racer8297
Posts: 323
Joined: 3/31/2003
From: Macungie, PA, USA
Status: offline
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There are a few reasons why it is better in the wind. First, the wing loading is less than most prop planes. The airframe is cleaner, the wings thinner, etc. Generally, for their relative size the jets are heavier. These characteristics of jets make them more stable in the wind. When landing, a good 20mph headwind makes the landing slower and easier, instead of squirrely like a lightly loaded prop plane.
I am flying the Reaction 54 which is a kit from Bruce Tharpe Engineering. He aslo has an ARF version. The Reaction slows to a crawl for landing yet with the right motor (Jetcat P70 in mine) it will go 170 mph. It is also good for a grass field, which is what I fly from.
No, a turbine does not supply thrust like a prop plane. You have to "set up" for landing well in advance. You have to keep the revs up as you are on final. If all looks good when you cross the runway threshold, you chop the throttle and it settles in. And, you must not push the nose down, a jet will pick up speed in an instant. If you have to do a go around, you need to decide early on. Once you throttle up to full throttle from say 1/4 throttle, it can take every bit of 4 or 5 seconds to actually have enough thrust to abort a missed approach.
It is a different way of flying. You need to anticipate more. But once you get used to it, maybe 10 flights if you are an otherwise experienced pilot, you will love it. No vibration, great sound, feeling of power, and you will know that you have reached the top of the hobby.
Good luck, let us know if you have any questions.
Jim
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Plane for Windy Conditions?! - 
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