Where do you stand when taking off?

[Geoff S]

I used to enjoy watching the scale competition at the Nats but I was always surprised that many (even most) of those experienced pilots stood behind the model on take off and then had to be guided to stand next to the judges for the rest of the flight.  I've taught myself to stand in our pilot box and take-off in whichever direction the wind dictates.

 

In the case of a scale competition I would have thought it better to view the model in the same way the judges do but what do I know, I haven't even got a 'B'.

 

So where do you stand?

[leccyflyer]

It depends on the site and the operating conditions there. In general though these days I tend to stand behind the model for take off and then proceed briskly towards the loosely defined pilot's "box".  At previous clubs where that wasn't possible I had no issue whatsoever with standing off to the side for a take of, in a more formally designated pilot's box.  Since quite a few of my models are hand launched then that is typically from on the runway, though it's not usually me launching them.

[Jon H]

Normally to the side but i always stand behind for a maiden flight and some of my models are very directionally unstable so they get the behind treatment most of the time. 

[Paul De Tourtoulon]

I stand behind any plane when it's it first flight,( thanks Jon the word is maiden ) the rest of the time where we should be in the pilot's area, when it's too hot

I sit on the edge of our tables under my parasol, when glider flying in the shade of our hanger in a chair.

Edited August 2, 2023 by Paul De Tourtoulon
maiden

[Steve Colman]

I generally stand to the side and have done so to teach myself to feel comfortable taking off left to to right or right to left depending on wind direction and other factors.

[John Wagg]

Maiden - stand behind. After that usually to the side.

[aidan mcatamney]

For 37 years I stand directly behind my plane on take off.  

[leccyflyer]

Wow - how long is your runway?  😮

[aidan mcatamney]

It's my style.  

[Dickw]

I stand to the side in the pilots box, unless I am hand launching.

 

Dick

[Simon Chaddock]

Being a solo flyer most of the time with self hand launched models I stand where it is appropriate for the wind direction. As a result I am always directly behind a plane at launch.

When at a club, having gained permission to launch, I take a few steps from the pilots area, launch into wind and then work my way back to the area.

[Graham Bowers]

To the side. Unless it's a maiden, then stand behind. 

[John Lee]

11 minutes ago, Dickw said:

I stand to the side in the pilots box, unless I am hand launching.

 

Dick

+1

 

But I've no problem with others standing behind their model for the take off, unless they faff about & obstruct the take off & landing area when they get short shrift from me.

[Ron Gray]

1 hour ago, Geoff S said:

experienced pilots stood behind the model on take off

I think that’s because the take off is scored so they find it easier to keep them straight.

[Geoff S]

7 minutes ago, Ron Gray said:

I think that’s because the take off is scored so they find it easier to keep them straight.

 

I know it is but wouldn't it be better to get the same view as the judges?

[Ron Gray]

I don’t know Geoff, I only stand to one side irrespective of maiden flights or ‘normal’ ones and as I don’t enter scale comps who am I to say?

[Brian Cooper]

ALWAYS from the pilots box. . Even for maiden flights. 

 

The only exception is when doing a hand launch. 

[Chris Walby]

Stand to the side (pilot box) unless hand launching. The busier it gets the more likely someone will not hear you call about heading out on to an active runway...If you are concentrating on your model then you may not be aware of the other aircraft around you.

 

If the only person on the flight line then do what you want, but being used to standing on the side, that's my preferred place.

[Alan Hilton]

As per Jon  I don’t like walking and flying at the same time. It’s now an A test requirement to stand in the pilots box for takeoff which is a bit harsh to me ,it was a skill I had to learn along with the B test schedule 

[Tony j]

I too mostly stand behind the model, but have begun to do a few take offs from the piolts box recently, though not for any reason than thought i would give it a go .

 

Edited August 2, 2023 by Tony j

[KenC]

From the first lesson I had in the late 90s I stood behind my plane.... if you are running up the engine and checking the surfaces it allow you to place a leg in front of the tailplane either side  and secure the model.... and a great birds eye view of the surfaces. It also allows you direct response to the deflection from thrust .   I went to a club and they looked as though I was silly because I could not get used to the side on stuff.    Seriously why make something difficult !

[J D 8 - Moderator]

  Like most others here, from the pilot's box, but behind when trying out a new / repaired or someone else's model for the first time.

[Peter Christy]

As far as the scale guys go, I suspect it depends on the model. Many scale models have small wheels, narrow track undercarriages and rudders that are blanketed by the wing during early parts of the take-off roll. Tail-draggers can be particularly challenging in any sort of cross-wind!

 

Under such circumstances, it is easier to spot a deviation and correct it promptly from behind.

 

Most of the models we fly are designed with benign take-off and landing characteristics, making standing to one side practical. Many of the full-size versions of the scale models - particularly warbirds - had fairly treacherous ground handling. The Spitfire was particularly notorious, so its no wonder the scaled down versions show similar characteristics!

 

--

Pete

 

[Shaun Walsh]

Where do I stand?

Usually on my feet. 🤣

[David perry 1]

To the side.  I use to stand behind but after being forced to change by club rules many years ago i learnt to stand to the side.  Now anywhere is ok.