Newcomers
WHAT GOES AROUND, comes around. At least it better, or your powered trainer isn't going to fly. I'm talking about the propeller - that twisty object that spins away, causing your model to taste the air in flight. The choice of propeller (prop) for a trainer is not as critical as it is for a sophisticated Pylon, Pattern, Scale, etc. model. Maximum thrust or speed is not a primary goal; you are looking for something that will haul the model skyward, allow it to cruise nicely, let the engine run smoothly, and stand up to the abuse of bounced landings.
Newcomers
As a newcomer, you will eventually solo, then soon find the trainer-type model uninspiring. Where do you go then? This month I'll pass along a few thoughts relative to that question. First, however, my last column hasn't hit the street at the time of writing this one, but in rereading it at a much later date, I fear some newcomers may reach the conclusion that I feel flight simulators are not helpful. Such is not the case. Used as a tool rather than a game, much insight can be gained during the learning process. Some of the professional Radio Control (RC) instructors use simulators very effectively in their programs. The point I was attempting to make is that there is no substitute for "real-time" flying.
Now you're Talking
I'VE BEEN ASKED several times why the message "Thanks, Bob" appears at the head of the fifty 72 MHz RC channels listed on our Membership Renewal Form. Well, you do realize that 50 exclusive, separated, license-free RC channels were not conferred on you by the FCC because you have a pretty face. It took hard work by AMA member volunteers, over a period of 10 years, to get them. This included face-to-face meetings with the FCC Commissioners in their own offices in Washington (at a time when AMA had Washington offices, too). It has taken another 15 years-long effort, by more AMA people (volunteers and employees), to keep those channels.
Newcomers
In modeling, sticking to it is important - in more ways than one! Learning to build and fly (and repair!) requires some dedication and perseverance. This column is about "sticking" in another way. Adhesives, that is! In the "old days" the variety of adhesives available was pretty slim. Even the fastest of these made the building process monumentally s-l-o-w. You could blow on it; you could stare at it; but the stuff just wouldn't dry any faster. Nowadays, don't blink your eyes, because you can glue your finger to your nose in less time. Adhesives come in a greater variety today, and their uses are much more specialized. Let's look at some:
Newcomers
One of the "things" (a cousin of "stuff") that has a profound effect on our lives is the computer. If nothing else, society has figured out how to construct a device that is obsolete about 38 minutes after you plug it in! Computers have found a place in our hobby/sport; some of the more esoteric uses include things such as CAD (Computer-Aided Drafting) aircraft design, but a popular use of the computer is as a training device so that you can "fly" in the comfort of your home. In the last couple of years, these simulators have gotten pretty sophisticated. You are able to call up dozens of situations, model aircraft, and weather conditions. The "transmitters" have morphed into copies of those used at the local flying site. The feel is there, the movement is there - what more could a person want, than to learn to fly without risk?
