Antenna Problem Crash
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Antenna Problem Crash
I crashed my 60 size Stinger today and my antenna was the problem. The antenna was The problem but I was the cause. I forgot to put it back up after refueling and minor adjustments. What a shame, It was a great flying plane. None of the electronics or the Saito 91 four stroke were damaged but the stinger was a total. what do you guys do to remind you to raise the Antenna? I'm tempted to go to a rubber duck antenna as this is the second plane I've lost in the last 5 years for the exact same reason. Boy do you feel dumb when there is no one to blame but yourself. Regards Flybye
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
I make it a habit to just check wind direction and speed with the ribbon everytime I take off. That is just me......I have caught myself twice......Sorry for the loss[&o]
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
I've forgotten three times to put my antenna up. Luckily I managed to realize what was going on and panickly extend the antenna. I've really got to remember better. In the future I'll certainly be more careful, I hope[]
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
Maybe I've been lucky so far, but I've forgotten to raise my antenna twice in 9 years and neither time resulted in a crash.
The first time I flew a few circuits of the field and grew concerned about the planes response, so landed to check things out. Taxiing back to the pits is when I noticed.
Second time the plane was obvciously not under complete control after climb out and turn to downwind. I noticed the antenna then.
Maybe it's because I run my receiver antenna out behind the cockpit and up to the top of the vertical stab, or maybe it's the superior Futaba "high'low" receiver bands?
Dennis-
The first time I flew a few circuits of the field and grew concerned about the planes response, so landed to check things out. Taxiing back to the pits is when I noticed.
Second time the plane was obvciously not under complete control after climb out and turn to downwind. I noticed the antenna then.
Maybe it's because I run my receiver antenna out behind the cockpit and up to the top of the vertical stab, or maybe it's the superior Futaba "high'low" receiver bands?
Dennis-
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
Maybe it's because I run my receiver antenna out behind the cockpit and up to the top of the vertical stab, or maybe it's the superior Futaba !QUOT!high'low!QUOT! receiver bands?
Dennis-
Dennis-
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
ORIGINAL: DBCherry
Maybe I've been lucky so far, but I've forgotten to raise my antenna twice in 9 years and neither time resulted in a crash.
The first time I flew a few circuits of the field and grew concerned about the planes response, so landed to check things out. Taxiing back to the pits is when I noticed.
Second time the plane was obvciously not under complete control after climb out and turn to downwind. I noticed the antenna then.
Maybe it's because I run my receiver antenna out behind the cockpit and up to the top of the vertical stab, or maybe it's the superior Futaba "high'low" receiver bands?
Dennis-
Maybe I've been lucky so far, but I've forgotten to raise my antenna twice in 9 years and neither time resulted in a crash.
The first time I flew a few circuits of the field and grew concerned about the planes response, so landed to check things out. Taxiing back to the pits is when I noticed.
Second time the plane was obvciously not under complete control after climb out and turn to downwind. I noticed the antenna then.
Maybe it's because I run my receiver antenna out behind the cockpit and up to the top of the vertical stab, or maybe it's the superior Futaba "high'low" receiver bands?
Dennis-
Radio.
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
Sorry for the plane[&o] at least the radio and engine are still good...
as for how to remind yourself like was said use the ribbon as a wind guide and make it part of your preflight to check your antenna
as for how to remind yourself like was said use the ribbon as a wind guide and make it part of your preflight to check your antenna
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
I treat each take-off the same as with a full scale. Final control surface check, check all TX switches, check TX antenna, start timer on TX, check windsock. Only then am I ready to call "Take off" and proceed to take off. Habit is what needs to be built. Whenever you rush, you scr@@@-up.
Safe Flying!
Safe Flying!
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
A firend took off the other day, but the plane didn't want to take off, so he backed off the throttle and luckily he did because his antenna was down. That plane was probably gone if not. Brand new also.
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
I unfortunately lost my most trusted, and oldest plane (big Stik) just a couple of weeks ago when my antenna on my Futaba T6XAs broke away from it's mount in the radio and I didn't catch it. I thought the antenna was a little loose, so I turned it until it felt tight. In actuality it was wedged. The aircraft was a total loss, and 3 of the five servos were stripped out and broken cases. I think the problem was really caused by the normal wear of raising and collapsing the antenna. What about this rubber duck antenna you are referring to? Is there such a thing that is reliable for our FM radios?
Bob
Bob
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
I had a problem three years ago and crashed my Super Sportster because of not extending the antenna. At that time I was introduced to the Smiley Rubber Duck Antenna. I had great intentions, but as things sometimes go, I didn't follow through. Now the antenna has claimed it's second victim. I am ordering one of these antennas as soon as I write this note. If you care to read the info I received on this antenna,several responses and all seem positive' just enter Rubber duck antenna and look for a thread by myself(Flybye) dated 2002. I think the reason for both losses was that Itried to raise the antenna on climbout. I think if I had waited and flew the circuit I would have been better off.Regards, Flybye
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
I have forgotten to pull up the antenna in the past and flown without incident through an entire flight a few times , only to realize it on my final approach. I sometimes fly quite far out and have been fortunate. Futaba equipment with the Rx tuned to the channel I am flying on. I am from the old school that the crystal gets changed the radio gets retuned. High/low makes no difference as the frequency is right on.
Now for remembering to put up the antenna: I pull it up just BEFORE starting the engine, after I have checked out all the mechanicals and done a range check before my first flight of the day. The range check comes as soon as the mechanicals( pre-flight check) is done.
Steve
Now for remembering to put up the antenna: I pull it up just BEFORE starting the engine, after I have checked out all the mechanicals and done a range check before my first flight of the day. The range check comes as soon as the mechanicals( pre-flight check) is done.
Steve
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
I have never forgot so it is interesting to read this thread. FOr me, I raise the antenna when I attach my neck strap to my transmitter. So for me, it is one in the same event.
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
You could make/ print a reduced size checklist, just a couple items like "antennae extended", "frequency pin", etc.
Laminate it and then attach it to the front of your transmitter with clear tape.
It could be relatively small in size.
Then of course if you are like me you may have to have a checklist to check the checklist!
Laminate it and then attach it to the front of your transmitter with clear tape.
It could be relatively small in size.
Then of course if you are like me you may have to have a checklist to check the checklist!
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
IMHO the best thing to do is get a routine set. That way it becomes just another step you take to get flying. For me, I have my flight box sitting next to my plane when I am starting it, I extend the antenna so I can set my radio next to the flight box and lean it on the flight box. The way that I put it there it would fall over if the antenna wasn't extended, this is my memory aid I use to put the antenna up for flying.
Ken
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RE: Antenna Problem Crash
I havent read the whole topic. but maybe put a ribbon with velcro on the tip on your antanna, and when you put the antanna down velcro it to your radio so that when you pick up your radio you see a bright ribbon across the face. Maybe velcro it across the trottle stick so that you have to move it in order to use it? Thatll look funky but it would probably help you!
Sorry for your loss
-Fox
Sorry for your loss
-Fox