Getting Started

[benjhind]

Hey all!

I'm not much of a pilot, but I hope to move to an aerobatic airframe some day and want to get some practice in on the sim.

I'm looking for info on performing all aerobatic maneuvers (3D and whatever you call not-3D), from snap rolls to rolling harriers. I know the FlyingGiants site used to have some instructional videos, but they don't seem to be working.

Thanks!

Ben

[scaleguy]

Hey all!

I'm not much of a pilot, but I hope to move to an aerobatic airframe some day and want to get some practice in on the sim.

I'm looking for info on performing all aerobatic maneuvers (3D and whatever you call not-3D), from snap rolls to rolling harriers. I know the FlyingGiants site used to have some instructional videos, but they don't seem to be working.

Thanks!

Ben

Get the Dave Patrick Book published by Air Age Press, same guys that put out Model Airplane News. I think he also has a video.

[Gary Maker]

Ben, nothing like first hand experience. Talk to some of the guys in your club who could show you and explain the finer points of aerobatics. Actually getting out and seeing how things are done and having someone explain it to you in person, will teach you more than any book or video can.

You don't need an expensive airplane either. Hangar 9's Sticks are great aerobats and are relatively inexpensive.

My personal favourite is the H9 Ultra Stick ARF 60 and a Saito 1.00 FS engine. The plane itself is only $188.99 from Great Hobbies:

http://www.greathobbies.com/productinfo/?prod_id=HAN2350

OR for a really cheep but very good setup, the Super Stick 40 ARF at $99.99 with a TT 46 Pro. for $109.99. Add 5 Hitec HS425BB servo at approx $14 each and for less than $300 you have a nice aerobatic/3D plane to learn with.

Once you get the "hang" of it ( couldn't resist the punn) Move up to what ever plane you want! You'd at least have a great flying and fun airplane and it wouldn't cost you a fortune to start out with!

I love the Ultra Stick. You can do anything with that plane! And I have always found the H9 planes to be of very good quality all around. Geez, I should get paid for all this advertizing eh?? :wink:

[BigBreeze]

I downloaded and saved most of the Flying Cirkus (now the Flying Giants) 3d How-To vids a looonnnng time ago, I'll see if I can find them.

IMO, the absolute best and most recent source for How-To 3d is in book format...Scott Stoops' book The Pilot's Guide to Mastering Radio Controlled Flight found at http://www.rcpilotguide.com/. Everything from basics of flight to Blenders and Elevators. It's a must-have for any R/C pilot....

[moo]

I downloaded and saved most of the Flying Cirkus videos

Me too, will look for them.

[hillmanr2]

The books are good, but the best way to learn is to get an outdoor foamy and then burn a ton of gas, glow or electrons(?).