Finally got some stick time

Well I did get a little time in the air last week. The weather finally turned nice on an afternoon I had some time to put t plane in the air and it was great. Fetlt so good to get the first flight of spring under my belt after months of waiting. It is strange how it takes a few minutes in the air to get the feel back and get comfortable flying again. My landing was a little rough but I was flying on a field with high grass and not familiar with the orientation so I didn't get lined up as I would like but all in all it was a good first flight. Perhaps the weather will clear soon and the early flight jitters will calm down.

Latest Model - Curtiss JN-4

i have just finished my newest model. It is a Curtis Jenny (JN-4) and my first biplane. It is a true slow flyer and sports functioning flying wires. All I need is a nice still day to get it in the air and see how well it flys. I have been following the discusions on RC universe http://www.rcuniverse.com/
and I really like what I see there as it seems to really fly true to scale which is something I look for in models. I know a lot of RC pilots are into 3D and things that you do not actually see in full scale aircraft. Everyone has their own preferences in this sport but I lean hard to true scale looks and performance.

The Jenny was a favorite trainer for WWI pilots and at the end of the war many pilots who were trained by the U.S. Army were able to purchase these aircraft very cheaply. They were used a lot in barnstorming and airshows to promote aviation to a public that had never actually seen a flying machine. They were also used a lot in the early airmail and transportation market. You can still find a few of these classic airframes still in flying condition across the country.

It thrills me every time a see one of the old biplanes in the air. I don't think I have ever seen a Jenny fly but a number of others such as the Steermans and Wacos are seen from time to time in the air.

Looking forward to better weather

Seems like it has been an eternity since we have been able to get a plane in the air. Usually we have a warm spell in January which will provide an opportunity for at least an hour or two to fly but not this year. The cold is not the real problem but the wind and falling moisture really present a problem. As my interest has really turned to electric power even the cold has an impact as the batteries just don't have as mcuh life when it is very cold. I have trimmed up, painted and repaired all winter and really need to get some time on the sticks. I have worn the simulator out and it is just not quite the same as actually seeing the plane lift off into the air.

Ah, but soon the weather will become more favorable surely. Come Spring - come quickly!!

Relationship of engine to payload question

In response to the comment by Tom:
I don't think the power source will really be a factor by itself. The issue is more related to having an equivilant source of power. In other words if I were running a .40 engine, what size electric would I need to produce the same thrust. When those two are equal the payload capacity would be the same. Hope this makes sense.

Electric or Nitro for RC Planes

I am really fascinated by the advent of electric power for RC aircraft. I flew for many years using the traditional nitro fuel for my models and have recently started flyin all electric models. I am not sure why so many enthusiasts have made the switch, but in my case it was a matter of convenience. My free time is very limited for flying and many times it was a last minute opportunity that arose. For example, I might suddenly have a canceled meeting and have a couple of hours open during which I could run to the field and get in a few flights. The problem arose that in that length of time my batteries were not charged and I would need to load my flight box, tool box, etc. No way would I get it all done and have time to fly. I decided to get a simple electric park flyer that I could throw in the truck. With a cigarette lighter adapter, I could easily charge up my batteries on the way to the field and enjoy more time actually in the air. As a result I am moving to an all electric fleet of planes. My first foray was with simple rudder/elevator control and am now ready to move up to larger planes with airelon control and larger engines. I would love to hear from others who went electric power and their reasons.