General thoughts after 2005 season.
I really thought that this season electric F3A airplanes would be in the majority. Although many of the top pilots have embraced the technology and have made the switch successfully, the majority of flyers are sticking to their glow setups. Perhaps 2006 will be the year that everyone climbs on-board? Or, will there be a rally round the glow engine/ gas engine? Will be interesting to see.
 |
 |
 |
To make summary of my year is a rather painful process at first glance back. Sure, it is easy seeing all the things that have gone wrong. 2 Lost planes plus technical bad luck at the most terrible times. To be optimistic it was a major learning process for me. These hard lessons will pay off I think in the long run. A lot of positive things have happened through flying this year as well.
The major plusses this year for me were:
- Discovery of the Plettenberg motor. More recently realizing that the 30 10 Plettenberg motor has huge power. Preliminary testing of the 30 10 flying the new maneuvers this fall and being very optimistic for next season.
- Thunderpower 5300 batteries. More power, lighter weight, (seems to be more reliable)
- Trying out Futaba Digital servos for the first time.
- Futaba customer service and support.
- Discovering foamy indoor flying.
- Testing the new brake on the Shultze ESC controller. This helps reduce speed on the down line leg of every manouver.
 |
 |
 |
Also, I am very happy with the electric setup and the freedom it offers me. I can't stress enough the advantages offered by this new technology. Basically, it would have been near impossible to achieve this year in personal growth had I been forced to fly glow. I would simply not be in this hobby without the electric setup.
This fall and through the winter months I will be working on several projects. Perhaps choosing a new F3A plane to buy and get ready. Also, I am rather hooked on the foamy flying both out doors (park flying) and indoors. I'm playing with biplane designs trying to find the right combination for my needs. It's both time consuming but fun.
Go Electric. You will love it.
 |
 |
