Another Plane!

Since my last experience, I realized I had to do what I knew I should have done in the first place: build a trainer. Luckily, Flitetest recently released one: the FT Old Speedster. I loved the looks of the plane since the first time I saw it, but was a bit let down by the fact that it was a 3 channel plane (no ailerons). I decided to build it anyway and just add ailerons later, if needed.

So after a week of cutting, gluing, sanding and more gluing, it is ready! Wheel pants and all!

Yesterday went with 2 friends to the usual airfield. We started by taking some pictures before the flight... just in case. Then it was time for the maiden. Not only the plane's maiden... I had flown already, but never tried to take off or land... No worries, remember? It's just a paper plane! :)

Photo by +Pedro Carvalho 

I had a bit of trouble taxiing because the wheels were misaligned but as soon as it took off, it flew like a bird! At first it was weird to fly without ailerons, but after a minute or two, I just realized it was one less thing to worry about.

Photo by +Tiago Mesquita

The landing wasn't bad... not even a bounce! But because of the wheels misalignment it eventually rolled to the side of the track, hit a small rock and slowly tipped. Not a single scratch!

Photo by +Tiago Mesquita

The second take-off was a big surprise. As soon as I throttled up, the plane made a 90 degree turn and went for the grass. Again, no damage... Just a bit of green "paint"...

The next flight went like a charm. So I decided not to push my luck any further, we packed up and went for some commemorative beers. :)

Photo by +Pedro Carvalho 

Today I had to miss the usual Sunday morning meeting, but was able to go to the track in the afternoon, all by myself. There was very little wind so I started by flying the V911 helicopter, my first introduction to the R/C world. I'm OK(ish) with it, but had never tried it outdoor. I had to fight every breeze, but it was a lot of fun.

Then I tried to take a silhouette shot of the heli in the air... Turns out it's not that easy to fly a heli outdoor and take pictures at the same time... who would have guessed! After 3 batteries I gave up and just took this one...

As the sun was setting I started up the FT Old Speedster. Two perfect take-offs, two excellent flights and two perfect landings. That's all I had time to do before I ran out of light.

This time, without the maiden flight stress, I was able to really enjoy the flight, as well as see how the plane handles in different conditions.

Next time: loopings! :)

Have a safe crash,

Miguel