS engines and other labels, playing up. The radios giving problems. Then there has been plumbing issues. Even the buddy leads have not been without problems. None the less both the instructors and learners have not given up, just redoubling there efforts. So after watching another session with a learner and another new model and set up, I went home.

Now it is time to do some checks and maintenance.

[Cliff Bastow]

Not been able to fly much lately with work and family commitments, not to mention the weather!

I did manage to sneak up to the field on Monday and manage a couple of quick flights while dodging the rain showers. At one point it was ok over the field but it was completely surrounded by grey skies. All in all not very nice so I gave up and went home.

I woke up Tuesday morning (no work today) to blue skies and not much wind so I quickly packed the car and set off. I arrived at the field to find 6 others and nice conditions with a gentle wind straight down the field. I had several good flights with my Travel Air and my Can Doo and also managed two with my Koyosho FW190 and even managed one landing without nosing it over!

Later on my student arrived so we had 5 flights together and he is starting to make real progress.

After he went home on strict orders not to be late for tea! I had two more flights with my Can Doo on a lovely early evening.

All in all a great day that makes you feel good to be alive and a bright spot in an otherwise grey couple of weeks.

Edited By Cliff Bastow on 04/09/2014 07:37:22

[GrumpyGnome]

It's been absolutely beautiful up here in Yorkshire the last couple of days. Managed some time with AcroWot, Nano Hawk, EHawk, Inverza 280, ST FW190, HK Spad...... only down side was all the flies and other flying insects !

Not sure about everyone else but it's been a decent flying year - my log says 344 flights in 2014, excluding helis.

Had a nice surprise yesterday - a white full size heli that looked like a huey (i am no expert!) was flying along the valley BELOW me. Had to stop and watch for 15 mins. Today it was back on the hill above mine. Sweet!

GG

[Erfolg]

What a disaster.

Having modified my canard by putting in side thrust, on launch, I stuffed it in. Probably 10 metres short of getting on the aileron stick. Needs less, as the left turn was severe.

I then flew my PC, nothing to say, other than it does what it is supposed to.

All this at field No1, on leaving the field I bumped into my other club mates and have now vowed to fly there more often. I had only gone here as it is so wide open, that test flights are much easier and safer, withe the lack of hazards, yet these are a great bunch of lads, glider people have no pretensions.

At club No, 2 I was the only one there initially, not being an official club day. It was most notable that the field had been cut rather nicely, most as short as a bowling green, just a pity that the contours have more in common with the Pennines, than a billiard table. I flew both of my Parkzones Albatross and Stinson Reliants, again nothing much can be said, other than Parkzone models fly themselves.

Another member had now arrived, and attempted a take off with his SE 5a, which he is trimming out, unfortunately the first attempt, did not go to plan, bending the motor shaft.

My final flight was with my trainer. At about 4 minutes into the flight, I noted something different to the motor sound, a lack of power, I then made the decision to land. Subsequent motor tests, that is opening the throttle to full, produced an initial burst of power, that quickly declined.

At home all the lipos charged Ok. That is until I got to my trainer batteries, the first Lipo, one cell quickly reached 4.2, where as the other 3 were much lower, at about 4.03 and the pack was both puffed and really hot. At this point I abandoned charging and will start the search for two replacement Lipo packs at 4s. Although I am not sure whato with the other pack, to try and charge that, with caution, on the basis it was probably just one of the Lipo packs that has failed. Then if successful what to do with it, as It will be not a normal pack size I use, buy itself.

Now off to hang 5 and start surfing.

Edited By Erfolg on 05/09/2014 20:29:17