...a brief run on a slalom course
This morning was fairly calm so we headed out for a quick fly with the Walrus, the challenge being to find an empty local field with enough room to move.
We ended up at a large sports ground with three fields end-to-end, promising enough except for the floodlights dotted around. My concern increased soon after launch with a turn to miss a post on the right soon followed by an even sharper turn by the Walrus to avoid its adjacent colleague on the left.
One lap around the pylon circuit was enough, and I brought the Walrus in to land, having to fly around another post in the process. Already freaked out, I mis-corrected the incoming glider's wing-down attitude with an extra dose of the same, resulting in a mild ground loop. No damage, just not particularly elegant.
The control response was also still a bit fast for me, although I again didn't have much opportunity to get comfortable with the plane. I've now set the exponential rate up to forty percent, so we'll try and see if that's sufficiently moderate.
Anyway, I have another field in mind which may be more accommodating, so here's hoping for another window of calm weather...
Things mayn't be quite as they seem
Having reconstructed the Floater Jet, including previously unused wing rod, I was keen to have it in the air again. However, considering the consistent string of failure characterising my previous efforts, I was determined to make it a solo expedition with the Flyer.
So it was that, early one Sunday morning, I drove to a nearby sports complex boasting expansive fields across which I could explore the Floater's capabilities at leisure. The cool morning air with just a hint of low mist offered optimal conditions for model flying.
Being cautious of my dismal track record, I launched the craft with only moderate throttle and a fairly gentle throw. The overall underwhelming effort paid off instantly with the craft immediately gliding downwards to a bumpy landing, with me quickly cutting the power when the abortive nature of the launch had become apparent. Now, more nervous than ever, yet still determined, I reset the Floater for launch. More power, harder throw...
Within half a second the Floater had pitched nose first to the ground, executed a half-ground loop and come to a halt with the nose cone flung to one side, rudely exposing the internal wiring of the craft. Oh no, not again..!
This time I had managed to crash quicker than ever before, even considering that I 'd remembered to install the carbon rod...
Returning home I glued the nose back into place rather rudely, and with finesse sorely lacking...
