Hello WIMAC! Instructor needed.

[MikeM]

Hello WIMAC…..I’m a new member. Just got my MAAC number and joined WIMAC last week.
Actually this is something of a “born again” situation since I was a WIMAC member back in the ‘70’s and built and flew 3 planes as I recall. Last flight was at the Dorion field, possibly in 1979, so its been a while. I can still see the wing folding (“for no reason at all”) before the final vertical descent.

I re-contacted Krishna Blake in 2005. I knew him quite well in the ‘70’s. But since it took me 7 years longer to retire and build a plane than planned I guess I’ve missed him. (Hello again Krishna...If you get to read this! Sorry I'm late.)

The new plane is now built….”the next generation”….and I need to make contact with an instructor who could kindly help me get going again. Being retired my time is flexible…. almost any time and any day after this coming week (after Sept 16).

Details are as follows:
Plane: Great Planes “Old Timer” built from balsa kit which I bought in 2005 but didn’t start building until this year. I converted it to electric. It’s a high wing, 73 inch span, rudder and elevator only trainer. All-up weight 7pounds.
Radio: Futaba 6EX-2.4GHz with R617FS receiver. Motor: OS electric, OMA-5025-375.
ESC: OS 1100HV. Battery: E-flite 6S 22.2V 4000mAh, 30C

Motor, ESC, radio and battery have been tested on a test bed with an APC 14x7E prop. Results (watts, amps, RPM and mAh) were close to what the documentation predicted. Expecting more props on Monday and will test them too and see if everything still makes sense.
Simulator: I have RealFlight 6 and have been practicing regularly. Outstanding training tool but nothing replaces the “real thing”.

So…..I’d be very happy to hear from a potential instructor and others who can help me get airborne.
MikeM

[Kevin Rochon]

Hi Micheal,

welcome back to the club!

Just follow the Field Roll Call to see who's going to be there, for sure if next W.E. is nice there will be instructors to help you, I should be there and will help you in between testing my engine.

[Sempai-mj]

Hi Michael,

As Kevin said welcome back, if you go club during the week sometimes you might find an instructor as well.

[David Janashvili]

Hi Michael,
Welcome back, during the week it's little bit hard, but weekend I will help you!

David

[beto9]

Michael, provide me proof of your 2012 MAAC membership. Send me scan of your card or copy of your payment receipt.
Thank you

[MikeM]

Thank you for all the offers of help. I'll need all the help I can get I'm sure! This coming weekend is very doubtful for me (ref to "after Sept 16" in my posting) but after that should be ready to go. Hopefully the weather stays good....I well remember flying off of snow in the winter with dead fingers frozen to the controller. With the incredible array of products and gadgets for everything out there these days there has to be some heated gloves somewhere. I'm scared to look.
MikeM

[Sempai-mj]

Thank you for all the offers of help. I'll need all the help I can get I'm sure! This coming weekend is very doubtful for me (ref to "after Sept 16" in my posting) but after that should be ready to go. Hopefully the weather stays good....I well remember flying off of snow in the winter with dead fingers frozen to the controller. With the incredible array of products and gadgets for everything out there these days there has to be some heated gloves somewhere. I'm scared to look.
MikeM

Check this out.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__14858__HobbyKing_Universal_Heater_System.html

[MikeM]

Well...Thx for this Sempai-mj . Another "must have" gadget I must have.

[Sempai-mj]

We now enclose the sun shelter and have propane heaters to stay warm between flights!
Check out this link of past winters.
http://www.wimac.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=3776&highlight=Mini+funfly&page=3

[MikeM]

Hello again....well everything is ready (gulp!) for the maiden flight. Just have to put the plane (carefully) in the car and go. The weather forecast looks excellent for Thursday, Friday and Saturday so far. Not windy like today. I would be most interested in Thursday or Friday (27/28th) if an Instructor happens to be going to the field.
BTW I ordered my "winter glove" as very helpfully shown in response to my earlier comment on frozen fingers altho' I hope I wont need it for a while yet.
MikeM

[MikeM]

Many thanks to Ronald Longtin for the successfull maiden flight (2 flights!) of my electrified "Old-Timer" yesterday. Also to the ailing Albert Providenti (hope you're feeling better!) for his kind assistance and all others present for their helpful comments.

Some work over the next few days....head to tail inspection, increased rudder/elevator throws, some toe-in on front wheels, get a buddy-box ASAP, etc.
I researched take-off characteristics of tail draggers. Some very interesting articles....describes how the "Old-Timer" behaved. The front wheel toe-in requirement would appear to have overwhelming support. the following link is to a well written (and hopefully correct) article on the subject of tail draggers and take-offs, etc. for those interested:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=866

The "RealFlight 6" simulator doesn't seem to catch the take-off issues for a tail dragger at all. Take off is literally "hands-off"! Adding a crosswind makes it a bit more challenging though.
MikeM

[Sempai-mj]

Glad you got a chance to fly it, the weather has been not to great.
I have a Buddy box "Futaba"