Horizon Hobby HobbyZone AeroScout S 1.1m RTF

MANUFACTURING AND BRODAK DISTRIBUTING COMPANY, INC. THE LARGEST KIT MANUFACTURER IN THE WORLD -- AND GROWING!

We are your one-stop source. We have hun- dreds of kits, including Dare Designs that are known for excellence CORSAIR F4U1A P-47D THUNDERBOLT SKYRAIDER AD-1 PORTERFIELD CP-65 in Electric/RC kits, DA-538 $71.95 DA-550 $65.95 DA-561 $65.95 DA-119 $51.95 gliders, rubber-pow- Wing Span 32” Wing Span 27” Wing Span 30” Wing Span 27” ered kits, and unique designs. Every Dare De- sign model is exten- sively test-flown before release, using the orig- inal prototype, built P-51D MUSTANG MOSQUITO BMK-IV P-26 PEASHOOTER ZEPPELIN LINDAU CS-1 from the original Dare DA-536 $76.95 DA-541 $98.95 DA-534 $76.95 DA-555 $65.95 plans, using Dare laser Wing Span 32.4” Wing Span 40” Wing Span 32” Wing Span 27” parts and materials. We carry all the com- ponent power-parts for Dare planes, as recom- mended by the design- ers. We have DRIGGS SKYLARK STEARMAN KAYDET PT-17 DeHAVILLAND DH-9 SOPWITH STRUTTER Brushless Motors DA-507 $65.95 DA-556 $76.95 DA-545 $59.95 DA-533 $60.95 ESCs Wing Span 28.5” Wing Span 32” Wing Span 32” Wing Span 29” Lipo Battery Packs Servos and more!

Great Finishes Start with BRODAK BUTYRATE PRODUCTS! KI-61-II TONY ZERO A6M5b FOKKER DR1 CESSNA 140 DA-127 $51.95 DA-553 $65.95 DA-505 $82.95 DA-116 $51.95 Visit brodak.com for a Wing Span 31.12” Wing Span 27” Wing Span 31.25” Wing Span 26” complete list of products and prices.

Brodak carries WW I Spoked Wheel Kits & Jigs (8 sizes), Dare Vintage Plastic Wheel GEE BEE R-1 INTERSTATE CADET AERONCA CHIEF CURTISS P-40F DA-125 $76.95 DA-124 $51.95 DA-114 $51.95 DA-128 $51.95 Kits for WW1 models, Wing Span 25” Wing Span 26” Wing Span 28.4” Wing Span 28” Vacuum-formed Ra- dial Engines, Pilots, Armament (classic and modern), Rockets and the largest line of vacuumed parts. For details and prices visit AVIA BH-3 VERTGO ZEPHYR INSPIRER BIPE DA-121 $51.95 DA-112 $27.95 DA-107 $32.95 DA-111 $49.95 brodak.com. Wing Span 31” Wing Span 24” Wing Span 23.5” Wing Span 22” 100 Park Avenue / Carmichaels, PA 15320 / www.brodak.com email: [email protected] / (724) 966-2726 (voice) / (724) 966-5670 (fax) CONTENTS 09 WINTER 2020 VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1

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FEATURES THE PARK PILOTS 16 10 Build It: May Bee 16 Dave Lockhart: Sport & 40 The Other Side of the Tree Line: Aerobatics Rob Caso 22 Greg Gimlick: Helicopters 26 Don Belfort: Electrics & IN EVERY ISSUE Electronics 04 Jay Smith, Control Tower 30 Rob Caso: Scale 06 Park Pilot Subscription Renewal 34 Jeff Troy: Model Builder Form 36 Lucas Weakley: New Technology 07 Online Buzz 38 Don Slusarczyk: Jets 0077 AActionction CCalendaralendar 0088 GGreatreat SStufftuff SShowcasehowcase PILOT’S CHOICE 4433 PParkark PPilotilot PProgramrogram EEnrollmentnrollment PRODUCT REVIEWS Form 18 RealFlight 9 Flight Simulator With 4444 AAdvertiserdvertiser IIndexndex Spektrum Controller 4444 Park Pilot Submission Guidelines 24 Horizon Hobby HobbyZone AeroScout S 1.1m RTF 28 Horizon Hobby Blade Fusion 360 BNF Basic 2244 32 AVIrem StickMover

>> On the cover: The 43-inch Horizon Hobby HobbyZone AeroScout S 1.1m RTF comes with everything you need to successfully navigate the sky, including a Spektrum DXe transmitter and a 2,200 mAh Smart LiPo flight battery. Photo by Matt Ruddick. Horizon Hobby HobbyZone AeroScout S 1.1m RTF

02 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] OF MIGHTTHE MINI Who ever said a strong performance can’t come in a small package!

AC BALANCE CHARGER/DISCHARGER Our RDX1 Mini is the sleek, portable, 65-watt power-packed battery charger you’ve been waiting for. Storing up to 10 battery profi les with a maximum 6-amp charge rate and 2-amp discharge rate, this mini charger brings the reliability required to keep all your battery chemistries locked and loaded when you need them the most.

• STORES 10 DIFFERENT BATTERY MEMORY CHARGE/DISCHARGE PROFILES • USER-FRIENDLY LCD INTERFACE • TERMINAL VOLTAGE CONTROL

Hitec RCD USA, Inc. | 12760 Danielson Ct. Unit E, Poway, CA 92064 | (858) 748-6948 | www.hitecrcd.com CONTROL WINTER 2020 TOWER VOLUME 13 ISSUE 1 Park Pilot is Communications Director Rob Kurek

Editorial Executive Editor Jay Smith Managing Editor Liz Helms Associate Editor Jennifer Alderman Staff Writer/Copy Editor Rachelle Haughn

Art/Design Art Director Lynn Balderrama Graphic Designer Aaron David Howard

Multimedia Digital Experience Lead Dillon Carpenter

With Contributing Writers Jon Barnes Larry Kruse Jay Smith [email protected] Don Belfort Dave Lockhart Rob Caso Don Slusarczyk Greg Gimlick Jeff Troy Andrew Griffi th Lucas Weakley Kyle Jaracz

Editorial Offi ce 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays Academy of Model Aeronautics I dipped my toe into the waters of exciting electric fl ight after seeing an Jay Smith, Executive Editor 5161 East Memorial Drive episode of Radio Control Hobbies hosted by Chris Chianelli. The next day I Muncie, Indiana 47302 picked up the fi rst issue of Backyard Flyer magazine, where Chris tempted Voice: 765-287-1256, extension 225 Email: [email protected] >>me yet again with his review of the GWS Tiger Moth. Advertising Account Executive I was sold on the Tiger Moth being my fi rst park fl yer and purchased it that day, Jonathan McGraw (410) 316-9863 along with a fl ight pack for my Airtronics transmitter. When I began fl ying the Park Pilot is an offi cial publication of the Academy of Model Tiger Moth, it was powered with NiMH batteries and a brushed motor. Aeronautics (AMA), Incorporated, a non-profi t organization. Park Pilot is published quarterly at 5161 E. Memorial Dr., As time progressed, I upgraded my trusty Tiger Moth to brushless power using Muncie, Indiana 47302. Copyright AMA, 2020. Park Pilot and a CD-ROM motor and a 2S LiPo battery. The difference was amazing, and the the AMA logo are trademarks of the AMA. © 2020 Academy of Model Aeronautics, Inc. (“AMA”) All rights reserved, Tiger Moth went from a good fl yer to a great one. reproduction in whole or in part without the express written permission of AMA is prohibited. Park Pilot is a registered In fact, the Tiger Moth was so popular at the school where a group of us fl ew trademark of AMA.

that it wasn’t uncommon to see as many as a dozen in attendance. We would Subscription Rates for AMA Members often do a formation fl ight to start the day. When enrolling in AMA’s Park Pilot Program, members will receive Park Pilot magazine as a membership benefi t. When membership in the AMA includes a subscription to Park Pilot, $7 of the dues are for the subscription. Membership is open to all who are interested in model aviation. Open AMA “Advancements in foam molding, members may add a one-year subscription to Park Pilot to their membership for $9.95 a year, payable in advance. Schools (U.S.): $8 per year. Libraries (U.S.): $8 per year. Send subscription orders/payments and changes of address radio technology, and battery to the attention of the AMA Membership Department. Six weeks are required for change of address. Please give new and old addresses as printed on the latest label.

technology continue to improve Back Issues: Membership Dept., 1-800-I-FLY-AMA (435-9262), ext. 129 Address Changes: Send address changes to Academy and help ensure that people of Model Aeronautics, 5161 East Memorial Drive, Muncie, Indiana 47302, Attn: Membership Department or [email protected] start off on the right foot with a Park Pilot and/or the Academy of Model Aeronautics should not be considered to endorse any advertised products or messages pertaining thereto. Content of all articles, model designs, special features and columns of this magazine is successful first flight.” the opinion of the author and does not necessarily represent the offi cial position of the Academy of Model Aeronautics. We cannot accept responsibility for unsolicited articles or artwork. Those wonderful memories from my early electric fl ying began 20 years ago. Any material submitted must include return postage. I think all of us can look back fondly when thinking of our fi rst experience with electric-powered model aircraft. Advancements in foam molding, radio technology, and battery technology continue to improve and help ensure that people start off on the right foot with a successful fi rst fl ight. To further that, AMA has partnered with Horizon Hobby on the Horizon Hobby Flight School. If you are interested in instruction, or would like to instruct others, you can learn more at horizonhobby.com/content/ fl ightschool.

04 PARK PILOT [winter 2020]

Product reviews Features Quarterly columns How-to tips Original builds

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Renew online at www.theparkpilot.org or by mail to: ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS ATTENTION: JENNIFER ALDERMAN 5161 E MEMORIAL DR MUNCIE IN 47302-9903 ACTION CALENDAR THEPARKPILOT.ORG ONLINE BUZZ Hodges Field in Americus, Georgia, it Find more great content features a fl at, 1,700-foot grass runway online and in your with a pit area, camping space, and >> digital edition! abundant parking. Expect to see all aspects of RC electric fl ight including Build It sport airplanes, park fl yers, 3D, giant >> Larry Kruse designed a unique, February 29, 2020 scale aircraft, slow fl yers, RC gliders, flat-foam model that bears a striking The North Penn Model Airplane Club pylon racers, electric ducted-fan jets, in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, will operate helicopters, scale airplanes, and more. resemblance to a commonly known its open-door Winter Blues indoor event SEFF is FPV and multirotor friendly. full-scale aircraft. Download free plans at North Penn High School. Under the Friday and Saturday feature noon for the May Bee at TheParkPilot.org. enthusiastic direction of Mike Voicheck fl ying demonstrations. Sponsors and and utilizing a grant from the school vendors will exhibit products and Ready to Fly district’s educational foundation, the conduct demonstration fl ights. >> The Horizon Hobby Blade Fusion club meets after school to build and fl y seffweek.com 360 BNF is a fun little heli with zero model aircraft and learn about aviation, assembly time. Watch it take flight at engineering, and science. The annual TheParkPilot.org. indoor event helps spread the benefi ts of model aviation, while raising additional Nats Demystifi ed money for the program and school. >> In 2019, columnist Don Belfort northpennmac.org competed in the RC Pylon Racing Nats. Learn what it takes to be a caller April 3-5, 2020 in a video at bit.ly/38B8RR8. The Weak Signals Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo, June 7-13, 2020 commonly known Are you or do you know someone Your subscription includes as The Toledo Show, between the ages of 13 and 17 this access to Park Pilot digital! takes place at the year who wants to learn or work on SeaGate Convention fl ying skills? Camp AMA is a weeklong With Park Pilot digital, you can enjoy Centre in Toledo, Ohio. The event summer camp for teenagers held at the current and past issues of Park features manufacturer exhibits, a static International Aeromodeling Center in Pilot anywhere that you have an RC model competition, symposia, an Muncie, Indiana. Camp AMA accepts internet connection! auction, a swap shop, and raffl es, as well applicants between the ages previously To see your digital edition, visit as open indoor fl ying and RC car racing. stated, with skill levels ranging from TheParkPilot.org/digital and choose The ETOC (Electric Tournament of beginner to advanced. the issue you’d like to read! Champions) returns for the second year Campers get a chance to work with and will take place Friday and Saturday well-known AMA fl ight instructors in the nights after the show closes. The ETOC RC hobby and industry. The instructors JOIN THE CONVERSATION costs $8 per person, with free admission not only help the campers improve their for children ages 12 and younger. The techniques, but use their expertise to Toledo Show is $15 per person per day train and teach participants in all aspects and features free admission for children of the RC hobby. For more information, ages 12 and younger, current active duty visit the Camp AMA webpage or contact This and military members, National Guard, and the AMA Education department at Reserves (ID card is required). [email protected]. MORE! toledoshow.com amafl ightschool.org/campama TheParkPilot.org

April 27-May 2, 2020 The Fayette Flyers of Georgia is pleased to announce one of America’s premier electric fl ight festivals, SEFF (Southeast Electric Flight Festival). Held at

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 07 Great Stuff Showcase

Microaces microaces.myshopify.com Microaces has launched Scrappee, the company’s fi rst trainer designed specifi cally for those who are looking for a place to start in the hobby or who are already fl ying and want a quick build. This tough and easily repairable micro fl yer has scalelike looks, as well as a wide speed range, few vices, and predictable responses to control inputs. Scrappee Classic is straight out of the Golden Age of Aviation, and the contemporary Scrappee Patriot II has a more utilitarian look with clipped fl ight surfaces and a modern camoufl age livery. The Classic climbs fast, loops big, and turns quickly, while the Patriot II is ideal for fl ying at a local park. Both kits are available as the airframe only or with a SSpektrum-,pektrum-, Futaba-,Futaba-, oror FFrSky/Taranis-compatiblerSky/Taranis-compatible FFlightlight PPackack tthathat includesincludes an all-in-one receiver, motor/ gearbox, propeller, and adapter. (Prices vary with currency conversion.)

Flyzone horizonhobby.com/category/storefronts/horizon-hobby- best-brands/flyzone The Flyzone Fokker D.VII Micro EP RTF (FLZU1000; $79.99) is a scale, ultramicro World War I model that is fully assembled, with everything included that you need to fl y right out of the box! In the scale scheme of Ernst Udet’s famous “Du doch nicht!” Fokker D.VII fi ghter, this optimized design has outstanding control using only three channels. Its lightweight construction makes it ideal for indoor areas such as gymnasiums or for small-fi eld fl ying. The intricate details include Lozenge camoufl age, an engine replica, machine guns, and more, while the installed ultramicro power system delivers a wide speed range and impressive fl ight times. The compact four-channel transmitter uses glitch-free 2.4 GHz technology and has an integrated charger for the built-in 1S LiPo fl ight battery.

Hitec RCD hitecrcd.com Expanding on the popularity and superior performance of the RDX1 chargers, HHitecitec iintroducesntroduces tthehe RCX1 Mini (Part No: 44295; $42.99), a sleekly designed, ccompactompact AACC iinputnput cchargerharger tthathat ppacksacks 6655 wwattsatts ooff ppowerower iintonto hhalfalf tthehe ssizeize ooff mostmost otherother chargers.chargers. CompatibleCompatible withwith a fullfull rangerange ofof popularpopular batterybattery types,types, includingincluding new-generationnew-generation LiHVLiHV (lithium(lithium high-voltage)high-voltage) batteries,batteries, the RDX1 Mini boasts 6 amps of maximum charging current and 2 ampsamps ofof dischargingdischarging current.current. WithWith a user-friendlyuser-friendly interface,interface, itit storesstores 10 different battery memory charge/discharge profi les, has a built-in JST/XTJST/XT balancebalance connector,connector, cancan balancebalance cellscells whilewhile discharging,discharging, andand has balance, standard, fast, and storage modes for all lithium battery chemistries. It also features a re-peak charge mode and delta-peak sensitivitysensitivity forfor NiCdNiCd (nickel(nickel cadmium)/NiMHcadmium)/NiMH (nickel(nickel metalmetal hydride)hydride) batteries,batteries, anan optionaloptional temperaturetemperature sensorsensor forfor NiCd/NiMHNiCd/NiMH charging,charging, a built-inbuilt-in XT60XT60 connector,connector, andand a smartsmart ventilationventilation fan.fan. A charger, power cord, and two- pinpin T-typeT-type chargingcharging cablecable areare included.included.

08 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] Blade horizonhobby.com/content/bladehelis The best micro RC, collective-pitch helicopter just got better! The Blade Nano S2 RTF with SAFE Technology (BLH1300; $129.99) lays a successful path to 3D aerobatic expertise with new features, making it easy for pilots of all skill levels to master. The custom-tuned AS3X system at the heart of the SAFE technology has been improved, as has the performance of the SAFE Angle Demand and Panic Recovery features. SAFE Z Altitude Control, new to the Nano platform, uses the onboard accelerometer to maintain a consistent altitude, and the new fl ight controller has been mounted vertically to improve damping and remove gyro vibration. Easier to control than ever, this collective-pitch design accommodates everything from gentle hovering to advanced maneuvers. The strong coreless motor and 45C LiPo fl ight battery produce capable power. Everything needed to complete the Blade Nano S2 RTF is in the box, including a Spektrum MLP6 six-channel 2.4 GHz DSMX transmitter with four AA batteries, the receiver, fl ight battery, and battery charger.

Multiplex weekenderwarehouse.com The next-generation FunCub has arrived! The Multiplex FunnyCub (SKU: M100888; $69.99) is a resilient new EPP indoor foamie from Multiplex that emulates its big brother and is capable of taking off and landing from nearly anywhere with large wheels and a softly sprung undercarriage. The two ailerons can optionally be lowered to act as landing fl aps to further reduce the airspeed and takeoff distance. It features bright, colorful, preprinted, fl at EPP components for the fuselage, wing, tailplane, fi n, and undercarriage and includes carbon-fi ber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) spars for the wing and fuselage, as well as a CFRP undercarriage unit. Using the power system with 2S 450 mAh LiPo batteries, 6-minute fl ights can be achieved. All plastic parts are included, but small items and linkage components are required to complete the 36.61-inch wingspan FunnyCub.

BetaFPV betafpv.com Powered by Silverware fi rmware, the BetaFPV Beta65S Lite Micro Whoop Quadcopter (BNF, $39.99; RTF, $46.99) is a simple and affordable quadcopter that uses a new version of the BetaFPV Lite brushed fl ight controller and doesn’t require switch setting like Betafl ight. The transmitter included with the RTF quad has been upgraded from the TX01 to a LiteRadio transmitter. The motors have been upgraded from 7X16 17,500 Kv to 7X16 19,000 Kv to offer more punch on the throttle, and the frame has been upgraded from a V3 to V4. The built-in Bayang protocol native receiver is compatible with nearly any transmitter that uses deviation fi rmware or a deviation-compatible transmitter module, and the BetaFPV M01 AIO VTX camera has a total of 48 channels. Using the 300 mAh 1S LiPo battery, 3-minute fl ight times can be achieved.

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 09 The May Bee has charisma thanks to its Gee Bee heritage. Color separations and markings make it highly visible in the air. It has gentle landing characteristics.

BUILD IT: MAY BEE

BY LARRY KRUSE PHOTOS BY HAROLD ANDERSON AND LARRY KRUSE [email protected]

My local club has become giving it sort of a “cartoon scale” fl avor. Try to purchase sheets that are as warp- eclectic during the past few As I thought about a full-scale airplane free as possible, and then round up years, with interests ranging with a stubby-chubby profi le and a 2206 1,500 Kv brushless motor or >>from giant scale, to large and small glow- planform, the Granville Brothers’ Gee equivalent; a 10-amp ESC; three 9-gram engine models, EDF (electric ducted- Bee came to mind. servos; a hot-glue gun, some 5-minute fan) jets, electric-powered airplanes in all I began sketching and cutting foam and 15-minute epoxy; and a 7 x 5 sizes, and indoor airplanes fl own once a and in roughly a week, I had something propeller. Additional parts and pieces are month. different enough to take to a club called out in the following sequenced Recently, fl at-foam models have made meeting for show-and-tell. When several instructions. a resurgence with our members in the of our members saw it, they said, “Oh, a Using them sequentially, in sort of form of some easy-to-build, great-fl ying, Gee Bee!” I responded, “Well I wouldn’t a cookbook fashion, will serve as a and imaginative aircraft developed by go that far. It’s more like a May Bee since checklist of your progress as you move Joe Gross, an indoor fl yer and former it hasn’t fl own yet.” Odd how names toward completion of your airplane. The FAI aerobatics competitor. come about, isn’t it? few pieces that comprise the model can Joe has a range of designs constructed The May Bee has been tweaked, be cut out quickly by using the full-size from Dollar Tree (dollartree.com) foam modifi ed slightly, and fl own extensively, templates that are available as a free board, and he specializes in providing so I’m confi dent it can provide a quickly download (TheParkPilot.com). completely built planes at reasonable built, fl at foamie for your hangar that I have found it useful to back each prices. Consequently, nearly all of our can be fl own outdoors or indoors, with template with light poster board. Any club’s indoor and park fl yers have at only small trim adjustments. type of rubber cement, spray adhesive least one “JoePlane.” such as 3M 77 Spray Adhesive (3m. Joe’s fl at foamies tend to have Construction sequence: The May Bee, com), or Elmer’s spray adhesive generous, squared-off surfaces and are similar to my other two recent fl at- (elmers.com) can be used to attach the not intended to be scalelike. I began foamie designs, the Avro Vulcan and templates to the poster board. Scissors wondering what could be done with the Lippisch P.13B, is constructed from or a hobby knife can be used to cut out an airplane by using his parameters and two sheets of Dollar Tree foam board. the patterns.

10 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] FREE PLANS AVAILABLE Notice that two of the larger pieces are half patterns and should be AT THEPARKPILOT.ORG positioned carefully on the foam board with the straight edge of the pattern used as a centerline for fl ipping the pattern over and tracing the opposite side. Tracing around each pattern should be done with a soft lead pencil so that any stray marks can be carefully erased. A ball-point pen doesn’t offer that latitude. A #11 hobby knife blade works well for cutting out the pieces. Try to hold the knife as vertically as possible. If you happen to cut an edge that ends up slightly slanted, it can be squared up with a T-bar sander faced with medium- grade sandpaper. Foam board tends to dull cutting edges quickly, so rather than tearing the backing paper, change the #11 blade as needed. After the parts are cut, it is easier to paint the scallops on the top and bottom of the wing and the color separations of the fuselage pieces before assembly. Because the airplane is constructed with the paper backing of the foam sheets intact, choose a painting method that will not lift or curl the paper by getting The airplane parts are few in number and The two major parts are the front wing it too wet. are primarily cut from Dollar Tree foam that piece and the rear stabilizer piece, epoxied Alternately, a coat of oil-based is guided by full-size templates. together at the V-shaped notch that is shown. Minwax (minwax.com) can also be brushed on and wiped off with a lint- free rag to seal the paper backing before painting. Be careful to keep it away from the joint lines because hot glue will not stick to a surface coated with Minwax. I used low-tack artist’s frisket fi lm as a mask for the scallops and color separation lines, and airbrushed the red color using multiple light coats of A 3-inch section of a bamboo barbecue thinned acrylic enamel. When properly skewer provides the connecting joint applied, airbrushed paint goes on The two major pieces need to fit snugly as between the two elevator halves. The pieces they are epoxied together. Note the waxed should be dry-fitted together before the essentially dry. Patience is the only thing paper under the joint. Excess epoxy should epoxy is applied to the skewer and the two you will need as you alternate between be cleaned off using a dry paper towel. foam elevator pieces. the fuselage and the wing to get the paint to the point of opacity and not another commercial, foam-safe paint, fl at until the epoxy cures. When it has dampen the paper backing on the foam if airbrushing is not your thing. Just be cured, draw a centerline on the top and board. sure to apply several light coats to avoid bottom of the joined pieces to guide Wing scallop lines and color lifting the foam board’s paper backing, you in hot gluing the top and bottom separation lines are marked on the unless you’ve used Minwax to seal it fuselage parts in place. You will need to templates for your convenience. Be against any moisture. work quickly before the hot glue sets up. sure you totally mask out all areas After the paint has dried, use Experiment with scraps of foam to that shouldn’t be painted to eliminate 5-minute epoxy to join the front wing make a right-angle joint so that you can accidental overspray. The painted piece and the rear stabilizer piece, arrive at a comfort level before the real portions can also be done with rattle can carefully wiping off any excess epoxy gluing process begins. paints such as Testors (testors.com) or that seeps out. Keep the two pieces Using the centerline referenced in the

Free Plans Available at THEPARKPILOT.ORG 11 motor mount, holding it firmly in place until the glue cures. For additional strength, add generous glue fillets to all of the surfaces at the back of the motor mount/fuselage joint. The subassemblies are next. Because they are all control surfaces, sand a 45° chisel shape with the angle facing down on each LE (leading edge) surface of the elevators and ailerons. Be sure and make a right and left side for both! Sand an equivalent chisel-shaped angle to the rudder’s LE using whichever side you choose. A T-bar sander works well for this operation and keeps all LE surfaces straight while cutting the required angle for movement. The elevators can now be notched as shown on the elevator template to The finished airplane shows off its generous surface and control areas, as well as its unusual accept the 3-inch bamboo barbecue planform. skewer that will provide a secure connection between the two pieces. previous step, run a bead Poke a few small shallow holes in of hot glue down the line the foam in the notch to provide an and put the bottom of the additional gluing surface. Test-fit the fuselage in place, holding assembly against the stabilizer’s TE it at 90° until the glue (trailing edge) to make sure everything cures. Run a bead of glue fits and trim it, if necessary, to ensure down each side of the that the length matches the stabilizer joint to add strength. Flip length. the wing/stabilizer over Epoxy the pieces together on top of and raise it up enough so waxed paper using 15-minute epoxy. that it rests flat with the Keep everything flat and square to the bottom of the fuselage stabilizer’s TE as the epoxy sets up. hanging down and not After the joints have cured, take a small touching anything. amount of epoxy and go over them Small, easily applied graphics dress up the model in a faux I used piles of books again to make sure glue has reached all Gee Bee fashion. They can easily be found online, printed under each wing to give of the surfaces. on plain paper, carefully cut out, and adhered to the aircraft the appropriate clearance. Hinging the surfaces comes next. with a glue stick. Repeat the gluing Several hinging methods can be used on operation for the fuselage flat-foam airplanes using various kinds of top, running a bead of hot tape. The one that I like is the quickest glue down the marked and simplest, involving two steps and centerline then along 1-inch Du-Bro (dubro.com) Electric each side of the joint Flyer Hinge Tape. after the base glue cures. Place the two surfaces to be joined Be careful to hold the butted together, top side up. The chisel piece at 90° to the wing/ shape of the moveable surface should be stabilizer platform until it pointing down. Cut a length of the hinge is locked in place. tape approximately 1 inch shorter than The addition of the the length of the surfaces to be joined. 1 /32 round motor mount Lightly and carefully place it lengthwise will complete the basic over the two surfaces, keeping them structure. Run glue down touching along their seam. Press the tape The left underside of the fuselage shows the battery mount, and across the cruciform down firmly after it’s positioned to your the elevator servo, and the aileron servo that is center- mounted in a hole cut in the lower fuselage. The aileron shape of the front and satisfaction. 1 servo arms extend on both sides of the fuselage. carefully position the Now cut two 2 /2-inch pieces of tape

12 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] and set them off to the side. Fold the the upper fuselage template was the onto the motor mount with screws long two surfaces you just joined back over target in order to avoid needing to add enough to penetrate the foam. Small each other, keeping the edges even any additional weight to the nose. holes were cut as required to allow the then apply the short pieces of tape As you arrive at the locations for wire from the ESC to reach the battery perpendicular to the joint. Space them your electronics, you might want to and the servo lead wires to connect to out so that they support the surfaces experiment with several placement the receiver. equally and rub them into place, arrangements before committing to any particularly over the bare foam of the of them. Simply lay the components out Control surfaces: Because of the edges. on the horizontal surface area and test- position of the servos, some rather long Flatten out the surfaces and flex them balance the airplane each time. pushrod runs were necessary. I used a few times to make sure that the joint I used three 9-gram Tower Pro .047 music wire for all of the pushrods moves easily. The rudder uses the same (towerpro.com) MG90S metal gear with Du-Bro Micro 2 Control Horns technique as the elevators and ailerons, servos. As the photos show, two servos mounted on the control surfaces using but the tape should be placed in two were located in front of the CG and one foam-safe CA adhesive. In order to locations—one above and the other was directly on the mark. The 10-amp keep the elevator and rudder pushrods below the elevator notch on the rudder. ESC and the Tactic TR624 receiver from flexing, I used two Flyzone (towerhobbies.com) were crowded as (horizonhobby.com/flyzone) Micro Set Radio and power installation: Placing far forward as possible and held in place A control horns as standoffs for each the electronics on this model—in with double-sided tape and hook-and- pushrod and threaded the pushrods particular the three servos—was of great loop material, respectively. A strip of through them before connecting concern in order to meet the projected hook-and-loop material for the battery everything, as the photos show. CG (center of gravity) of 33% of the was mounted on the opposite side of The best technique for connecting the 1 wing chord, located 6 /2 inches back the fuselage, as close to the back of the servos, pushrods, and the control horns from the front of the motor mount. motor mount as the glue fillets would is to mark the location of the horns and Although there was some wiggle room allow. drill holes to mount them, but don’t to adjust the 2S 500 mAh LiPo battery I screwed the TH 2006-17T 1,500 glue them in place until each pushrod fore or aft, the CG location marked on Kv motor and 7 x 5 propeller assembly is formed to length with a built-in

The ESC, receiver, aileron, and rudder servos are located on the right bottom side of the fuselage. The bundled wires were wrapped in hinge tape and attached to double-sided tape to keep them as tidy as possible. Note the clear packing tape that was applied to provide scuff protection for landings.

Free Plans Available at THEPARKPILOT.ORG 13 SPECIFICATIONS: TYPE: Flat-foam park flyer SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate WINGSPAN: 30 inches WING AREA: 240 square inches LENGTH: 29.25 inches WEIGHT: 7.5 ounces (without battery) POWER: 2206 1,500 Kv outrunner motor PROPELLER: 7 x 5 APC BATTERY: 2S 500 mAh LiPo RADIO EQUIPMENT: Tactic TTX650 transmitter; Tactic TR624 receiver FLIGHT DURATION: 5 to 7 minutes, depending on throttle management

The May Bee in flight: At this point the work was complete and the fun began. Using the CG location shown, I moved the battery slightly forward to achieve the required balance. I set my transmitter for low rates and reduced all throws to 70% with 25% exponential. The pushrod locations cross over each other but have plenty of clearance. All of the electronics and High rates were left at 100% controls are located on the bottom side of the fuselage for a cleaner look in the air and on the ground. with 25% exponential to soften the controls. servo arm and their respective control The first test flight was done right horns before the horns are glued in at sundown one calm evening in my place. Z-bends are used to connect both front yard. With an underhand launch ends of each pushrod, which imposes at roughly 50% power and about four some limitations on how and when all clicks of up-elevator, the airplane connections must be made. skimmed along at a 4-foot altitude and made a complete circle, landing Finishing the May Bee: After the just in front of me. I knew it was electronics and controls are mounted and good to go! complete, all that is lacking is to give the The full maiden flight that followed airplane some character with Gee Bee the next day proved that the model was This shows one of four Flyzone micro control markings gleaned from the internet and both aerobatic and stable. Maintaining horns that are used as standoffs for the rudder and elevator pushrods. The standoffs printed on bond paper. Everything on the four clicks of up-elevator for launch must be threaded onto the pushrods before airplane was simply cut out with a sharp (which can be trimmed out after the the rods are attached to the servos and #11 blade and attached to the surfaces airplane reaches altitude), it is easy to fly control horns. The micro control horns can be using a glue stick. in all modes. It can perform nearly any sunk into the foam board at any location and glued in place using foam-safe CA. The May Bee lettering on the rudder maneuver you can think of and slows to was printed from the stock font styles a hover for landing. adjustment kink for minor tweaking. in Microsoft Word. The canopy was cut It is unusual and sort of funky looking I recommend a dry run. Because the from MonoKote trim sheet (both left and in the air. Although it’s not scalelike in aileron servo is embedded in a cutout right sides are required) and stuck to the any way, it has a certain charisma about in the lower fuselage with a control arm fuselage sides. it that attracts attention. located on both sides of the fuselage, Because the model is a belly-lander, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my the servo control arm must be centered I added some clear packing tape to the fellow club member, Harold Anderson, before the servo is hot glued in place. front of the fuselage using a 1-inch for flying the airplane so that I could get After the aileron servo is firmly strip laid along the bottom of the the necessary flight photos, and Joe for mounted, the prefitted pushrods will fuselage. I then notched and wrapped it his formulaic approach to the flat foamie need to be connected to each side of the to protect it against damage. design that inspired the May Bee.

14 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020]

SPORT & AEROBATICS PARK PILOT

Flying in cold weather

Dave Lockhart [email protected]

Wintertime for residents and most >> pilots who live in colder climates brings about a number of changes. Some put away the outdoor airplanes and wait for spring. Some shift to fl ying indoors. Others choose to brave the elements and continue to fl y outside. I put away my bigger Designed for float-flying from water, this well-powered Mini Polaris, owned by Spencer Weigand, airplanes (which require works great on snow and ice and is capable of harrier flights as well as loops, rolls, and flat spins. more assembly time at the Weigand photo. fi eld) and continue to fl y my small aircraft outdoors and improve performance. This is typically between and cooler temperatures as the weather permits. In the case where LiPos 3.75 and 3.82 volts per cell. reduce their chemical activity The performance of LiPo will sit unused for one or The exact voltage is not and degradation. batteries is reduced in cold more months, a couple of critical and varies depending When fl ying season temperatures; however, tasks are recommended. on the charger that is used. returns, the LiPos should be proper care of LiPos in cold First, charge or discharge Next, store the batteries in allowed to warm to room weather can extend their life the batteries to storage level. a refrigerator (do not store temperature before being themthem belowbelow freezing).freezing). TheThe charged. During storage, sstorage-chargetorage-charge llevelevel voltage should be checked once a month, with charging (after warming to room temperature) back to storage level being done as needed. The effi ciency and peak power output of LiPo batteries is affected by temperature. Depending on the specifi c battery and power system setup, the peak power output (in watts) can A LiPoLiPo batterybattery heatingheating bagbag isis usefuluseful be 20% less in the winter forfor wintertimewintertime flyingflying versus the summer. Increasing toto keepkeep batteriesbatteries the propeller size by a small warm.warm. ElectronicElectronic amount can be an effective handwarmers/USBhandwarmers/USB chargingcharging banksbanks areare way to regain some of the usefuluseful forfor heatingheating lost power. Reducing fl ight hands.hands. time by 10% or 20% is a good

16 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] Among the many airplanes being built this winter, Mike Baiano opted to add a custom color scheme to the bottom of his Fancy Foam Models Extra 330s. Supplied with a red, white, and blue top and a white bottom, Mike used Krylon Fusion spray paint to add high-contrast black and yellow to the bottom. Baiano photos.

idea to avoid discharging the the dexterity and fi ngertip battery below normal levels “feel” of the transmitter (in the summer). sticks. Numerous battery or Keeping a LiPo warm on USB recharge banks include a sunny dashboard or in a additional features such as a pocket will also improve fl ashlight or pocket warmer. its performance. Using an Warm pockets between insulated and heated LiPo fl ights go a long way toward allow takeoffs and landings cracks or abrasions in the bag is an effective way to extending outdoor fl ying as usual. insulation and housings? keep batteries warm until sessions in the winter. Skis or fl oats are other Are Velcro straps frayed they are ready for fl ight. The effects of cold weather options that work well in or do they still have good HobbyKing (hobbyking. on specifi c airplane performance deeper snow. Keep in mind holding power? Well-used com) and Hyperion are positive. Denser air helps that the extra weight of skis propellers should be cleaned (hyperion-world.com) are the wing produce more lift or fl oats and the reduced and rebalanced if needed, or two suppliers. Cold LiPos and the propeller create power of a cold LiPo battery discarded if splits or cracks take longer to charge, so I more thrust. The downside can dramatically reduce are found. set my discharged batteries of fl ying in cold weather is the power-to-weight ratio. Although many park fl yer on the LiPo bag while I that glue, foam, and wiring Airplanes that normally aircraft are ready to fl y as recharge them. tend to be less fl exible and rocket out of a hover will purchased, or include all Keeping fi ngers warm is break more easily with still be able to power out of of the needed components another challenge. Bunting, unplanned arrivals or rough one; however, airplanes that to fl y, some kits and ARF fl y-fi shing, or fi ngerless landings. had marginal power to hover (Almost Ready to Fly) windproof gloves are great Snow can present a might not be able to hover at airplanes need additional ways to keep hands warm challenge when it comes all. components/materials. In whilewhile preservingpreserving to takeoffs and landings. A advance of a build, I like to meremere 1 inchinch ofof fl uffyuffy Building and repairing: For read through the manual, snowsnow can,can, forfor thethe those who do not fl y in the lay out all of the parts, and mostmost part,part, bebe winter, building is usually a confi rm that I have all of the ignoredignored becausebecause high priority. It is also a good materials and equipment that it doesn’t affect time to do maintenance I need to fi nish. the airplane any checks and preventive Do you want something more than a little maintenance on existing different? Mike Baiano used bit of long grass. airplanes. Krylon Fusion (krylon.com) Given that most Are all screws, bolts, nuts, spray paint to customize aerobatic airplanes and fasteners tight? Do the his Fancy Foam Models don’t require long control surfaces and linkages Extra 330s (fancyfoam- runways, simply move freely without any com.3dcartstores.com) packing the snow slop? Are the servos secure, winter build. Krylon Fusion in a small area can centered properly, and is readily available and moving smoothly through compatible with a variety the full range of movement? of foam types. As supplied, Readily available and Are all servo wires, motor the bottom of the wing and compatible with most wires, ESC wires, battery stabilizer are solid white. foams, Krylon Fusion can be used for custom color wires, and connectors in Mike opted for high-contrast schemes and repairs. good condition with no black and yellow colors.

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 17 Pilot’s Choice Product Review

RealFlight 9 Flight Simulator With Spektrum Controller The popular simulator gets a new transmitter

Hobbies are normally taken up Illinois, which is the home of Horizon able to activate the mix that includes for fun and enjoyment. Being Hobby’s RC Fest and where the the flaps as ailerons, which is one of my successful when starting in company flies all of the airplanes seen favorite features on the actual model. >>the aeromodeling hobby is important. in its videos. Waiting for me on the AS3X (Artificial Stabilization-3 aXis) The AMA operates its Model Aviation runway was an airplane I reviewed in and SAFE technology are available Experience simulator trailer filled with the September 2019 issue of Model on the models in the simulator that flight simulators that travels across the Aviation (modelaviation.com), the incorporate that technology. This is country, and people who venture inside Timber X. beneficial to those who are new to often receive their first flight experience. Being familiar with the aircraft, I took using a flight simulator, flying, or both. Selecting a trainer and giving new pilots off and immediately tried to initiate a SAFE performs in the simulator as tips about using the transmitter and roll; however, the aircraft limited my it does when flying actual aircraft by flying helps give them a good start. pitch and bank angles—I was flying in providing limited bank and pitch angles. When I launched RealFlight 9 flight SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight Envelope) It can be activated or deactivated with a simulator with the included Spektrum mode! After flipping a few different flick of a switch. controller for the first time, I found switches on the transmitter, I was not While I joyfully flew around Eli myself at Eli Field in Monticello, only able to turn off SAFE, but was Field until I ran out of battery, forcing

RealFlight 9 was installed on Jay’s Dell gaming laptop for portability and ease of connecting it to his TV. Photos by Jay Smith

18 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] JAY SMITH [email protected]

The RealFlight 9 flight simulator offers 46 flying sites and 121 airplanes, 10 sailplanes, 36 helicopters, and 19 drones to fly.

Flying from water is always enjoyable, and RealFlight 9 does a nice job of providing pilots with a believable experience. a landing, I realized that this flight experience on the flight simulator. do when flying aircraft equipped with simulator had taken things to the next Granted, any crash on the sim can stabilization. level. Just as SAFE has allowed pilots be easily erased by the reset button, RealFlight 9 is available as software to enjoy easier, confidence-boosting but beginners now can have an extra only and with a USB transmitter. The first flights, people can have the same level of confidence, much like they transmitter is vastly different from what

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 19 Aircraft in RealFlight 9 can sustain damage during flight and continue to be flown while exhibiting the effects of the changes. Here, part of the landing gear is missing.

was bundled with previous versions. Aircraft, which is simple enough, This transmitter is a Spektrum Interlink but actually finding a specific aircraft SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SYSTEM: DX Simulator Controller. It has a new among so many choices can take a little >> Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 look and layout and even has gimbals digging. Although there are grouping Intel Pentium 1.0 GHz or equivalent with adjustable spring and throttle options, I would have liked to have >> 512 MB RAM >> 10 GB hard drive space tension to get the feel with which you had them separated into airplanes, >> DVD drive are comfortable. helicopters, and drones. >> 3D accelerated video with 32 MB dedicated video memory After checking out the new A feature that I quite enjoy is that >> Fully DirectX 9.0-compliant (Shader Model transmitter, it was time to install the you can incur damage or have flight 2.0 or better) >> InterLink DX, RealFlight-compatible controller software, which is provided on two failures with your aircraft and continue or gamepad/joystick discs. There is also an option for a to fly, while the aircraft handles >> Internet connectivity required to download additional content and updates digital download of the software. I used differently. This feature even allowed OPTIMAL SYSTEM FOR BEST PERFORMANCE: my external Blu-ray drive to install Jim Bourke, of Knife Edge Software, to >> Dual-core 2.4 GHz CPU RealFlight 9 on my Dell laptop, which successfully land a giant scale aircraft >> 2 GB RAM >> 3D accelerated video with 512 MB dedicated took approximately 30 minutes. I chose after losing half of its wing. He had video memory to use the laptop to allow me to easily practiced this several times on the MULTIPLAYER REQUIREMENTS: connect to my TV and to make my simulator. When it unexpectantly >> Broadband internet connection simulator experience portable. happened on his model, he was ready. >> Computer microphone for voice chat Launching the program for the first You can receive instruction on how INTERLINK DX CONTROLLER REQUIREMENTS: time, you will be asked if you want to to hover an airplane or practice your >> USB port apply any updates. Having access to the orientation with a heli. You can progress >> Compatible FM or FM-selectable transmitter (if using the interface mode) updates requires software registration. through different modes, which covers After that was complete, I calibrated airplanes and helicopters, and the VR REQUIREMENTS: >> Compatible with some VR sets (available the transmitter and it was time to fly difficulty increases as you work through separately); check manufacturer’s requirements for VR system use around in a virtual world. them. >> Works with the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive VR RealFlight 9 offers simulator pilots Multiplayer allows you to fly with headsets >> Online activation required 46 flying sites and 121 airplanes, 10 your friends, much like at a flying field, sailplanes, 36 helicopters, and 19 or to compete with others in combat PRICE: $99.99–$179.99 drones to fly. The drop-down menu and streamer cut. In Challenges, you INFO: realflight.com for selecting the flying fields is under can perform things such as Balloon Environment. Aircraft fall under Burst, Air Race, and FPV Drone Racing.

20 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] The Hover Trainer allows pilots the opportunity to hone their skills while requiring that the aircraft stay within the circle. You will be happy to learn that the size of the circle is adjustable.

RealFlight supports VR (virtual see the ground and look up into the continually going back to it to put in reality). Through the use of a headset, sky. When flying your RC aircraft, you one more flight. VR provides a computer-generated will track it with your head just as you I have been using RealFlight since simulation of a 3D image or an would when actually flying. Version 2 and I believe it has helped environment that can be interacted If you decide to try flying in VR, you me become a better pilot. It has also with in a seemingly real way. So, what will need to purchase a VR headset allowed me to tackle new maneuvers does that mean? and confirm that your PC meets the first on the simulator that can be Basically, by donning either the requirements for it. When you begin transitioned to actual flight. During the Oculus Rift or HTC Vive headset, flying RealFlight in VR, it will be hard winter, RealFlight is flown more than you are transported to the flying field, to get that smile off of your face! any aircraft that I own. and all of the surroundings seen in the RealFlight 9 incorporates flying, If you are interested in investing headset are at the airport you selected. instruction, and fun that any simulator in an RC flight simulator, you should Turn around and you will see what pilot should enjoy. Other than an issue definitely consider RealFlight 9. is behind you, such as a pit area or with the screenshot function, I haven’t clubhouse. You can look down and run into any problems and I find myself

IS AN RC FLIGHT SIMULATOR RIGHT FOR ME?

A common question among newer pilots is whether or not they should invest in an RC flight simulator. To determine that answer, each person should consider what his or her individual expectations and goals are, and if a simulator can help him or her reach those goals. A simulator can fit the role of a training tool and it can also be used as a game. When used as a tool with specific goals in mind, it will provide the greatest benefit. A simulator will allow you to safely and inexpensively—after you have purchased the simulator— learn new maneuvers, practice orientation, and find out if you are comfortable flying a more advanced model, such as a warbird, 3D aircraft, or helicopter. Perfecting a low, rolling harrier or a Tic-Toc is less expensive on the simulator where a crash is erased by pressing the reset button versus costly repairs. The biggest argument I hear is that for the price of a simulator, you could buy another aircraft. It’s certainly true, however, if that aircraft is beyond your flying skills or if it is lost while trying to perfect a new maneuver, then perhaps the simulator is a better investment. Another benefit of having a simulator is the ability to practice and keep your skills up, even if you live somewhere that doesn’t comfortably allow for year-round flying. I am personally not a fan of flying in below-freezing temperatures, so the simulator is my main type of flying for 3 or 4 months out of the year. If you do decide to invest in an RC simulator, keep in mind that you can learn good or bad habits when using it because it is all about muscle memory, which is learned by repetition.

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 21 HELICOPTERS PARK PILOT

Fun with myths

Greg Gimlick [email protected]

My fi rst introduction to helicopters >>was in the early 1970s when The airflow during an autorotation changes from entering the top of the blade disc to coming up I was “chosen” to attend through the disc from the bottom to drive the blades. the U.S. Army’s rotary wing training program. Similar to motor quits, it will fall like a understand what to do so autorotation, there isn’t any others, I thought that if the rock. If you’re fl ying a coaxial that you don’t lose your heli real antitorque need. There engine quit, it would fall like helicopter and the motor to motor/battery failure, might be a little yaw at the a rock. quits, it will also drop. If you it’s not necessary to draw end of the maneuver because One of the fi rst things they have a collective-pitch heli vector diagrams of the driven, of system drag, but it’s not showed us on our intro fl ight without a one-way bearing in driving, and stall regions signifi cant. was how false that was. They the main drivetrain, it will fall of a blade to do it. We’re A friend used to did admit that it could get like a rock as well. modelers, not aerodynamic demonstrate how wrong the very warm if that big fan on You need a one-way engineers and instructors. I’ve driven-tail argument was by top stopped, but that really bearing to allow the main been there and done that, and doing autos with his giant doesn’t happen either. rotor blades to freewheel you don’t need it here. scale Vario Bell 47 helicopter. The reason helicopters in the wind. Without that, The fi rst thing you must do It didn’t have a driven tail don’t fall like a rock and can the drag of the motor/drive when the motor quits is to get and did the most beautiful actually have a pretty good system would slow it down the collective pitch down to autorotations I’ve seen. glide ratio is because they and eventually stop it. If achieve some negative pitch. After you’ve reduced autorotate. Paraphrased, you’re in doubt as to whether If you don’t, the rotor system collective pitch and have an autorotation is the state your helicopter has it, spool will slow quickly, and you’ll established a nice stable glide, where the main rotor system it up and hit the motor’s kill lose the inertia in the system. you’re committed. It’s going is driven by the force of the switch. If the rotor system Rotor speed is imperative, and to glide at an approximate relative wind instead of an continues to turn instead of some negative pitch will allow 45° angle. engine. More simply, the immediately slowing to a stop, the wind that is now coming For our smaller helicopters, wind will start coming up it does have the bearing. up through the blade disc, we’ll end up fl aring through the rotor system and We need collective pitch to instead of down through it, to (decelerating) at roughly 6 to push the blades, similar to control the pitch of the blades drive the blades. 10 feet above the ground. A what a fan would do if you to make maximum use of the On various forums, there bit of aft cyclic accomplishes blew into it. This produces available lift that is produced are ongoing arguments that this, and as it begins to slow, lift and slows the descent, during an autorotative state you must have a driven you’ll level the model and allowing a controlled landing. and to cushion the landing. It tail rotor to successfully cushion the landing with sounds easy, right? accomplish an autorotation. the collective. Too early, and A few caveats: Naturally, Not true! The emergency you’ll run out of lift; too late, it’s not quite that simple The mechanics of an procedure in full-scale helis and you’ll smack the ground. and requires a few things autorotation: If you’re a rated for tail rotor failure is to enter to be in place. Our models full-scale helicopter pilot, an autorotation. Because Practice makes perfect: I need collective pitch to do forgive me for simplifying there isn’t any torque being encourage everyone to try autorotations, so if you have the process to this extent. produced by the motor- an autorotation when you a fi xed-pitch heli and the Although it’s important to driven rotor system in an are comfortable with a heli,

22 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] but it should be practiced and practiced some more on a flight simulator beforehand. I admit, the smaller and lighter the helicopter, the harder autos seem to be. Bigger helis have lower speed and higher inertia systems, unlike the small ones, and it works in their favor. When you can do an auto on the simulator, think about trying it on a model helicopter. The most common error is getting too slow and dropping the last couple of feet with low rotor speed. This ends up chopping the tailboom. But be warned! Don’t try autorotations from a high altitude and no airspeed— airspeed is your friend when doing autorotations! A normal profile during autorotation starts with level entry, where the motor is stopped, then goes to a reduced collective and stable glide. Next is the deceleration (flare) then the leveling of the aircraft, before Wrapping up: You might finally cushioning the landing with collective pitch using the stored energy in the blades. never have a motor/ battery failure, but knowing Another great explanation what to do “just in case” is a and demonstration of an valuable tool. Autorotations autorotation with a full-scale are actually fun when you helicopter is on YouTube become proficient, but be (youtu.be/196GyjxlGmw). ready to do some repairs If you really want to get while you learn. into the subject, visit the For more detailed FAA’s website and take a information and videos, look at the Helicopter Flying check out John Salt’s Handbook (bit.ly/2IQJRIA) webpage (rchelicopterfun. or the Helicopter Instructor’s com/autorotation.html). Handbook (bit.ly/35byjLE).

This diagram shows the regions of a rotor disc during autorotation For the truly interested, this depicts the vector diagrams for each and their purpose. section in an autorotation.

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 23

Pilot’s Choice Product Review

Horizon Hobby HobbyZone AeroScout S 1.1m RTF Form follows function, which equals fun!

I’m a bit snobbish when The binding process to pair the it comes to the look of an included DXe transmitter is outlined aircraft. Sometimes my love in the manual. You’ll have access to the >>of scale aircraft, with their classic lines powerful SAFE (Sensor Assisted Flight and instantaneous nostalgia, draw Envelope) technology by utilizing the me in more than the models’ fl ight top left switch. You can easily move characteristics and capabilities. from Beginner, to Intermediate, then As such, when I fi rst encountered Experienced mode. By doing so, you the Horizon Hobby AeroScout during can safely and effectively advance your the evening fl ying at EAA’s AirVenture skillset while always having a safety net (eaa.org/en/airventure) in 2019, I in place via the Panic Recovery button. wasn’t overly enthusiastic to give it a If you get disoriented in any of chance … boy was I selling this trainer the modes and press that button, short. the aircraft will attempt to return to Before I get into the model’s fl ight neutral level fl ight. You can also link characteristics and why I believe it is a the radio to many other Spektrum perfect fi t for new pilots, let me start transmitters as a buddy-box system with the build process. Horizon Hobby so another pilot can learn to fl y while knows a thing or three about how a having an experienced instructor model aircraft should go together, and available to take some of the pressure off. The battery compartment is roomy, but the company has created a simple After you’ve read the manual, remember to check your CG and ensure that the control horns and canopy latch process to get this out of the box and charged the included battery, are unimpeded. into the air. confi rmed the CG (center of gravity), The included manual is informative and bound the radio, you can begin confi guration to save a bit of weight and easy to understand. There’s even your fi rst fl ight. You shouldn’t need or if they have tall grass with which a single-sheet guide to quickly put to worry too much about breaking to contend. If you do so, you should together the airframe for those who a propeller because the pusher protect the bottom of the aircraft by might be unable to contain their confi guration protects it. The aircraft’s adding a piece of polystyrene, or at the excitement and want to assemble it as large tires accommodate a range of very least, covering the front servo with quickly as possible. fi eld conditions. somethingsomething toto protectprotect itit duringduring nose-nose- I had it assembled in less than 15 I’ve heard that some pilots have forwardforward landings.landings. I alsoalso recommendrecommend minutes. No glue is required, and hadhad goodgood resultsresults withwith thethe thatthat youyou reconfireconfi rmrm youryour CGCG afterafter suchsuch thethe onlyonly timetime youyou willwill needneed thethe AeroScoutAeroScout inin a a landing.landing. I chosechose toto includedincluded screwdriverscrewdriver isis whenwhen belly-landingbelly-landing youyou affiaffi x thethe nosenose geargear usingusing a singlesingle screw.screw. I addedadded a dropdrop ofof blueblue LoctiteLoctite threadlocker to the front gear screw to keep it from working loose. The AeroScout comes with everything you need to successfully navigate the sky. PhotosPhotos bbyy MMattatt RRuddickuddick aandnd KKyleyle JJaraczaracz

24 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] KYLE JARACZ [email protected]@modelaircraft.org

Flights are smooth, and the aircraft’s response to inputs is snappy. This trainer flies great!

Here’s what is included in the box. You’ll have it put together before the battery is done charging, so take your time and read the manual, which will set you up for success.

SPECIFICATIONS: TYPE: Trainer SKILL LEVEL: Beginner WINGSPAN: 43.1 inches LENGTH: with 34.25 inches READY-TO-FLY WEIGHT: 27.8 to 29.5 SAFE technology is ounces PRICE: as you’d expect. The controls $199.99 INFO: horizonhobby.com are smooth, and this aircraft is surprisingly responsive! This is FEATURES: >> 100% complete including a Spektrum DXe use the aided in part by the motor’s pusher controller/transmitter, battery, and charger >> Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced landing confi guration. This allows greater direct fl ight modes gear on mine. airfl ow over the control surfaces, which >> Panic Recovery function Be cognizant equals greater control. of where you place the This airplane does a great job of battery pack and avoid any potential gliding. Be prepared to make a few go- interference with the servos at the aft arounds when learning to set up your side of the tray and the canopy latch landings. I changed to Intermediate feel comfortable fl ying inverted. As you at the front of the airframe. With mode and was pleased with the results. progress, you can add a bit of control the “always on” AS3X technology I recommend doing most of your to these surfaces by adjusting the servo contained in this aircraft, I’ve found learning using this mode because it linkages. the CG to be fairly forgiving. This allows you to develop the corrective I highly recommend this aircraft to allows you to utilize a broad range actions of self-leveling your aircraft be used as a fi rst trainer to intermediate of battery packs. For beginners, the after banking or pitching. When you’ve fl ier. Once you get past the aesthetics, included 3S 2,200 mAh LiPo will do mastered this, you can move to the you’ll realize the beauty that the just fi ne and enable you to learn at a Experienced mode, knowing that if you AeroScout holds by doing what it’s slower pace. become disoriented, you can hit the supposed to do very well! Ground handling is smooth, and panic button. The form follows function on this there is enough control throw to taxi When set at Experienced mode, I aircraft and as a trainer, it’s one that easily and effectively. Rollout under was able to perform loops, rolls, and I now recommend across the board. power was great, and before 20 feet inverted fl ight, but even in high rates, In fact, I had two of them under the had gone by, I was in the air. Flying I didn’t have quite enough control to Christmas tree for my boys!

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 25 ELECTRICS & ELECTRONICS PARK PILOT

Avoiding accidents at the flying field

the rudder channel through Don Belfort the transmitter programming [email protected] when the throttle channel was accidentally reversed, causing the model to go to Hi park pilots. I was full power and straight at extremely alarmed the third person, who was >> by two safety watching from in front of incidents that occurred at my the model. Using his hand to fl ying fi eld within a week— protect himself, he received both requiring medical multiple deep lacerations attention and caused by to his thumb that required three-cell, electric-powered stiches and a few days off of aircraft. the transmitter sticks. The fi rst incident involved We always talk about three modelers who were removing the propeller standing around a square when we’re working with setup table. Two of them transmitter programming, were working on reversing or at least tying down or having someone hold the model. Being aware of your Mark Rittinger’s rubber-to-electric conversion of an SBD Dauntless flew great and handled the breezy conditions well at the 35th Mid- proximity to the propeller of Americas Electric Flies. any aircraft—whether you are involved in its operation was transported to a nearby The site is easy to use and or not—can go a long way hospital. makes battery shopping a to keep you safe. Taking the time to set up snap. The second incident and use a throttle lock on I often scold pilots involved a modeler who your transmitter—or at least for not having some had just completed a relocating your transmitter type of protection for successful fl ight and was so that it’s not in your work their transmitters when preparing to unplug area when you are disarming transporting them in vehicles. his battery when he your model—can help The company’s line of accidentally hit keep you safe. Explaining Atomik RC transmitter bags the throttle how to avoid an accident and cases is a low-cost way to stick. The is easy after the fact. The protect your transmitter. propeller trick is to establish a safe walked method to arm your model, Anniversaries are a special up his determine how to handle it time to refl ect and enjoy. I hand when it is armed, and to use was lucky enough to attend to his that method repeatedly to two major anniversary Venom Power and elbow. He maintain your safety. milestone celebrations. Atomik RC received The fi rst was at the 35th are now on one so many Venom Power (venompower. Annual Mid-America website. Atomik’s lacerations com) and Atomik RC are Electric Flies, held July 13- transmitter bags and cases will keep and lost now one, and all of the 14, 2019, at the Midwest your transmitter protected so much companies’ great products R/C Society fi eld in Salem when not in use. blood that he are available on one website. Township, Michigan.

26 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] Keith Shaw and Ken Myers were the co-contest directors. These men have done so much to promote electric flight, and they run a great event with a personal touch that brings me back each year. Mark Rittinger, who has published many electric designs in Model Airplane News, created a rubber-to- electric conversion of an SBD Dauntless using a Diels rubber kit and a Horizon Hobby E-flite micro two-cell brick power/radio system. It flew great at the event in breezy conditions and looked beautiful. It weighs 2.5 Tom Hunt was presented a District II Making a Difference award at the NEAT Fair by AVP Gary Fitch (L) and AMA District II VP Eric Williams (R). Also pictured is Tom’s wife, Eileen. Photo by Paul Osinski. ounces. The second event was the NEAT (Northeast Electric Aircraft Technology) Fair, held September 12-15, 2019, in Downsville, New York. Many past attendees returned to mark its 20th anniversary. AMA District II AVP (Associate Vice President) Gary Fitch and AMA District II VP (Vice President) Eric Williams, along with fellow SEFLI (Silent Electric Flyers of Long Island) clubmates, were on-site to present Tom Hunt “Mr. NEAT” with a District II Making a Difference award for being Don’s Swift was able to handle the windy conditions at the NEAT Fair, despite its low weight. Osinski the driving force in bringing photo. fun to this RC electric mega event. Muncie, Indiana, and other a busy schedule, there was no and said to Tom that The weather was a bit locations, are worth a visit lunch break. the Commemorative harsh, with wind and some sometime during your life, if I was fortunate to have Air Force’s Boeing B-29 rain, but pilots were smiling not annually. They are free to Tom Melsheimer as my caller Superfortress FIFI was everywhere that you looked. watch, and anyone who is a and I was able to be his caller. in the area. Tom yelled, Flying and nonflying events full AMA member (not Park Tom is a driving force on the “You’re in a race!” ran throughout the days and Pilot Program members) can Pylon Racing circuit and runs I thought I saw the into the nights, with indoor enter. You can volunteer your a free Pylon Racing school airplane’s shadow and flying at the Indoor Night at time at one of the contests in the spring at the IAC to peeked above Pylon 3 to NEAT event taking place at for an up-close view of the help beginners and experts sneak a look at the beautiful, the Downsville Central High action without needing a prepare for a season of gleaming FIFI flying low School gymnasium. It was model aircraft. racing. With Tom’s help and overhead, with Tom yelling, one great time! This was my seventh EF1 guidance, I began to fly more “Wide on 3!” The B-29 pilots (Electric Formula 1) Pylon consistently. had to know that they were The Outdoor Nats, held Racing Nats—a full day of During the fifth race, flying over the Nats. at the IAC (International electric racing. Because of I heard the roar of radial Aeromodeling Center) in impending bad weather and engines coming close Until next time, fly safe.

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 27 Pilot’s Choice Product Review

Horizon Hobby Blade Fusion 360 BNF Basic A worthy upgrade to the Fusion line

Photos by Andrew Griffith This won’t take long because the Fusion 360 BNF Basic comes out of >>the box fully assembled. I was provided a Spektrum Smart Battery 6S 1,800 mAh 50C LiPo for the review, which is the recommended battery pack. While the battery was charging, I read the manual and programmed my Spektrum DX20 with the settings recommended in the manual. The manual provides detailed settings for a number of Spektrum radio systems and described how to access the forward programming on Gen 2 radios. There is also a section dedicated to changing settings on the flybarless controller if you have a radio without The Blade Fusion 360 is at home inverted. that feature. Its stabile hover allowed Andrew Griffith to SPECIFICATIONS: Make no mistake when tweaking quickly gain the confidence to fly lower. TYPE: Electric 3D helicopter SKILL LEVEL: Intermediate the flybarless settings, and there’s little MAIN ROTOR DIAMETER: 31.3 inches reason to mess with them! The Blade double-checked that the controls and LENGTH: 27 inches team spent many hours flight-testing gyro corrections were all responding HEIGHT: 7.5 inches MAIN ROTOR BLADES: 350 mm the Fusion, and the flybarless controller in the appropriate direction, and that TAIL ROTOR DIAMETER: 6.9 inches comes loaded with the optimal settings. throttle hold was working properly. WEIGHT: 32 ounces DRIVE SYSTEM: Gear-driven main rotor with If you must tinker, there’s a menu I had only one small issue when it was belt-driven tail rotor choice to reset to the factory-provided time to attach the canopy. The ESC is POWER SYSTEM: 1,300 to 1,800 mAh 6S LiPo RADIO: Requires six-channel DSM2/DSMX settings in case you make things worse equipped with an RF (radio frequency) radio system instead of better. choke, and it took a bit of jiggling to get CONSTRUCTION: Carbon fiber and aluminum With my radio programmed and the the battery and RF choke stuffed inside MOTOR: 1,800 Kv brushless PRICE: $549.99 battery charged, it was time to bind the and the canopy secured on the posts. INFO: horizonhobby.com

Fusion. The provided servo extension Accounting for the time to fully read FEATURES: is plugged into the hard-to-reach bind the manual and program my radio, >> BNF Basic port and attached to the side frame, with a charged battery, the Fusion can >> Spektrum 6250 HX flybarless controller with two remote receiver ports where it is easy to access. go from box to flying in less than 15 >> Fiberglass canopy and painted tail fin After binding, the forward minutes. The only tool you need to get >> Carbon-fiber landing gear programming menu will appear in going is a bind plug, which is provided. the transmitter, but only when the If you find yourself needing to repair receiver is powered up, connected, and something, a bag with some metric responding to the transmitter. I scrolled wrenches, tie wraps, and double- the swashplate slides and on the tail through the menu choices to see what sided tape is included. I put a drop of pitch slider. was there but didn’t make any changes. DryFluid Heli-Extreme (aeropanda. With the 1,800 mAh LiPo battery The swashplate appeared level and I com) lubricant on the main shaft where strapped in place, the Fusion balanced

28 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] ANDREW GRIFFITH [email protected] perfectly. I put the canopy in place, set throttle hold, and headed for the flightline. The programming includes four flight modes: Normal, Stunt-1, Stunt-2, and throttle hold, which is considered a flight mode that shuts the motor off but still maintains a pitch curve that is appropriate for autorotation. I lifted off in Normal mode and switched to Stunt-1. The rpm picked up and I had full positive and negative pitch. Stunt-2 has the same pitch curve as Stunt-1, but the higher throttle-curve numbers tell the built-in governor to crank up the head speed even more to increase the cyclic and tail rotor responsiveness. Nothing comes for free, so the higher the head speed you run, the shorter the flight time you get. Plan ahead and use the appropriate flight mode for the type of flying you’re doing to maximize your fun factor or flight time. The belt-driven tail rotor is smooth and quiet. Metal blade grips I noticed right away a tendency to drift forward and off and a tail case are upgraded parts on other models of this size but to the right during my first test hover. Familiarity with the are standard on the Fusion. manual led me to land and access the forward programming features. With the helicopter on a level surface (I used a bubble-level app on my phone on the tailboom), one of the menu choices is a sensor calibration. The process took several seconds to complete then I was back out on the flightline. The difference was immediately noticeable, and the Fusion locked right into a nice, stable hover. I spent several battery packs getting to know the Fusion and gradually pushing it harder as my confidence built. I gradually shook the rust off my 3D skills. I was happy with the cyclic and tail rotor response in both Stunt modes and I had no problem doing aerobatics, even with the lower head speed provided in Stunt-1. Pitch pumps told me that I had plenty of juice for all but the most extreme power demands. I was especially pleased to see how well the tail held while doing backward flight as fast as I was comfortable. My test for gyro and tail rotor effectiveness is The laser-etched metal blade grips have 0° index marks to make a vertical, tail-first dive from 150 feet or so. The Fusion held it easy to zero everything out when repairing and setting up the the line where many smaller helicopters suffer tail blowout Fusion. Andrew put a pitch gauge on the blades, and everything and whip the tail around. was perfectly aligned out of the box. Through loops, flips, inverted flight, funnels, and backward hurricanes, the Fusion kept up with my skillset just fine. I tried some pirouetting flips and at first, they were admittedly ugly. But after I found the sweet spot where finesse and available power come together, they improved dramatically. The Fusion doesn’t have the raw power of some of the larger helis, so knowing when to back off the pitch helps tremendously. With that noted, the Fusion is no slouch. There is no SAFE Select or auto-recovery on the Fusion 360 so it’s not a beginner’s helicopter. It is a great transition aircraft when an intermediate pilot is ready to progress to a more powerful, collective-pitch helicopter, and advanced pilots won’t get bored with its capability. The Blade Fusion 360 is a fun little heli. With zero assembly time and the flybarless controller fully programmed out of the box, it’s ready to go when you are. Power is excellent, and it’s very nimble. Get some extra batteries—you The Spektrum Smart 6S 50C battery is a great match for the Fusion. It will likely take this with you a lot and you won’t want to delivers 4 minutes of flight with power to spare in Stunt-2 mode and wait long between flights! even longer in Stunt-1. It delivers plenty of punch.

>> watch video footage At THEPARKPILOT.ORG 29 SCALE PARK PILOT

Sheeting a curved structure

Rob Caso [email protected]

In my Park Pilot Fall 2019 column, I showed how >>to sheet a relatively fl at structure. Although that was “the easy part,” the skills developed will be needed for sheeting the compound curves that are found on many aircraft. Shown is a relatively small area to sheet, thanks to having enough stringers and bulkheads. The Spitfi re, Mosquito, Albatros, and P-47, as well as many civil and composite aircraft that have compound curves, are challenging to do in balsa. The larger the model is, the easier it is to sheet compound curves because the curves are more gradual and the skinning is usually 1 thicker. A /16-inch error on a small model can ruin it, whereas on a large aircraft it is just noise. The number-one rule is to make sure that you Mark the desired width at the extreme ends of the sheet. have enough structural bulkheads and stringers before you start. There are three reasons for this. First, you need something to glue to. Second, smaller sections are easier to plot, cut, and apply. Third, the skinning will not fl atten as much over smaller, properly outlined, and supported sections. Add the needed structure and take the weight penalty. This will offset the need for tons of fi ller later. Mark the center after mating the first edge to the model.

30 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] It’s a common practice to areas. Nevertheless, I still do to get the job done. For small, Use filler for the rest. If you wet sheeting before applying it, but I have been known tightly curved sections, I have sand too much, you will it to a model. I try to avoid it to “Ace bandage” wet sheet also used two half-thickness weaken the skin over the because water expands the to the model or over a pipe pieces that are laminated underlying structure. sheet and when it dries, it to preform it. I then apply with wood glue over each contracts to its original size. the sheeting with wood glue other. A lost couple in New York If its edges are locked with because its drying time more Finally, when sanding a City stopped and asked a guy CA glue, the sheet will both closely matches that of water. skinned, compound curved how to get to Carnegie Hall. pull on the structure and When doing the “money area, sand only the obvious “Practice man, practice” was flatten over unsupported shot,” only use enough water high spots—and only a little. his answer.

Use dividers to determine the hidden width at the center edge mark.

Transfer the center dimension to the sheet.

The final piece is wetted down and ready for application.

Cut the sheet close to the new center mark and continue trimming it to fit.

The new piece is installed. Apply vinyl spackle while it is still wet.

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 31 Pilot’s Choice Product Review

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SYSTEM: (Note: Some graphical features might be disabled. Aerodynamic calculations will remain high quality.) Windows 7, 8, or 10; Apple Mac OS X (Intel, 10.12 or higher) AVIrem StickMover >> CPU: 1.83 GHz >> Cache: 3 GB RAM; 2 GB disk space HDD or SSD; graphical processor with 3D support Simulator training from a diff erent perspective and 256 MB RAM; USB port; internet connection (to register and download skills)

OPTIMAL SYSTEM FOR BEST GRAPHICAL PERFORMANCE: >> CPU: 2.3 GHz >> Cache: 4 GB RAM; more than 2 GB diskspace HDD or SSD; graphical processor Those who are looking to be and launched and successfully funded with 3D support; 512 MB RAM successful using an RC fl ight as a Kickstarter project in 2017. SUPPORTED FLIGHT SIMULATORS: simulator likely understand Support for the StickMover has >> Aerofl yRC v8 >>that it must be used as a tool with continued to grow with Graupner >> neXt >> LiftOff goals in mind. If treated like a game, (graupnerusa.com) as one of the >> Heli-X it is possible to learn bad habits that distributors. PRICE: $329.99 can translate into muscle memory in Inside the box you will fi nd the a bad way. Muscle memory is defi ned StickMover control unit, a registration INFO: www.avirem.de as the ability to reproduce a particular card with 10 AVISkills, a USB cable, FEATURES: movement without conscious thought, and an AC/DC power supply cable. >> Mac and PC compatible >> More than 80 skills (maneuvers) to learn acquired as a result of frequent >> Airplane and helicopter training repetition of that movement. Installation: The StickMover can >> Works with some other simulators Think about sitting down to practice run on a Mac or PC, which is a huge on the simulator to learn a new advantage. Although you won’t fi nd maneuver. You will either break the the quick-start guide or manual in the maneuver down into a few pieces or box, those can be accessed online at possibly tackle it all at once. Either the Graupner website or the AVIrem way, the key is to accurately and website. You will need to visit it to continually input the stick movements. download and register the software. But what if the transmitter did the After installing the software and stick movements for you while you registering, it was time to connect the watched the airplane or helicopter StickMover to my laptop. It must be complete the maneuver at a speed you connected to your PC or Mac via the have selected? included USB cable and connected to The AVIrem StickMover was power with the included AC adapter. engineered and designed in Germany, Both cords are reasonably long and did

The StickMover transmitter can be used with a neck strap. After it is connected to your PC or Mac, the sticks will center themselves. You can also set the transmitter mode in the settings menu.

The transmitter needs to be connected Here is everything that is included with the StickMover. The to your Mac or PC via a USB cable and quick-start guide and manual are available on the Graupner requires AC power. Both of the included or AVIrem websites, but not included in the box. cables are reasonably long and do not present a problem. Photos by Matt Ruddick and Jay Smith 32 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] JAY SMITH [email protected] not present a problem. simulator to help determine which 25% intervals. It seems to work well I was initially unable to calibrate the ones you might be interested in. using a slower-than-normal speed at StickMover after it was connected to fi rst and setting the fi nal repetitions at my PC. I closed the AVISoft program Wiggle the Sticks: I fi rst tried the 100% speed. and relaunched it. Calibration can be StickMover in April 2019 at the The key is to practice 20 to 30 found in the settings menu, and after Graupner booth at the Toledo Show: minutes each day, for a number of days, relaunching, I had no issues. You can R/C Model Expo. I was intrigued by using both the StickMover and your also change the transmitter’s mode; it this revolutionary training tool, but fl ight simulator of choice. Ultimately, defaults to Mode 2. it did feel a bit weird to have servos when you are ready, transition to fl ying controlling the sticks instead of my the maneuvers on your actual aircraft. Choose Wisely: The good news is that own inputs. However, with continued When using the StickMover on the StickMover software has 78 skills use, it can become more comfortable. a compatible simulator, it can be (maneuvers) from which to choose: The software has several settings that used much like a buddy box—the 42 for helicopters; 35 for airplanes; you can use to change the look and StickMover moves to the inputs given and one for multirotors. The bad news feel, such as HD (high-defi nition) or to the transmitter that is being used is that this neat, servo-driven training SD (standard-defi nition) video, full- with the simulator. If you want to tool only allows you to select 10 skills screen or window for the video, and learn a maneuver or teach someone a before you have to further invest in exponential settings for the transmitter. maneuver, it can be used as a training your training. You can practice with the control tool so that both pilots can work Initially, I was disappointed that all unit using either pinching or thumb together. of the skills weren’t included; however, techniques. The key is to lightly I realized that it will likely take a while contact the sticks and let them move Conclusion: I have only used the to master the 10 skills that the user your thumbs or fi ngers. You don’t StickMover for a short time and have can select. Beyond that, purchasing want to fi ght the servos moving the yet to transition to fl ying an actual additional skills costs $1 or less, sticks. The StickMover also can be model; however, it does seem to be depending on how many you purchase. used with a neck strap if that is a more helping when I fl y with the simulator. Currently, you can purchase 10 for comfortable way to practice. As with any training, the key is to $10, 20 for $18, or 50 for $40 on the After you have chosen an AVISkill, consistently practice for the most Graupner website. you can select the number of benefi t. I primarily fl y airplanes, so I selected repetitions and up to three consecutive The compatibility with Mac or PC, six skills with which to start after speed settings that can range from 25% coupled with training for fi xed-wing entering the voucher number that was to 150% in aircraft and helicopters and the nearly iinn tthehe bbox.ox. YYouou ddon’ton’t hhaveave 110000 mmaneuversaneuvers ttoo llearnearn aandnd pperfect,erfect, to select mmeanseans tthehe SStickMovertickMover sshouldhould pproviderovide all 10 skills pplentylenty ooff llearningearning oopportunities.pportunities. at the same time, which is nice. Each AVISkill contains icons aatt tthehe bbottomottom ttoo hhelpelp yyouou quicklyquickly aassessssess eeachach oone.ne. AVISkill icons ffromrom llefteft ttoo rrightight iincludenclude a ssymbolymbol fforor aairplane/helicopter,irplane/helicopter, aacrobaticscrobatics oorr 33D,D, ddiffiiffi ccultyulty llevelevel ofof tthehe AAVISkill,VISkill, aandnd fforor ssingleingle ssequenceequence oorr cchoreography.horeography. YYouou ccanan alsoalso viewview a video of the mmaneuveraneuver beingbeing This shows the StickMover with the AVISoft software running. At first, having ccompletedompleted oonn tthehe the sticks move on their own is slightly strange, but you quickly get used to it.

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 33 model builder Park Pilot

Control Surfaces and Lighting

1 motors and E-fl ite 25-amp control surfaces, allowing /16 panel. I cut the LEs slightly Jeff Troy brushless ESCs. inch between the control oversized, using a bar sander [email protected] After mulling things over surfaces and the main panel. to bring each part to the for nearly three months, I My choices of adhesives for correct length, then glued fi nally concluded that fl aps the model’s construction were each piece into position. In my last and lighting would be fun Bob Smith Industries (bSi; The fl ap LEs butted up installment, I began to add without creating bsi-inc.com) Insta-Cure (thin) against the balsa strips and construction of a insurmountable diffi culty. So, and Insta-Cure+ (medium) the bottom of the aileron LE >>200% enlargement of the my friends, here is where the CA. was angled back. Constructed A-26 Invader from Comet fun begins. My next step was to cut in this manner, the ailerons Models, a longtime favorite When I was framing the the rib tails in the control will be hinged at the top and stick-and-tissue kit for wing panels to include in my surfaces to accommodate can move freely up and down, rubber power. I opened by Fall 2019 column, I made no the LEs (leading edges). and the fl aps will be hinged showing you the frameup changes to the original design I did this with an Excel at the bottom to move only for the starboard wing, and for fl aps and ailerons. If I had, Hobby Blades fi ne-tooth down. With the starboard then explained that I was their installation would have razor saw (excelhobbyblades. panel and control surfaces considering adding fl aps been simpler. Just the same, com), cutting with only the framed, I repeated these and navigation lighting my solution worked out fi ne, slightest pressure on the saw steps for the port panel and to complement my list of resulting in a clean and simple to prevent breaking the ribs controls. planned modifi cations. modifi cation that took only a from the wing’s TE (trailing My longtime friend, The primary modifi cations couple of hours to complete. edge). The ribs in the fl aps Ralph Warner, owns RAM started with the basic four RC Holding the starboard wing were cut straight, and those Models (ramrcandramrrack. channels: ailerons, elevators, panel over the Comet plans, in the aileron were cut on an com), a company that 3 rudder, and throttle. I then I fi tted lengths of /32-inch angle. makes electronic sound added a set of retractable balsa strips between the ribs After a bit of fudging with and lighting accessories of landing gear from an FMS at the locations of the inboard a thin corner of the sanding nearly every imaginable 3 B-25 and a full conversion and outboard fl aps and the bar, the /32-inch balsa LEs description. For the A-26 to electric power with a pair aileron. I then added root and could slide right in between project, Ralph provided me of E-fl ite Park 480 brushless tip pieces for each of these the altered ribs and the main with his company’s RAM

This is a small section of the 200% enlargement of the Comet Models A-26 Invader plans that shows the shape and locations of the inboard and outboard flaps and the aileron.

This photo makes it easy to see how 3/32- inch balsa TE pieces were added to the main wing panel. Each one was cut to length and fitted between the ribs.

34 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] 123 Landing Light package ($29.95) and RAM 125 Ultra Brite NAVIGATION LITES ($34.95). The NAVIGATION LITES package includes red, green, and clear navigation lights, and one strobe. Adding the navigation lighting began by cutting paths for the starboard (green) and port (red) wiring, which I did with a 1 /4-inch round Perma-Grit file (permagrit.com) that was passed through the The aileron, flaps, and main wing panel 3/32-inch balsa end pieces were cut to size and added wing panels from rib to rib. I 1 between the newly installed TEs and the wing TE. also added a pair of /8-inch balsa pieces to sandwich the forward portion of the balsa wingtips to make them thick enough to carry the lighting lenses. I drilled through the 5 thickened tips with a /16- inch bit, creating the desired snug fit for the lenses. In my next installment, I’ll begin constructing the fuselage, nacelles, and tail surfaces. In later columns, I’ll add the remaining lighting components, the FMS retracts, the onboard RC components, and the electric power system. I hope to have you with me for all of Using light pressure on a fine-tooth razor saw from Excel Hobby Blades is just the ticket for cutting these fun-filled sequences. away the partially framed aileron and flaps from the main wing panel.

Add the 3/32-inch balsa LEs to the newly created control surfaces A Perma-Grit file was used to cut paths for the RAM 125 Ultra Brite and there you have it—a proper Douglas A-26 Invader wing panel NAVIGATION LITES wiring in the Invader’s wing. Adding RAM 123 with one aileron and split flaps. Landing Lights will happen in a later installment.

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 35 New Technology Park Pilot

From RC modeler to design engineer at Scaled Composites

Notice the scale of the shadow that is cast on spectators’ cars as the Stratolaunch approaches Lucas Weakley for landing. [email protected]

Nearly two years ago, I moved from Florida to >>California to start a career at Scaled Composites (scaled. com) using my aeronautical engineering degree. For those who aren’t familiar, Scaled Composites is an aircraft prototyping company that was founded by visionary Scaled’s portfolio includes To meet these interviewers told me that he airplane designer Burt Rutan. the Beechcraft Starship, accomplishments, Scaled had designed landing gear, The company specializes SpaceShipOne (the fi rst Composites often tasks the structure of a wing, laid in the holistic approach of commercial spacecraft), small teams of multifaceted out an instrument panel, taking an aerospace idea Proteus (an altitude world- engineers to follow projects drawn the aircraft’s systems through the design phase, record-holding research through all parts of their schematics, and spent time rapidly building the entire platform), the recent development. Many of in the control room during vehicle (manufacturing Stratolaunch aircraft, and these interest-varied aircraft fl ight testing—all within most of the components in- many more. As stated on the engineers are also modelers. the same year. While the house), and then fl ying the company’s website, “We are In this column, I’ll discuss comparison might sound aircraft to execute its mission driven by being challenged, how the knowledge I gained silly to some, this way of with the company’s on-staff pursuing breakthroughs, and as an RC modeler allows completing projects mirrors test pilots. pushing limits.” me to do my job at Scaled building an RC airplane. Composites. In the process, As modelers, we have I hope to also share a tiny to complete all parts of an glimpse into our aircraft airplane: design, assembly, prototyping day job. routing wires, connecting My job title at Scaled servos, testing the systems, Composites is design installing the powerplant, engineer, along with all of balancing the aircraft, and the other engineers who being our own test pilot. aren’t managing programs. Even when we are building At Scaled, we aren’t a kit, many of these skills labeled with a specialized are still needed. Although engineering discipline the risks are small and most (unless we want to be); models can be fi nished in instead, we are led to fi ll a weekend, the process any need that our current remains the same for full- program demands. scale airplanes. Lucas checks the next flight test point shortly after climbout during When I was interviewing Approximately fi ve the Stratolaunch’s first flight. Photo by Sean Willis. for the job, one of my months after I started

36 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] working at Scaled, I was mmechanicsechanics aandnd tasked with designing and engineers, manufacturing a pod for then you Proteus. It would be roughly might 8 feet long, interfacing an understand existing component to the wwhyhy tthishis iiss iimportant.mportant. vehicle and attaching it in IIt’st’s ssoo eeasyasy ttoo ggetet ccarriedarried a way never done before. It aawayway iinn tthehe ccomputer,omputer, also had to fl y in less than mmakingaking pprettyretty fi tttingstings aandnd four weeks. ccomplexomplex ssurfaces,urfaces, wwhilehile In those few weeks, I llosingosing ttrackrack ooff hhowow tthehe lofted the pod in CAD, ppartsarts wwillill bbee aassembledssembled oorr designed its substructure, did wwhetherhether tthehe aaccessccess ddooroor calculations to make sure it iiss eevenven bbigig eenoughnough ttoo fi t wouldn’t break, reviewed the standard tools. design with senior engineers, These parts can still be published instructions to our made by our machinists and CNC and fabrication shops, fabricators, but by tweaking ordered hardware, managed the design slightly, they’re the fabricators’ progress and produced in a fraction of the schedule, helped lay up the time, while being easier to carbon-fi ber parts when the assemble and maintain. engineering was done, fi t- Working with my hands checked the pod, organized as a modeler and designing a structural test two days components that I have before the fi rst fl ight, and sat to build helps bring a Top: The unique canard wing configuration gives the Proteus the in the right seat in the chase manufacturability and wing area it needs to fly payloads to altitudes above 50,000 feet. airplane to visually inspect usability mindset to my Bottom: The aircraft enters a windup turn to structurally test a new pod the pod during fl ight. I can work. configuration above 2 Gs. easily say that this was the Although we are usually hardest I had worked the engineering during working RC modeling YouTube caught the bug, we give entire year—but also the hours, our programs channel, as well as producing them tattered (but fl yable) most fun work I had done! sometimes demand our the “Maker Hangar” RC models and gear to get them During that project, I other skillsets, which we’re series for Make magazine into the hobby. carried the roles of several encouraged to utilize. (makezine.com), has Scaled Composites positions. This is how all Several engineers are presented me a role in also has a diverse hobby projects are run at Scaled extremely talented RC pilots editing several company community. Coworkers Composites. Engineers take and fi ll the role as UAS videos, and opportunities organize pylon races during on a lot of responsibility (unmanned aircraft system) to document fl ight-test breaks, we’re always keen for and manage their own work test pilots when the aircraft operations with my camera. mini quadcopter shenanigans with light management, they’ve been designing is During the Stratolaunch in the offi ces, and we meet allowing Scaled to meet ready to fl y. program, I had the incredible up outside of work to slope such seemingly impossible We also have a presence privilege of capturing air-to- soar or fl y at the RC fi eld deadlines by simplifying as modelers in the hobby air video from the Cessna in the neighboring city of the engineering process. parts industry, helping us Citation chase airplane Tehachapi, California. The task-focused mindset know which components to during the fi rst fl ight. Working at Scaled that lets me do this work is seek for projects that we’re The hobby of RC aircraft Composites is a dream come something that I gained, in designing. modeling involves so true for me, and a lot of large part, from managing In other areas, the graphics many skillsets that all lend what got me here came from my own RC airplane skills of some engineers themselves to the varied this hobby. I hope hearing projects. and fabricators led them work that we do at Scaled about the work that we do Another crucial facet of to design decals for the Composites. has been interesting. More being an engineer at Scaled airplanes, T-shirts, and other As you might have information can be found is knowing how to build company media material. guessed, most of the on the Scaled Composites your own designs. If you’ve In my case, the video engineers here foster an website. ever heard the frustration- production skills that I interest in RC airplanes. For Now, I better get back to fueled discussions between learned while building my the few who somehow never work!

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 37 jets Park Pilot

FMS F-15 V2

Don Slusarczyk [email protected] The stock power system allows the F-15 to easily take off from grass fields. If you are a fan of the F-15 Eagle jet, the FMS F-15 >>V2, available from Horizon Hobby (horizonhobby.com; $159.99), might be just what you are looking for. This PNP (Plug-N-Play) aircraft includes all of the electronics and only requires a receiver, a transmitter, a LiPo battery, and a battery charger to get it into the air. The V2 version has some nice upgraded features including a 64 mm EDF Assembly: Install the wing After the wing is bolted on, Z-bends to the servos, use the (electric ducted fan) with an spar into the fuselage. Slide glue on the stablilizer halves. innermost hole on the servo 11-blade rotor that produces each wing half onto the I used Loctite glue for this for the ailerons then connect a more realistic and quieter wing spar and bolt them to step, but you can also use it to the outermost hole on sound in the air. The new the fuselage using the four epoxy or Foam-Tac adhesive the aileron control horn. For fan unit uses a 3,150 Kv included screws. You will (foam-tac.com). Be sure to the elevators, connect the brushless motor and comes need an Allen hex wrench scrape/sand off some of the control rod to the second with a preinstalled 40-amp for this step because the paint on the foam where the servo horn hole and the outer ESC. All of the servos are screws are not regular glue will be placed to help control horn hole. factory installed, so assembly Phillips-head mounting with adhesion. Repeat this time is short. screws. process with the two vertical Radio installation: The fi ns, making sure to note that included manual was not there is a left and a right fi n. clear on where to position the receiver. I used two short CControlontrol llinkages:inkages: servo extensions and placed TheThe linkageslinkages forfor the receiver in the nose of thethe aileronaileron andand the airplane. That worked stabilizersstabilizers areare out well because the slight typicaltypical Z-bendZ-bend addition of nose weight from wireswires withwith a the receiver allowed the plastic clevis at the airplane to balance perfectly endend andand a smallsmall with a 4S 2,200 mAh LiPo piece of surgical battery. tubingtubing toto preventprevent If you decide to go this thethe clevisclevis fromfrom route, trim off the unused A low parts count makes opening. When you servo horn sections on the for a quick and easy build. are connecting the nose gear steering servo to

38 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] allow the servo wires to this model. Mine balanced easily pass by. A few pieces of perfectly with the battery clear tape will also help keep all the way forward in the the servos wires off to the battery compartment. side. For the first flight, keep the Make sure the aileron missiles and pylons off of the servos are connected on jet until you are accustomed each wing half and use a few to flying it. When the LiPo pieces of clear tape to keep is plugged in, double check the wires flat against the that all control throws are in underside of the fuselage. the right direction. For the You can now power up your maiden, I set my aileron and An Allen key wrench is required to attach the wing halves to the radio and make sure all of the elevator rates to 80% and fuselage. servos are working correctly added in 40% exponential. and in the right direction. I typically fly from a grass Because the ailerons and field and was curious to see elevator servos are on Y how well this airplane would harnesses, use the radio’s do on grass. The answer is subtrim function to get very well! I gave it power the servo arms lined up and it started to roll, and with each other. This extra in approximately 80 feet, step is time well spent—it I pulled some up-elevator. prevents uneven control A second or two later, it surface deflection because of lifted off and was in the air. I misaligned servo arms. throttled back to make some Uneven deflection on adjustments to the aileron elevators, for example, can and elevator, but it only Make sure the servo horns are aligned with each other before cause your aircraft to do needed a few clicks to get the connecting the pushrods. This will give equal surface deflection. barrel roll loops instead of trim adjusted. proper loops. If necessary, After close to a minute, readjust the control rod I did a few rolls. It rolled linkages to zero out each well in both directions and flight surface again then slide rolled rather quickly. You the safety sleeve over the might find less throw to be clevis. more enjoyable. It will also loop nicely from level flight Landing gear: The F-15 as long as you are flying full comes with a set of landing throttle before starting the gear that is easy to install. loop. I then pulled back on Make sure to note the the throttle and found that orientation of each of the the F-15 will fly slowly at The landing gear legs are held into the recessed areas on the landing gear legs and the approximately half throttle fuselage with screwed-on plastic covers. plastic hatch that secures for those who like to cruise them. The plastic hatch has around the flying field. a notch in one end for the When landing, I found landing gear wire to fit into. the model to like a little Two small screws hold each power near touchdown of the gear hatches to the to slow the sink rate for a fuselage. smooth landing. I set my timer for 3 minutes, but it Flying: Now that the jet is can be longer if you manage assembled and ready to go, the throttle. check the center of gravity This jet flies as great location by installing the 4S as it looks, so if you are 2,200 mAh LiPo battery. considering a nice-flying A 4S 2,200 mAh LiPo battery fits in the cockpit area with no You will want to use a 30C aircraft to add to your fleet, modifications required. Note that the receiver is located forward of or higher-rated LiPo for try the FMS F-15 V2. the nose-steering servo.

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 39 the other side of the tree line

Rachelle Haughn interviews Rob Caso If this is not your first issue of Park Pilot, chances are that you’ve read Rob Caso’s name. His “Scale” column dives into a side of modeling that new pilots might not have explored: building. He fellfell inin lovelove withwith scalescale modelsmodels asas a boyboy andand hashas beenbeen buildingbuilding them ever since. Rob stepped away from his workbench for a few minutes to share some insights about his hobby.

so many things to be a successful scale my overall goal is to make an RC fl ying modeler. scale model as accurate and as detailed as So, ultimately, it’s the learning and a good plastic model, and as realistic as an skill-building experience that keeps me in-service, full-scale example. I never get coming back. The problem for me is that there, but I keep trying! there are too many airplanes that I like. Mark Frankel [a fellow scale modeler] RH: Why do you like writing for Park Pilot? Rob Caso with his 37-inch de Havilland says that scale modeling is the pinnacle of RC: I have been engaged in this hobby D.H. 98 Mosquito, which features flaps and the hobby, and I agree with him. uninterrupted for almost 55 years. I like retracts. Photo by Tom Droege. “giving back” to the other modelers who RH: What’s the most detailed aircraft that perhaps don’t have as much experience. I Rachelle Haughn: How did you get you’ve built? also try to show that what I do oftentimes started building scale models and what was RC: My Hansa-Brandenburg W.12 is the is not really that hard. I also feel that the the fi rst one that you built? most detailed model that I have recently “hands-on” experience is enhanced by the Rob Caso: I read all of the hardcover done, although there have been others. great technology that we have today— World War II aircraft books of the day It took about a year on and off to design, electric motors, laser cutting, 3D printing, when I was a kid. Great American Fighter build, and detail. and CAD design for example. The hands- Pilots of WW II and The Flying Tigers were I think the biggest problem for me is on skills and the technology complement two of them. I still have the books, with knowing when to stop. Not every model each other, and it’s never been a better “1965” penciled in them—I was 9! can be—or has to be—a “masterpiece.” But time to be a scale modeler. Everyone So, that did it for me—I just had to build models of the airplanes! I remember doing many plastic models and still do them today, sometimes as a reference for my more serious RC scale subjects. The one I remember [building fi rst] was a CL (Control Line) Hellcat powered by an .049 glow engine when I was about 9 to 10. It was a kit, having preformed balsa fuselage halves that you glued together with Ambroid. I remember also painting it with blue dope. My dad, who was a CL modeler and later fl ew RC, helped me with it and fl ew it for me the fi rst time.

RH: What do you enjoy about building scale aircraft? RC: The history and attempting to replicate realism. But it’s really more than that—it’s the challenge, the problem- solving, the need to innovate, and the fact Rob’s 41-inch Avro Avian has folding wings, interchangeable floats, and wheels. that you have to become [an] expert in Droege photo.

40 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020] should build at least one scale model. motorcycles—not just airplanes! While restoration are mostly interchangeable. technically not “building” per se, I have Success is in getting the details right. RH: Do you build anything besides scale been known to restore old Ducati and model airplanes? BMW motorcycles, as well as old Porsche RH: Have you ever won a scale model RC: I still do plastic models quite 911s, including paint. I have found aircraft competition? a bit and these include tanks and that the skills needed for modeling and RC: I have [placed] well at WRAM [Westchester Radio AeroModelers; recently known as AMA East] shows. I took second in Designer Scale [at The Toledo Show: R/C Model Expo] in Toledo, Ohio, a few years ago, and have a couple of awards for some of my plastic models. I’ve been invited to Top Gun [an RC Scale contest in Lakeland, Florida], but I don’t have the model for it.

RH: After you have finished a model, what does it feel like to maiden it? RC: I rarely maiden a new scale model. The few times that I have done it were terrifying! My preference is to find a person who can successfully land “a streamlined crowbar” and ask him to fly the thing the first time—guys like Jim Noel, Dan Landis, and Billy Jameson. Amazingly, most of my models fly Rob’s 46-inch World War I Halberstadt CL.II. pretty well. The biggest surprises of

The scratch-built gunner (except for the head) on Rob’s W.12.

THEPARKPILOT.ORG 41 all were my two A 51-inch scale model of a Bulldog, which Bulldog racers was a 1932 Thompson Trophy racer. which, at fi rst glance, look like crashes waiting for a place to happen. Both of them fl ew beautifully, and I’m working on another one now in a larger scale. But I think I enjoy my scale models the most when somebody else is fl ying them!

RH: Have any of your aircraft designs been published? RC: Just about all of the scale RC models I have made are my own design. RC: My standard response to this RH: What’s the most common question I have had a number of them published question is, “I’ll never live long enough that people ask you about your models? in Flying Models, Fly RC, RC Modeler, to build all of the airplanes that I want RC: The big one is “Is that a kit?” Others Model Airplane News, and RCM&E, a to build!” Since the Fieseler Storch is my include “Where did you get the pilot?” British magazine. My Avro Avian was favorite, I want to make one with a scale and “Does that thing really fl y?” And published in RCM&E in late 2019. framework using stainless tube, similar to perhaps the most infamous, “Why didn’t Paolo Severin’s model, but in 1/6 scale. you make it bigger?” RH: What do you hope to build some day? Ditto for a large Lysander. The answers are “No, but I could make you one;” “I made everything but the head;” “Yes;” and “This one fi ts in my pickup.”

RH: What’s your day job? RC: My wife and I have a small leadership-development consulting fi rm, but I used to be a public company chief fi nancial offi cer in the biotech and pharmaceutical industries. People ask me if I am a certifi ed public accountant. I answer “Yes, and I couldn’t pass again!”

This model of a 1914 FBA Schneider Cup Racer has a 36-inch wingspan. Rob’s 55-inch WW I Hansa-Brandenburg W.12.

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44 PARK PILOT [WINTER 2020]