Learning to Fly

The first flight was ok, the large glider launching with a whistling whirr of its large folding propellor and gliding across the oval.

The Phoenix 2000 is my first radio control plane, a beautiful two metre glider with a slender nylon fuselage and expanded polymer wings, commonly referred to as EPO. 

Being a maiden flight, both for the  Phoenix and the pilot, I was extremely nervous so enjoying the moment was difficult. With total concentration I guided the glider round the field and made a turn to bring it back. It was percentage flying to be sure - no bravado like on the simulator, just dedication to giving the craft some air and hopefully bringing it to ground to live another day.

The flight sparked the interest of a magpie who peeled away from his friends flying across the field and briefly flew formation as he inspected this curious companion.  However, with my courage already waning, I kept the  Phoenix in a wide turn bringing it past the clubhouse and turning on finals back to me.

The long slim wings, their size accentuated by the proximity to the ground, slowly descended towards the turf and finally clipped the grass in a brief staccato to bring the first flight to an end.

With a thumping heart I retrieved the glider, removed the canopy and disconnected the battery. Then I heaved a sigh of relief, finally able to enjoy the moment...