View Full Version : North Carolina Instructor
In New Bern, North Carolina (Crystal coast 45 minutes from Kinson, 30 minutes from Morehead City/Atlantic Beach)...I will be your instructor pilot.
I fly at a local park on Sundays (Saturdays if time permits) with a good group of flyers. Most of us have been flying together for 4 years with 5-8 newer flyers many of whom learned from the original group. I have an Apprentice set up on a buddy box for all the basics and from their I can set up faster low wing aircarft as needed, or, if you become addicted and buy a plane of your liking we can buddy box it (must be spectrum RX) so you can get comfortable with your plane. I can also test fly any planes you have that you need set up.
I only fly ELECTRIC but if you need help with a gasser I can point you in the correct direction (and introduce you). If you need help with a set up or learning to fly just post below and we can link up and I will help you with wha ever you need help with.
Bryan
I started teaching Earl to fly about a month ago on his Apprentice. After only a few flights he was flying by himself. He has now bumped up to a T-28 which I buddy boxed him on today.
Earl's grand daughter is here visiting (Ashleigh) so I had her on the buddy box with the Apprentice this morning. All went well till I had her try a loop....she was a little low and I didnt respond fast enough and "I" killed Earl's Apprentice. Its the first crash on it and "I" stuffed the motor and broke the tail off. I fixed it right there at the field and we flew it again.
Ashley has photos so once I get them emailed to me I will post. All in all not a bad day.
WJCJR1
08-23-2009, 03:31 PM
Learning isn't always pretty and even the experts need a reminder now and again what it takes to keep in the air all the time.
Glad all went back together and flew again.
Wayne
yep, I let her get too low for the loop and was too busy watching her loop thinking she did a good job keeping the wings level...and realized way to late she was too low and didnt let go of the switch in time.
Here are some picts of my students. Ashleigh didnt email me the crash photos so I had to get it from her account. Would you beleive it was in the air again in 45 minutes flying just fine!!
WJCJR1
08-24-2009, 06:14 PM
Earl and Ashleigh congratulations on your learning to fly.
I am happy all ended well Ashleigh after you start your aerobatic training...
Earl how do you like the T-28? Right when you thought the Apprentice was great you were off to a whole new level. I look forward to your reports Earl of flying with the gang at the park each weekend.
Wayne
AV8TER65
01-16-2010, 03:15 AM
I have named mine Christine because she just wont die. LOL...
Using a E-flite 25 instead of a 15,(glue and tape adds a little weight) but she still flies just fine. I bought a DX7 so we use it as a addictor, I mean buddy box. :)
I bought a DX7 so we use it as a addictor, I mean buddy box. :)
thats the most truthful statement I have ever heard in the this hobby. :opto:
liquid1
02-21-2010, 09:33 PM
thats the most truthful statement I have ever heard in the this hobby. :opto:Hey ATIS, I live near charlotte nc and am just getting into the planes. Been flying a heli a King bee 3 for a few months or so and my wife just picked me up the E-Flite apprentice for my anneversary present..WOW I love it. I have not got it off the ground yet plan on the big leap next weekend at a field where they fly ultra lites. Now I know the apprentice came with the DX5e so I should be good to go. I been practicing on the sims clearview and FMS alot. To bad I live so far away or I would look you up for some help. Nice pic I hope to get my 13 year old daughter interested. I have a birthday next month and my wife ask me what she could get me..I told her a new DX7. I have to make this plane last she has told me crashing a $300 plane is not an option::yell::..So besides finding some one to buddy up with is there any pointers on the apprentice 15e that will help. I will be flying from grass and just got bigger tires. Thanks for this forum..glad I found it.
Liquid, the bigger wheels are important for the grass. Also since its cold outside, charge your lipo and bring it in the house the night before you fly. A cold lipo lacks power. When the plane is coming at you move the aileron stick in the direction of the low wing to level. Go easy on the stick movements...slow, steady movements will keep it from "jumping" around and dont fly in winds over 5 mph on your first few flights. Learning to tell if the planes reactions are from you or from the wind is important but they can get a beginner in trouble. I wish you were closer, I would get you on the box and have you flying solo in an hour or two.
WJCJR1
02-22-2010, 05:55 AM
To add onto ATIS's advice do a sound pre-flight. I am certain from the excitement in your type that you've been looking squarely at this plane for a bit. That's good, glad to see your enthusiasm.
Pre-Flight is a VERY important part of flying. Fully charged battery as ATIS mentioned that is inside temperature, all control surfaces work and are moving in the correct direction, control surfaces are neutral for first flight (all surfaces flat) and that physical servo connections allow for TX trimming of the surfaces in all directions and then good batteries in your TX. Don't use old T.V. remote batteries in the TX ::cheerful::
ON initial takeoff resist the urge to JUMP in the air. Let the airplane gather ground speed before even thinking of giving any up elevator. If the plane demands any up elevator on takeoff make sure it is minimal so you don't incidentally jump into the air too slow and stall. Try that on your simulator jump the plane into the air by pulling up elevator before adding throttle and then do a takeoff with good ground speed and little if any elevator big difference in stability.
Have a great maiden, checkout the Apprentice section, ask away we'll get you hooked up. I am unfamiliar with NC RCDUDE07 is in NC as well and is an instructor also.
Lastly remember airspeed and altitude are your friend. Too little or either and you can get into trouble
Wayne
rcdude07
02-22-2010, 06:05 AM
To add to all the other advice, the best way to know when to pull up on take off is to watch the plane. Once the plane has enough lift and is ready to fly, you'll notice she'll bounce a little and will appear to be light on the wheels. It'll take some familiarity with the plane but you'll come to notice this behavior.
AMA is showing 5 chartered clubs in the Charlotte area. They'll be great locations for additional help. Here's a link to the search page.
http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx
liquid1
02-22-2010, 04:52 PM
Thanks folks, Yep im excited its very hard to not just go for it..:)
But I know realize what the out come might be, he he.
I picked up some super gold plus gap filler glue with insta-set accelerator.
picked up 2 1/4 size dubro tires for the grass. Big question do i need to glue the plastic hinges to the wings for support or use tape for extra support or leave the plane complete stock and go slow for a bit till I get the nerve and fill like I will land the plane ok.I will check out the clubs from what I am hearing some of them cost a bit and the guys some of them don't like newbies hogging the fields..My dad has 170 acres with several 30 acre field tracts about 20 mins from me so I plan on doing alot of grass take offs and landings..I can't wait:clapping:..And by the way I am turning 40 years old and am as giddy as a kid in a toy shop over heli's and planes. I work alot so time is limited to play.:wide eyed:
liquid... NOOOOO dont use regular super glue or regular CA on foam...it will eat the living crap out of it and it wont stop!!! Even if you manage to wash it off it will still slowly eat it and make it soft (it will feel like a soft blister). You will need either Faom Safe CA with kicker (only 1 spray per use), 6 minute epoxy or Gueirrila Glue (sp??).
I would leave her stock or apply clear packing tape to the wings leading edge to protect against dings.
rcdude07
02-22-2010, 07:13 PM
Yes, make sure you have foam safe CA, not regular CA.
Another tip is to leave the wing off the plane and taxi the plane around. This will get you used to handling the plane on the ground at varying speeds.
WJCJR1
02-22-2010, 07:53 PM
Thanks folks, Yep im excited its very hard to not just go for it..:)
But I know realize what the out come might be, he he.
I picked up some super gold plus gap filler glue with insta-set accelerator Big question do i need to glue the plastic hinges to the wings for support or use tape for extra support or leave the plane complete stock and go slow for a bit till I get the nerve and fill like I will land the plane ok.I will check out the clubs from what I am hearing some of them cost a bit and the guys some of them don't like newbies hogging the fields
Follow ATIS's ruling no regular CA on FOAM very BAD. ON Foam I only use Epoxy or Guerilla Glue White.
In the Apprentice BNF manual it is updated to include a step to glue the epoxy the wing halves together then to stick on the caps on the Leading Edge and Trailing Edge of the wing. I would definitely do this if this is what you were asking about. The BNF and RTF are the same plane but the BNF manual came out months after and has the updated manual.
Wayne
liquid1
02-23-2010, 08:27 PM
Thanks guys, The gold ca glue says foam safe and the LHS recommended this type. I will pick up gorilla glue my wife uses it on her antique doll business. I have some packing foam I will test it on before hand. I sure don't want to melt
it. All good Ideas taxi around to get use to it sounds like a plan..The tip section has great info..Just trying to be cautious..:fryin pan:
WJCJR1
02-23-2010, 08:41 PM
As soon as your landing gear/wheels leave the ground all the care you have put forth in preparation will pay-off and be WELL worth it. Difference between a rushed uniformed maiden experience and an informed prepared experience.
Glad you are finding good info.
Wayne
As soon as your landing gear/wheels leave the ground all the care you have put forth in preparation will pay-off and be WELL worth it. Difference between a rushed uniformed maiden experience and an informed prepared experience.
Glad you are finding good info.
Wayne
On my first maiden i was preparred but once the wheels lifted off my brain froze, butt puckered and knee's started shaking. I remained like that till I landed. I have no memory of the flight itself. Sadly, it took me 4 years to get rid of the shakey knees during maidens.....the peanut gallery used to make fun of me becuase you could see my knee's shaking from 10 feet away! :opto:
WJCJR1
02-23-2010, 08:53 PM
HA HA HA Hah that is funny, I love it. Only time I get too nervous on a maiden is if I am going into the maiden rushing and totally cold. Totally cold as in no warm-up plane then I get a bit nervous. Such as after I dropped the T-28D at the Monticello Fly-In I was really nervous when I threw her back together and had her in the air 24 hours later, it was my first REAL crash in over 3 years of flight and honestly it spooked me a bit. OK here we go telling Liguid1 horror stories, Liquid you'll be fine! Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.
I am looking forward to hearing your maiden report and hope we are the second ones to know, only after your wife as she is the generous one to get you the Apprentice!
Wayne
SEFF 2009 was my first Fun Fly... I normally fly with 3-9 other pilots...so SEFF was crazy when you have 500 pilots walking around you, 9 other pilots flying at the same time inthe park flyer area, 5 sport pilots flying to your left and 5 3D pilots to your right hovering...talk about nervous! I even had a mid air emergency (motor stopped on the F-18 ) and I managed to land her flat on her belly after she stalled and started dropping straight down. I worked the crap out of the ailerons and elevator to keep her flat as she dropped. I wish I had video but Corsair Nut (brent...sponsored pilot) was standing at my side when I did it so I have proof...and the only damamge was a crack on the belly and a missile rail came off (but it was held on with magnets)
liquid1
02-23-2010, 09:06 PM
On my first maiden i was preparred but once the wheels lifted off my brain froze, butt puckered and knee's started shaking. I remained like that till I landed. I have no memory of the flight itself. Sadly, it took me 4 years to get rid of the shakey knees during maidens.....the peanut gallery used to make fun of me becuase you could see my knee's shaking from 10 feet away! :opto:Sounds like me the first time My new king 3 heli lifted off. I new better but chopped the throttle after a hover at 20' up after I paniced froze up hoping i could bring it back down..Well I saved it right before the skids touched the concrete I punched it tilted and snapped the fly bar and head set..$10 in parts on the way..The king 3 is a hot rod quick and light..Needless to say I am still making repairs. I will need to do better with the Apprentice maiden flight my wife is sure piling on the pressure. she's killing me:laughing::)
If your really into heli's then I have to recommend the Swift 16...its TREX 500 size at 1/2 the price, comes RTF, and is stable (yet its 3d capable) and parts are cheap. FlyBye had one and in a few months he made more progress in heli's then he had in the 4 years I have known him.
liquid1
02-23-2010, 09:27 PM
If your really into heli's then I have to recommend the Swift 16...its TREX 500 size at 1/2 the price, comes RTF, and is stable (yet its 3d capable) and parts are cheap. FlyBye had one and in a few months he made more progress in heli's then he had in the 4 years I have known him.
Thanks I;ll check it out..i just ordered me up a small tool set for these tiny parts..Its amazing I have over 40 grand in tools for my trade and did not have the tools needed for a head tear down..
Atis, The planes amaze me I can watch pro pilots like you and others all day long. It takes skill for both but landing a plane smooth with out crashing is pure skill and judgement..:thumbsup: Looks like the weather will be messy this weekend for the maiden flight..::yell::oh well more prep time..:thumbsup:
Let the Apprentice land itself...remember that the THROTTLE controls the glide path...coming in short give it a little throttle, coming in long reduce the throttle. When your 6 inches off the deck raise the nose a little and hold it and let the wheels touch on their own.
liquid1
03-01-2010, 09:03 PM
As soon as your landing gear/wheels leave the ground all the care you have put forth in preparation will pay-off and be WELL worth it. Difference between a rushed uniformed maiden experience and an informed prepared experience.
Glad you are finding good info.
WayneI finished up the plane over the weekend and taxied around for 15 min with out wing attatched. Then attatched the wing and spun around in the living room. Checking out the 2.25 wheels..The prop is still close to the ground. Painted a USA flag on the right wing and the words USA on the left side for orientation tinted in black and blue. All my servo's are centering up. had to adjust ruder 1 turn in on buckle still centering perfect going left just a tick off going right. WOW what a Huge wing span and nice size plane. The tail section scares me, looks fragile. While out side without the wing the wind whipped the plane around a few times so I did not want to take a chance. it does taxi straight. This being my first I am Impressed and the Motor seems to want to work hard. I gotta do my pace test. Been Hammering on the Sim Flying and landing the aelerons and over wing. Still need to work on reversing in and out fly in and out. I know real life is totally different . More practice getting smother with sticks. I did fly a T28 on the sim did some loops and landed ok. Its quick and Nimble:thumbsup:..
rcdude07
03-02-2010, 05:56 AM
Hehe. You got your first experience at weather vaneing. This happens a lot on windy days as the crosswind or wind in general will catch your tail and spin it like a weather vane. It just takes practice on learning to conteract it. Sometimes it takes a combo of aileron and rudder, usually just rudder will help. Another tip on taxing nose gear airplanes is to hold some down on the elevator, this will help keep the nose gear on the ground.
liquid1
03-02-2010, 11:01 PM
Hehe. You got your first experience at weather vaneing. This happens a lot on windy days as the crosswind or wind in general will catch your tail and spin it like a weather vane. It just takes practice on learning to conteract it. Sometimes it takes a combo of aileron and rudder, usually just rudder will help. Another tip on taxing nose gear airplanes is to hold some down on the elevator, this will help keep the nose gear on the ground.
Yep It was scary..windy here sunday..I'm trying to hold out for a calm day for the maiden 1st flight. I have a camera on the way like classy56 has so I;ll try and get it on vid if I can wait for it..If not I have the D90 Nikon takes great vid and pic maybe my wife will get me freaking out on the first flight :happy bounce:..Been working on calming my nerves he he..just found a large field behind my house spoke to the owner and he told me to uses it any time..Gotta watch for a few trees. Hopefully in the near future it will all work out. gotta find some one to train with..
rcdude07
03-03-2010, 01:55 PM
Hey Liquid1,
I put a post out on RCUniverse for a trainer for you and there's several people willing to help depending on your actual location in Charlotte.
I hope you can get connected. Here's the link so you can follow the thread and get in touch with the people directly.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9551521/tm.htm
liquid1
03-04-2010, 08:08 PM
Hey Liquid1,
I put a post out on RCUniverse for a trainer for you and there's several people willing to help depending on your actual location in Charlotte.
I hope you can get connected. Here's the link so you can follow the thread and get in touch with the people directly.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9551521/tm.htm
Thanks rcdude. I will check it out. I post over there some under the same name. In several forums.Its how I found this forum...:thumbsup:
liquid1
03-06-2010, 08:18 AM
Looks like I'll be getting up with a Trainer,Pilot,Builder this sunday tommorrow for the apprentice 15e maiden flight. I spoke to a local trainer on the phone last night and he is willing to help me. Thanks rcdude..
These folks are really into the Glow birds But after watching a few of there vids there A+ pilots. the trainer Gsoav8r with 14 years in the field , has agreed to help me with a buddy box or take over for me..I need to locate a cable.
Heres there club site. Looks like I'll need to join the AMA to fly at any field
Except my dads 170 acre farm..:thumbsup:
http://www.statesvillemodelflyers.org/
what radio are you using? If its a Spektrum then the JR training cable will work (as well as being able to buddy box with either a JR or Spektrum TX)
WJCJR1
03-06-2010, 03:42 PM
Here's the cord you need http://secure.hobbyzone.com/catalog/HZ/search/SPM6805.html
Wayne
rcdude07
03-06-2010, 05:42 PM
Looks like I'll be getting up with a Trainer,Pilot,Builder this sunday tommorrow for the apprentice 15e maiden flight. I spoke to a local trainer on the phone last night and he is willing to help me. Thanks rcdude..
These folks are really into the Glow birds But after watching a few of there vids there A+ pilots. the trainer Gsoav8r with 14 years in the field , has agreed to help me with a buddy box or take over for me..I need to locate a cable.
Heres there club site. Looks like I'll need to join the AMA to fly at any field
Except my dads 170 acre farm..:thumbsup:
http://www.statesvillemodelflyers.org/
Glad to hear you got connected with a trainer. It'll save you in the long run. Keep us posted on how your progressing and when you cut the tail of your shirt! (It's tradition to cut the tail of the shirt you're wearing when you solo)
liquid1
03-06-2010, 09:43 PM
Thanks guys, The big day is tommorow. Talked to the trainer He will be Using a DX5e along with my DX5e..I found the Cord wayne posted today at the LHS. I also picked up a Another New Batt 3s 4,000mah the apprentice has 3s 3,300 mah stock so I hope to get some run time in with the apprentice as a visitor of the club. Plus get to see the Glow engines work.
I am taking my Nikon D90 for pic and vids..wahoo I'm excited I been hammering the sim with the aileron Trainer and using rudder controls. The guy training me told me a good tip when flying the plane toward you..the wing leaning always gets the stick ,it works on the sim. I improved alot on the landings with the sim using this method. Just got to remember this . Wish me luck I might be locked outa the house If I bring my plane back in pieces, My wife will kill me::yell::..She did tell me HAPPY BIRTHDAY Honey..The DX7 and T-28D Trojan is on the way..::cheerful:: :clapping:
liquid1
03-06-2010, 09:47 PM
Glad to hear you got connected with a trainer. It'll save you in the long run. Keep us posted on how your progressing and when you cut the tail of your shirt! (It's tradition to cut the tail of the shirt you're wearing when you solo)
I'll be glad to thanks a heap. for helping me out..:thumbsup:
double check your CG when switching between the two lipos...or your going to be in for a big surprise. Even moving the CG back a few MM's can cause a plane to really behave badly in the air.
Good luck and keep us posted.
WJCJR1
03-06-2010, 11:39 PM
Good luck, have a great time and glad you got hooked up. You will learn a lot more and have more time to learn rather than being worried about what you don't know.
I expect a full report in the Apprentice section on how your Miaden went.
Wayne :)
liquid1
03-07-2010, 05:20 AM
Good luck, have a great time and glad you got hooked up. You will learn a lot more and have more time to learn rather than being worried about what you don't know.
I expect a full report in the Apprentice section on how your Miaden went.
Wayne :)I will post up..:thumbsup:
liquid1
03-07-2010, 05:26 AM
double check your CG when switching between the two lipos...or your going to be in for a big surprise. Even moving the CG back a few MM's can cause a plane to really behave badly in the air.
Good luck and keep us posted.This is a concern of mine the new Batt I got is the Hyperion CX G3 4000mah it is a tic heavier than the stock batt. I spoke to the trainer about this he said the same thing as you we will need to check for any issues. the batt is the same in lenth but thicker, the apprentice has a velcro strap so its possible to move the batt MM in either direction..Great tip thanks..
rcdude07
03-07-2010, 07:15 AM
I'll be glad to thanks a heap. for helping me out..:thumbsup:
No problem. It was my pleasure. If we were a lot closer, I'd volunteer to train you myself.
I grew up with nitro planes and there's nothing like the sound of a good 4-Stroke ticking at idle.
liquid1
03-07-2010, 09:18 PM
Awesome flight today. Posted update in the apprentice section. WOW them guys are good. posted pic link..Take a look at these huge planes.:thumbsup:
rcdude07
03-08-2010, 06:10 AM
Awesome flight today. Posted update in the apprentice section. WOW them guys are good. posted pic link..Take a look at these huge planes.:thumbsup:
What's the wingspan or scale on the "HUGE" planes? I've seen a 50% Extra 300 for sale at RD-RC and seen 50% Cubs fly. An 8-10 foot wingspan on a gasser (not glow) is normal.
liquid1
03-08-2010, 10:56 AM
What's the wingspan or scale on the "HUGE" planes? I've seen a 50% Extra 300 for sale at RD-RC and seen 50% Cubs fly. An 8-10 foot wingspan on a gasser (not glow) is normal.Yep to you ,there normal. To a country farm boy like me that's been hiding in the woods for several years these planes were huge :laughing:..I mean my 5 year old could fit in the cock pit of the cub and Yak-55. Great day at the air field.I have never ever seen anything like that..:thumbsup:
rcdude07
03-08-2010, 11:03 AM
Wait until you get a chance to go to Joe Nall. Nothing but gassers down there. Got to see Hodge's B-29, now that's a treat to see.
I recommend a trip to Joe Nall. It's been about 4-5 years since I last went. At the time there were only 2 flight lines (flying off water and the normal flight line).
Powered by vBulletin™ Version 4.1.2 Copyright © 2012 vBulletin Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.