Edition: Model Aviation - 2002/10
Page Numbers: 14, 15

Kelly Mini Electric Sailplane Every once in awhile we get the chance to preview a kit before the public gets its hands on it. Hobby Lobby gave us a sneak peak at its newest electric-powered sailplane: the Kelly. The Kelly is a Radio Control (RC) Almost Ready to Fly and comes precovered as shown. Clearly visible are the Kelly built-up surfaces (wings, flying stabilizer, and rudder). The fuselage is fiberglass with a removable clear plastic canopy for radio and battery access. With a folding propeller, two-piece plug-in wings, and a removable stabilizer, this model breaks down into a small, almost suitcase-size package. The Kelly has a 52-inch wingspan, 222 square inches of wing area, is 28 inches in length, has a flying weight of approximately 13 ounces, and has a wing loading of 8.5 ounces per square foot. It is designed for three-channel control: elevator, rudder, and motor. Although we haven't had the chance to fly this model yet, Hobby Lobby has said that it flies with the grace of a much larger sailplane, slowly and smoothly. It has a good climb and great duration from a 500 NiMH pack. On a good thermal day, you should be able to fly indefinitely. The Kelly Mini Electric Sailplane retails for $95. Hobby Lobby: 5614 Franklin Pike Cir., Breimvood TN37027: Tel: (615) 373-1444: Fax: (615) 377-6948; Web site: H-HW.hobby-lobby.com Getting Started in Backyard Flying If you liked Bob Aberle's landmark "State of the Sport: Electric-Powered Flight" article in the April 2002 Model Aviation, you will love his new book: Getting Started in Backyard Flying—Your guide to small electric radio-control planes. Aimed at the newcomer to this segment of the RC sport, this book is also an excellent resource for the experienced electric modeler. In addition to an excellent introductory chapter that outlines the many and varied types of backyard and indoor RC models and explains in detail the attributes of each, Bob has included chapters entitled "Electric Motor Systems." "Propellers," "Electronic Speed Controls," "Batteries & Chargers," "Connectors," "Wire & Soldering." "Measuring Motor Parameters." "RC Systems," "System Installation," "Control & Hookup." "Choosing Your Aircraft." "Let's Put it All Together." "Flying." "Competition Flying," "Organizations," "Publications," "Internet & Electric Flys," "What's Next," "Modeling Terminology," and a "Source Guide." Many additional technical tips and techniques are provided in an abundance of informative sidebars. Even the nonelectric modeler should have this book in his or her library for the many excellent building and equipment-installation techniques. Each chapter is filled with pertinent information, and the text is supported by clear, well-thought-out graphics and excellent color photography. Even with no prior knowledge of electric modeling, you should be able to successfully build and fly a backyard or indoor-type electric airplane by simply applying the information gleaned from this comprehensive book. Getting Started in Back\ard Fixing is list priced at $24.95 and is well worth it. If you're contemplating getting into any type of electric flying, this is one book you should own. Air Age Publishing: 100 E. Ridge Rd.. Ridgefleld CT 06877; Web site: www.rcstore.com GWS DHC-2 Beaver Park Flyer Designed for those afternoon getaways to the local park, the GWS Beaver park flyer looks like a baby bush plane. Its all-foam fuselage is molded to look like the real thing and comes with a realistic-looking cowl. No painting is required; decals are included for extra detail. Assembly can be completed in just a couple short evening sessions. A three-channel radio system, micro flight pack, and charger are required to complete assembly. GWS has designed two new flight packs (sold separately) specifically for use with the Beaver. Using a 600 mAh, park flyers will enjoy slightly more than 11 minutes of flight time. Takeoffs can be made in roughly the length of a picnic table, thanks to the brisk climb performance that the EPS300C power system provides. The Beaver will fly lazy 15-foot circles at half throttle without a hint of a tip stall. There's plenty of horsepower for loops too. On landing, the model retains superb control authority all the way to touchdown. The Beaver has a wingspan of 39.8 inches, a wing area of 260 square inches, and a length of 27.4 inches. The kit has a street price of $44.99. Horizon Hobhv Distributors: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.horiionhobby.com RCairport If you surf the Internet, you've probably run across dozens of sites tailored to RC. Many take the form of newsgroups with members posting notes to each other, using the site as a tool to do so. However, there are other sites that do more than that, and we found one with a unique twist: RCairport.com. This site is relatively new as Web sites go, but it seems to be growing at a fairly rapid pace. "As members of the RC community, we grew way too complacent doing everything in a discussion forum," said Michael Kranitz. president and CEO of Kranitz Enterprises, which owns RCairport.com. "We believe discussions should take place in the discussion forum and that members should be given the proper tools to do everything else, like rating kits, reading expert kit reviews, posting classified ads. finding events, and setting up an automated local club presence." RCairport's classified-ad service has search and sorting capabilities that enable users to find products in more than 100 listing categories. Users can search by price, product condition, product type, and keyword. Sellers who use the classified-ad service instead of a forum can get enhanced display capabilities such as holding and highlighting, photo icons, stock photos, and "top of the heap" featured listings on the Classifieds home page. RCairport does not charge its members a commission for selling their products, and RC retailers can place classified ads on the site for a small monthly fee. The Kit Review Hangar features nearly 1,500 kits from more than 155 manufacturers worldwide. Each kit is categorized, and the entire database is searchable by more than 30 criteria, including manufacturer, name, power type, build type, aircraft class, aircraft characteristics, and flying skill. Members can rate any kit on a seven-point quantitative scale and write a brief review of the kit. Members can also post build, power, or setup tips for each kit and read a review from one of RCairport's expert editors, if available. [fa kit is not listed on the site, any member (including the kit's manufacturer or retailer) can use a special form to suggest it, and it will be added within days. Each entry in the RCairport kit-review database has a "Buy or Sell It" tab, which displays a maximum of three hobby retailers which have purchased a listing under that kit. Each listing includes the retailer's custom promotional text, telephone number. Web link, and a promotional coupon code and description if the retailer wants to discount a particular product. RCairport recently broadened its array of features with the acquisition of RCOnline.com: the first online forum for the RC community, which was started in 1996. Now RCOnline is integrated with RCairport. Users can freely click back and forth between the sites, giving members of each one access to the most powerful array of RC tools and services anywhere on the Internet. With more than 2.700 clubs in the RCairport database, virtually any RC flying club based in the United States can log on and instantly access free tools and services. If a flying club is not listed, the club's RG, w ttf..nH administrator can instantly add it to the site. Services range from free online newsletter publishing to club-event calendars, club bulletins, and online member communication tools. Not willing to settle for calendars that just look like calendars, RCairport created an interactive event calendar that allows individuals to search for flying events by AMA sanction status, event type, and location. Every event is listed in a standardized way, with complete details. The calendar allows posting of AMA, International Miniature Aerobatic Club, and International Miniature Aircraft Association events, as well as any nonsanctioned flying event anywhere in the United States. The contest, location, hospitality, contact, and scheduling details for each event are presented clearly and in an unabbreviated format, giving contest directors the ability to promote events while minimizing telephone and E-mail inquiries. Soon RCairport will be adding Model Aeronautics Association of Canada event posting for our Canadian flying partners. RCairport: www.rcaiiport.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2002/10
Page Numbers: 14, 15

Kelly Mini Electric Sailplane Every once in awhile we get the chance to preview a kit before the public gets its hands on it. Hobby Lobby gave us a sneak peak at its newest electric-powered sailplane: the Kelly. The Kelly is a Radio Control (RC) Almost Ready to Fly and comes precovered as shown. Clearly visible are the Kelly built-up surfaces (wings, flying stabilizer, and rudder). The fuselage is fiberglass with a removable clear plastic canopy for radio and battery access. With a folding propeller, two-piece plug-in wings, and a removable stabilizer, this model breaks down into a small, almost suitcase-size package. The Kelly has a 52-inch wingspan, 222 square inches of wing area, is 28 inches in length, has a flying weight of approximately 13 ounces, and has a wing loading of 8.5 ounces per square foot. It is designed for three-channel control: elevator, rudder, and motor. Although we haven't had the chance to fly this model yet, Hobby Lobby has said that it flies with the grace of a much larger sailplane, slowly and smoothly. It has a good climb and great duration from a 500 NiMH pack. On a good thermal day, you should be able to fly indefinitely. The Kelly Mini Electric Sailplane retails for $95. Hobby Lobby: 5614 Franklin Pike Cir., Breimvood TN37027: Tel: (615) 373-1444: Fax: (615) 377-6948; Web site: H-HW.hobby-lobby.com Getting Started in Backyard Flying If you liked Bob Aberle's landmark "State of the Sport: Electric-Powered Flight" article in the April 2002 Model Aviation, you will love his new book: Getting Started in Backyard Flying—Your guide to small electric radio-control planes. Aimed at the newcomer to this segment of the RC sport, this book is also an excellent resource for the experienced electric modeler. In addition to an excellent introductory chapter that outlines the many and varied types of backyard and indoor RC models and explains in detail the attributes of each, Bob has included chapters entitled "Electric Motor Systems." "Propellers," "Electronic Speed Controls," "Batteries & Chargers," "Connectors," "Wire & Soldering." "Measuring Motor Parameters." "RC Systems," "System Installation," "Control & Hookup." "Choosing Your Aircraft." "Let's Put it All Together." "Flying." "Competition Flying," "Organizations," "Publications," "Internet & Electric Flys," "What's Next," "Modeling Terminology," and a "Source Guide." Many additional technical tips and techniques are provided in an abundance of informative sidebars. Even the nonelectric modeler should have this book in his or her library for the many excellent building and equipment-installation techniques. Each chapter is filled with pertinent information, and the text is supported by clear, well-thought-out graphics and excellent color photography. Even with no prior knowledge of electric modeling, you should be able to successfully build and fly a backyard or indoor-type electric airplane by simply applying the information gleaned from this comprehensive book. Getting Started in Back\ard Fixing is list priced at $24.95 and is well worth it. If you're contemplating getting into any type of electric flying, this is one book you should own. Air Age Publishing: 100 E. Ridge Rd.. Ridgefleld CT 06877; Web site: www.rcstore.com GWS DHC-2 Beaver Park Flyer Designed for those afternoon getaways to the local park, the GWS Beaver park flyer looks like a baby bush plane. Its all-foam fuselage is molded to look like the real thing and comes with a realistic-looking cowl. No painting is required; decals are included for extra detail. Assembly can be completed in just a couple short evening sessions. A three-channel radio system, micro flight pack, and charger are required to complete assembly. GWS has designed two new flight packs (sold separately) specifically for use with the Beaver. Using a 600 mAh, park flyers will enjoy slightly more than 11 minutes of flight time. Takeoffs can be made in roughly the length of a picnic table, thanks to the brisk climb performance that the EPS300C power system provides. The Beaver will fly lazy 15-foot circles at half throttle without a hint of a tip stall. There's plenty of horsepower for loops too. On landing, the model retains superb control authority all the way to touchdown. The Beaver has a wingspan of 39.8 inches, a wing area of 260 square inches, and a length of 27.4 inches. The kit has a street price of $44.99. Horizon Hobhv Distributors: 4105 Fieldstone Rd., Champaign IL 61822; Tel.: (800) 338-4639; Web site: www.horiionhobby.com RCairport If you surf the Internet, you've probably run across dozens of sites tailored to RC. Many take the form of newsgroups with members posting notes to each other, using the site as a tool to do so. However, there are other sites that do more than that, and we found one with a unique twist: RCairport.com. This site is relatively new as Web sites go, but it seems to be growing at a fairly rapid pace. "As members of the RC community, we grew way too complacent doing everything in a discussion forum," said Michael Kranitz. president and CEO of Kranitz Enterprises, which owns RCairport.com. "We believe discussions should take place in the discussion forum and that members should be given the proper tools to do everything else, like rating kits, reading expert kit reviews, posting classified ads. finding events, and setting up an automated local club presence." RCairport's classified-ad service has search and sorting capabilities that enable users to find products in more than 100 listing categories. Users can search by price, product condition, product type, and keyword. Sellers who use the classified-ad service instead of a forum can get enhanced display capabilities such as holding and highlighting, photo icons, stock photos, and "top of the heap" featured listings on the Classifieds home page. RCairport does not charge its members a commission for selling their products, and RC retailers can place classified ads on the site for a small monthly fee. The Kit Review Hangar features nearly 1,500 kits from more than 155 manufacturers worldwide. Each kit is categorized, and the entire database is searchable by more than 30 criteria, including manufacturer, name, power type, build type, aircraft class, aircraft characteristics, and flying skill. Members can rate any kit on a seven-point quantitative scale and write a brief review of the kit. Members can also post build, power, or setup tips for each kit and read a review from one of RCairport's expert editors, if available. [fa kit is not listed on the site, any member (including the kit's manufacturer or retailer) can use a special form to suggest it, and it will be added within days. Each entry in the RCairport kit-review database has a "Buy or Sell It" tab, which displays a maximum of three hobby retailers which have purchased a listing under that kit. Each listing includes the retailer's custom promotional text, telephone number. Web link, and a promotional coupon code and description if the retailer wants to discount a particular product. RCairport recently broadened its array of features with the acquisition of RCOnline.com: the first online forum for the RC community, which was started in 1996. Now RCOnline is integrated with RCairport. Users can freely click back and forth between the sites, giving members of each one access to the most powerful array of RC tools and services anywhere on the Internet. With more than 2.700 clubs in the RCairport database, virtually any RC flying club based in the United States can log on and instantly access free tools and services. If a flying club is not listed, the club's RG, w ttf..nH administrator can instantly add it to the site. Services range from free online newsletter publishing to club-event calendars, club bulletins, and online member communication tools. Not willing to settle for calendars that just look like calendars, RCairport created an interactive event calendar that allows individuals to search for flying events by AMA sanction status, event type, and location. Every event is listed in a standardized way, with complete details. The calendar allows posting of AMA, International Miniature Aerobatic Club, and International Miniature Aircraft Association events, as well as any nonsanctioned flying event anywhere in the United States. The contest, location, hospitality, contact, and scheduling details for each event are presented clearly and in an unabbreviated format, giving contest directors the ability to promote events while minimizing telephone and E-mail inquiries. Soon RCairport will be adding Model Aeronautics Association of Canada event posting for our Canadian flying partners. RCairport: www.rcaiiport.com