Maiden Flights - how do you take yours?

[David Davis 2]

I do my own maiden flights these days. Being the only Mode 2 flyer in my club I have to!

[GrumpyGnome]

I far prefer my maidens to be performed when I am 'billy no mates'............ I've often taken a plane to maiden but left it in the car.

 

Generally, we do clear the air for maiden flights. Not a big deal as there are rarely more than 3 at the field!

[Graham Bowers]

Depends.

 

My default choice is to thoroughly pre-flight and range check at home, then go when I'm pretty sure I'll be alone at the field.

 

If it required a hand launch, I *might* seek the services of a chucker. Unless it's a slope soarer, which always get a self hand launch because there's usually nobody else around.

[Frank Skilbeck]

I prefer to do my maidens when there are clubmates at the field, another pair of eyes never goes amiss, and although not needed yet 🤞additional hands if it all goes wrong 😗

[leccyflyer]

Yep, I also like to have a trusted assistant and second pair of eyes for a maiden flight, which can be very handy in sorting out trims whilst keeping both hands on the sticks, plus in many cases that all important good solid hand launch. The added benefit of maiden flight photographs is also important. Lately though I've imposed a self-ban on my shooting maiden flight photos of other pilots' models, due to the unacceptable increased risk of jinxing the maiden flight - I save the pictures for a second or third flight.

[Paul De Tourtoulon]

12 hours ago, Tim Hooper said:

Speed is your friend.......

Not if the ground is soggy and you don't have a spade,,,