First Flight in Over 20 Years

Sig Skyray Wed Jul 08, 2015 8:33 pm

My re-entry to the hobby (which has taken about 3 months now...) had some rocky points but I made it. Finally had a successful flight on July 4th. So the two videos below are my first attempt with an unfamiliar plane which was too tail heavy and I didn't realize it, and the next is my successful flight. I estimate it's been right around 25 years since I flew CL and man it felt good to make some laps! Going out this weekend too and next we'll be having the first flight of my boys L'il Wizard.

Greg

I don't know about you all but I can not maximize the video window to full screen once I start the video. I have to maximize first.
Thanks goodness for 5cc tanks, great for test flights.

There's a slo-mo replay of the crash near the end....

Added 8 grams nose weight and added more elevator movement. Success!

cox24711 Wed Jul 08, 2015 8:51 pm

Sig Skyray wrote:My re-entry to the hobby (which has taken about 3 months now...) had some rocky points but I made it. Finally had a successful flight on July 4th. So the two videos below are my first attempt with a unfamiliar plane which was too tail heavy and I didn't realize it, and the next is my successful flight. I estimate it's been right around 25 years since I flew CL and man it felt good to make some laps! Going out this weekend too and next we'll be having the first flight of my boys L'il Wizard.

Greg

I don't know about you all but I can not maximize the video window to full screen once I start the video. I have to maximize first.
Thanks goodness for 5cc tanks, great for test flights.

There's a slo-mo replay of the crash near the end....

Added 8 grams nose weight and added more elevator movement. Success!

thats cool i am getting into cl with a black hawk raven kit which is in postage right now very excited

ps your sig flew beautifully

**RknRusty** Wed Jul 08, 2015 9:01 pm

Good going Greg and Nick. I thought for sure you were gonna fall down or do a little jig at the end there. I can't wait to see you as you get better and better with each flight report!
Rusty

P.S. Here are some basic control line General and Safety protocols that every new C/L pilot and pit crew should strictly adhere to. Some things like the pilot launch posture and the launcher's grasp on the plane apply more to advanced flying and bigger planes, but it's never too soon to start good habits. Lefties also have to improvise with the signal and launch position.

For the pilot:

As you leave the running plane, get your line clips in each hand, making sure they are un-kinked. Walk quickly(In the case of limited fuel) to the handle, keeping tension on the lines as they slide through your fingers and pick up the handle. Check the clips, if equipped, to make sure they’re un-kinked. Keep tension as you put your wrist in the thong.

Check for people and animals in the circle area. Agree ahead of time on a clear delay/abort signal.

Perform an elevator check and observe proper operation.

(Right handers)Turn 90 degrees to your left, so your arm and handle is extended out to your right, and when ready, signal the pit man to let go.(This is for smooth rollouts and is not necessary for sport flying. Later it will ensure smooth gradual takeoffs)

The signal is a sweeping motion of the left arm, beginning with a bent elbow, hand at chest, and ending outstretched to full extension pointing left (lefties have to improvise with their right hand in motion).

For the pit man

Hold the plane with your right hand’s fingers wrapped around the wing’s LE near the root, and your left hand on the fuselage, but not obstructing the control rod, and not pressing any weight onto the plane.

Check that your knees and feet are not obstructing the rollout path

Double check as the pilot walks to the lines to see that line clips are un-kinked.

Check that the plane is turned pointing slightly outside the circle.

Check the area for people and animals, and delay launch as necessary.

When the pilot’s launch signal has been fully and completely executed, quickly release your fingers and lift your arms up and away.

As you make the release, turn 180 degrees away from the pilot and walk(never run) in a straight line 10 quick long strides before changing your direction to observe or tend the camera. Never walk parallel or any other angle other than 180 degrees away from the pilot.

rogermharris Wed Jul 08, 2015 9:23 pm

great going guys and good set of rules to follow rusty.
i'm a lefty and just use the thumbs up for release once checking the lines and control

getback Thu Jul 09, 2015 7:31 am

Good Going Guys welcome back to the world of 1/2A FUN !! the engine was sounding good glad you got the cg. straightened out to get in some flight time Small Cox Logo

Eric

Sig Skyray Fri Jul 10, 2015 9:03 am

Haha, yep I practiced my spinning. Thanks all. Good flying protocol there Rusty. Nicholas and I will practice those things. We'll be heading back out this weekend and hopefully trying out his Wizard for the first time. We've been practicing in the yard with short lines and he seems ready. I might even attempt my first loop.

Have a great weekend all! Greg

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