Radio Control: Aerobatics
There's hardly anyone who would claim to need a Lamborghini to drive to and from work. Yet many fliers feel they must have the latest high-technology radio equipment to fly in the Sportsman (Advanced or Masters) class. Why is that? I think that ego and self-image have a lot to do with it. Let's split out radio design features and examine their worth relative to the Pattern classes and a flier's ability. The questions to answer are: "What is needed to perform the maneuvers?" and "Based on the pilot's ability, can he or she take advantage of the radio system's features?"
Radio Control: Aerobatics
At the end of last month's column, I wrote that I thought Model Aviation had no plans to cover the F3A World Championships, and I would try to make arrangements with Tony Stillman (USA's F3A Team Manager) to write a short article and include some pictures to replace my March column. Tony confirmed that he could do it, and also thought he could get some pictures from Greg Frohreich (Greg had been Tony Frackowiak's caller at the World Championships).
Radio Control: Aerobatics
THIS IS THE JANUARY 1994 issue, but it sure doesn't feel like it. It's just before Labor Day weekend as this is being written. You should be reading it around the first of December. I always miss wishing everyone Merry Christmas, because I never think about Christmas in early September. Not this year! For some reason, the idea popped in my head. So, to everyone out there: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Radio Control: Aerobatics
ARE WE EVER in for some changes! Thanks to Tony Stillman, the United States team manager at the 1993 World Championships in Austria, we have the following news: The FAI rule committee met recently and recommended rule changes to the complete FAI body. Since the rules committee recommendations are almost always accepted by the larger body, these probably will be, too. The proposed FAI rules for 1996 through 1999 will be the same as what is in the FAI Sporting Code now, except that there will be a two-meter wingspan limit, a two-meter fuselage length limit, and engine displacement will be unlimited.
Radio Control: Aerobatics
Boy, do I ever get a lot of mileage out of that servo tester! Hardly a day goes by that the mailman doesn't have at least one SASE with a request for a copy of the article and schematic. I really enjoy receiving the requests because I consider them to be positive feedback on this column. So don't apologize for sending the requests, and please don't send money to cover printing costs. Printing costs are minimal and well worth the good feeling I get when sending out something that somebody else can use. In addition, I get a kick out of some of the notes that accompany the requests. Keep those SASEs coming! Frank Elliott of Santa Fe, New Mexico sent a letter about the suggestion I made in my August '94 column about softening epoxy resin that had hardened in the bottle:
