Prez Sez
Walter Pierzchala
Since we are now on daylight savings time, the Club's student training session will begin. Many of you will be visiting the field, remember your airplane might have been in storage during the cold months. It is time to recycle and charge your batteries and check the capacity of the batteries, are they holding a charge? Don't ruin a flight due to battery failure.
When you receive your April newsletter, the field should have been rolled and the field should be in good shape for your flying enjoyment.
Remember!!
Safety comes first.
Preflight
In the May issue of Model Aviation on page 68 is the Newcomers article. It would be a good idea for all of us to read this one because there are some excellent points made regarding taking our aircraft out for the first time in a new flying season. An extensive preflight is necessary after winter storage.
Debunking the Myths
Bob Fritch
I believe that many modelers, especially those who go back some time are missing out needlessly on what I consider the greatest enjoyment of my R/C experience. This is due to myths and prejudices evolved over the years when the technology was not available to support the "dream". The advent of flight simulators and advances in helicopter technology and design have made heli flight possible and enjoyable to anyone with a desire to learn. It has been my experience that cost is not necessarily prohibitive for a beginner. I have spent more on some airplane projects over the years.
The greatest challenge to fixed wing pilots is learning to hover and I was surprised at how painless it really was. Forward flight is not much different from a fixed wing craft. The ability to precisely control forward speed and hover simply cannot be described. It is like operating a sports car in the sky. The "old guys" and I'm almost one of them!, must not worry about reaction time. If you can fly a plane you can fly a heli. For those club members who have thought their desire to achieve rotary flight was the "impossible dream" let me reassure you that I am proof positive that this is not the case.
I would like to send a note of gratitude to Mel Jones and Tris Colket for helping me to achieve my dream. These individuals learned in an era when their perseverance paved the way to make things easier for a "Johnny come lately" such as myself. These gentlemen are a true asset to our club and are willing to help those interested. I hope to see more rotors turning. Have a great flying season.
Thoughts on Rotary Flight
Bob Fritch
I have been flying R/C aircraft for 36 years. I have always thought that controlling a heli would be a fantastic experience, as Tris Colket would say "a real kick in the pants". I read reports in 1971 about successes in Europe and drooled. In 1973 I purchased the Dubro Whirlybird with great expectations and much disappointment. I dabbled with other designs over the years which reenforced mu conviction that helis were for people "with more money than brains".
In February of 1999 the heli bug hit me again. I saw an ad for a small heli with a mechanical gyroscope which was practically indestructable and could be flown with a 4 channel airplane radio. Minimal investment! I took the plunge. Having a personl computer I spoke with Dave Brown, your AMA president and owner of Dave Brown Products.
After words of encouragement and a money back guarantee I ordered his flight sim and began practicing hovering while constructing my heli. I took the little bird to a work parking lot and hovered on the first outting! By outting #3 I was attaining 12 minute hovers. During session #4 I removed the training gear and was progressing into small circles and then forward flight. After so many years of failed attempts I was hooked. I purchased two larger helis and contacted Mel Jones, chief heli instructor and Tris Colket, heli safety officer and became an official novice.
Taking me under their wings.....err rotors, they were instrumental in my success which culminated on March 25th of this year with my first full blown circuits of our field with one of my more complex machines. It made it home in one piece!
Fun Flys 2000
Chaired by Mike Estock
Saturday June 10th Saturday September 23rd
raindate raindate
Sunday June 11th Sunday September 24
Of Interest...
Wilkes Barre/Scranton Airshow 2000
On June 10th and 11th, there will be an Armed Forces Air Show at the Wilkes Barre Airport. The US NAVY BLUE ANGELS will fly. Also featured will be the Red Barons, a Stearman airobatic team. There will be military demos of an F14 and an F15. A wingwalker team will also perform. If you go, then do it on Sunday. The first VFSS Funfly takes place on June 10th.
April Meeting
The April meeting will be held at the Valley Forge Presbyterian
Church on April 11th at 8:00 PM.
April 2000 Raffle
Robart Super and adjustable model stand
Direct connection doddger - quickie fun fly 25/40 size
airplane
Hobbypoxy 3 hour glue
Formost 36 inch metal ruler including carrying case.
Great for cutting covering material.
Zona 3/1 saw set
Dubro 1/8 inch tubing bender set
Dubro 1300 MAH glow ignitor, including charger (battery
is replaceeable)
Tracote-2-2 roll bundles
Remember...
When you need kits and supplies, patronize our advertisers found on the last page of this newsletter.
For Sale:
Bench sander
9 inch disc- 6x48 belt sander
including motor and pulleys.
$125.00
Call Joe Yalove
VFSS Supporters
On our advertiser page this month, please note that changes have been made.
PENN VALLEY HOBBY CENTER has changed their hours.
JCRC has added a web address.
We have a new advertiser this year. CREEK HOBBIES is a supporter from New Jersey. Travel time to this location is less than an hour from our field.
If you visit any of our advertisers please be sure to let them know that you are a member of VFSS.
Feedback or comments to:
Ernie McGauley , HearYe editor
Michael Myers, Webmaster
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