As you might imagine, being the Editor-in-Chief of this magazine, I receive an abundance of emails, tons of phone calls, and the occasional letter. I’m happy to report that the majority of which include comments that are positive and complimentary on the publication.
The times when they’re not is normally because the reader would prefer to see more articles on the segments of the hobby in which they enjoy. This is certainly understandable, yet challenging, to provide everyone the coverage they desire when dealing with so many segments within the hobby.
To take it a step further, some readers also have strong feelings about the power plants within the aircraft or helicopters featured, or reviewed, in the magazine. While I do my best to keep a balance, the truth of the matter is that the magazine is offered far more electric aircraft for review than gas and glow models combined.
Today manufacturers often market .40 and .60 sized models with the choice of a combustion engine or electric motor. Personally I can appreciate both sides of the coin. With gas/glow models you have the unmistakable sound, the smell, and the ability, in most cases, to fly longer on a tank of fuel than via electrons.
Electric power; however, provides simplicity once you understand the basics. Noise and finicky engines become a thing of the past. The plug and play experience also becomes a good starting point for beginners. Airplanes and helicopters of all types and power systems have their place in MA.
In this month’s issue Greg Gimlick will help demystify the terminology commonly used with electric flight and provide a solid foundation while Terry Dunn will review an aircraft powered by both a glow engine and an electric motor and compare and contrast the differences.
Park Pilot magazine
This year I have taken on the role of Editor-in-Chief of Park Pilot magazine which is dedicated to smaller, electric-powered, park flyer aircraft. The goal of the publication is to instruct and inform readers on this exciting segment of the hobby.
Being at the helm of both publications will allow me the opportunity to better coordinate the content with as little overlap as possible. If electric models peak your interest, a subscription to Park Pilot which includes four quarterly issues is only $9.95. To find out more visit www.theparkpilot.org.
