Radio Control Flying

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by flipper35

Just buy a SAFE receiver with the gyros and you are all set.

You're right! Hadn't though of that. That would make those squirrelly old designs much easier to fly.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by asphaltgambler

Then @9 years old spotted a much older guy with a RC scale plane flying in a park. I had no idea that technology existed. Looking back, I'm pretty certain he was retired, had the time and the money to enjoy the sport. I remember him having several planes, all kinds of support equipment and a Ford Econoline van that he had converted into an RC hauler with hand-built shelving and other stuff to properly carry all of it. I had never seen that level of 'involvement' for what I thought of as a kids toy. The other standout was the radio controller was HUGE. He had a leather harness that would support it like a musical instrument.

"hold my schnitzel" (These German guys always build the most outlandish RC planes.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIojIhEubH0&t=7s

[asphaltgambler]

Their internet must be broken.........

[911 Rod]

Very cool.
What do these things cost?

[Ayles]

Originally Posted by 911 Rod

Very cool.
What do these things cost?

Anything with a turbine is in the several to tens of thousands.

[Jeff Higgins]

Yup, anything with an actual fuel burning jet turbine is going to be horrifically expensive. And banned from use at most club flying fields for a broad variety of liability concerns. The smaller "ducted fan" electric models are, in sharp contrast, entirely affordable and welcome everywhere. Smaller ones can be had for less than a couple hundred bucks.

Speaking of size, there is also a limit on that imposed by the FAA. It's been a long time since I looked, but I think the weight limit is (or was) something like 40 pounds. That's a damn big R/C model, by the way, like up to 1/3 scale or larger Cubs and the like. Above that weight requires some level of special permission and liability insurance.

So, yeah, while these outsize models, real jet turbines, and that sort of thing are cool, they really are not for the average hobbyist. The guys flying this kind of equipment usually only do so at shows and whatnot, and are often professionals.

[flipper35]

I am lucky enough to just cross the road to the neighbors farm field. Geed landing spots in the drainage areas. Yes, I did ask permission.

[Superman]

I had one of these:

[herr_oberst]

Rich man's son, eh? Those were a dime, the glider was a nickel.

I could only dream about rubber bands and propellers.

[dad911]

As I recall the glider flew better.....