Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
10-22-2005, 10:41 AM
#1
Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
Hey Guys,
I've been flying and teaching for about ten years. I've flown just about every type of prop plane.
Mostly Warbirds.. I've also raced my T-34 at 100+ .... I'm building a G&P models F-18 pusher type plane. I was going to use it as my first jet. But I'm looking at a yellow F-18 ducted fan... any thoughts on this being my first jet?
I was going to jump form my pusher F-18 or the yellow to a comp bobcat... is that a far stretch?
any help would be great
thanks
Ron
I've been flying and teaching for about ten years. I've flown just about every type of prop plane.
Mostly Warbirds.. I've also raced my T-34 at 100+ .... I'm building a G&P models F-18 pusher type plane. I was going to use it as my first jet. But I'm looking at a yellow F-18 ducted fan... any thoughts on this being my first jet?
I was going to jump form my pusher F-18 or the yellow to a comp bobcat... is that a far stretch?
any help would be great
thanks
Ron
10-22-2005, 03:52 PM
#3
RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
Hey George,
Over the years I've flown a Byron P-51 with a Quadra 50.. 1/4 scale pitts... 1/4 scale extra... a bunch of 60 size warbirds..
I built and flew a f-14 prop plan (great planes) piper cubs.. combat planes.. every thing but a jet...lol
Whats you idea? saving money is always good!!
Ron
Over the years I've flown a Byron P-51 with a Quadra 50.. 1/4 scale pitts... 1/4 scale extra... a bunch of 60 size warbirds..
I built and flew a f-14 prop plan (great planes) piper cubs.. combat planes.. every thing but a jet...lol
Whats you idea? saving money is always good!!
Ron
10-22-2005, 04:20 PM
#4
RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
oke
here is my way
if you know some one who flys jetss and can help you in firsts flights go for it
just to get friend with the turbines delay rensponse
and also with no air flow in controls in low speeds from a prop in the nose
stop give away money...you will need them
stop every progect
get a jet cat... a 120...
get the facet 2300 if you are alone.....
or if you have a jet expert for the first 5 rides go for skymaster f-15 then you are done
...s/k f-15 i have...
whatever you choose... until you finish the kit
everynight you will play with the tubine for 15 minutes
antil you wont surprize by her noise, get familiar with the very easy operation
,and anterstant her speed of acceleration...
from the moment your turbine will be in your hands
until you have 5 landins on your own ....nice ones.....YOU WONT FLY PROP
YOURS OR ANYONE ELSE
YOUR RADIO WILL HAVE ONLY ONE MODEL MEMORY! JETS ONE!
UNTIL THE 5 LANDINS
just love it ...forget every think .....be alone with a good helper on the field...respect it....and dont afraid of the sound so much
.......ALSO...YOU ARE TH BEST JET PILOT WHEN.......YOU KNOW YOUR LIMITS.......NEVER PLAY ... RESPECT ITS POWER
sorry for bad english
regards
george
p.s. whatever you need let me know
p.p.s. ..............soooooooooo easy you will ask your seld what you was waitting for to start in jets ....
here is my way
if you know some one who flys jetss and can help you in firsts flights go for it
just to get friend with the turbines delay rensponse
and also with no air flow in controls in low speeds from a prop in the nose
stop give away money...you will need them
stop every progect
get a jet cat... a 120...
get the facet 2300 if you are alone.....
or if you have a jet expert for the first 5 rides go for skymaster f-15 then you are done
...s/k f-15 i have...whatever you choose... until you finish the kit
everynight you will play with the tubine for 15 minutes
antil you wont surprize by her noise, get familiar with the very easy operation
,and anterstant her speed of acceleration...
from the moment your turbine will be in your hands
until you have 5 landins on your own ....nice ones.....YOU WONT FLY PROP
YOURS OR ANYONE ELSE
YOUR RADIO WILL HAVE ONLY ONE MODEL MEMORY! JETS ONE!
UNTIL THE 5 LANDINS
just love it ...forget every think .....be alone with a good helper on the field...respect it....and dont afraid of the sound so much
.......ALSO...YOU ARE TH BEST JET PILOT WHEN.......YOU KNOW YOUR LIMITS.......NEVER PLAY ... RESPECT ITS POWER
sorry for bad english
regards
george
p.s. whatever you need let me know
p.p.s. ..............soooooooooo easy you will ask your seld what you was waitting for to start in jets
....
10-22-2005, 04:34 PM
#5
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RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
I would advise against it. I have owned two and have seen others. The F18 DF has a very narrow flight envelope and is not suited to beginners, even experienced beginners. This is nothing against Yellow Aircraft -- I am building their F15 and it is a great kit. F18's tend to be draggy and need lots of power, the gear positioning make them want to overrotate and the short wing makes them less stable in roll than most other planes. They also need power on landing, though unlike many aircraft, it is hard to bounce an F18. Once down, they stick.
If you are looking for something scale, an F15 is by far a better choice. The Avonds DF is a sweetheart. I still have mine, even though I have moved to turbines. It is big but light, glides well and lands very slowly. I have also seen many newer pilots fly the Top Gun F15.
Many more people are also moving straight to turbines, as more affordable ARF or builders kits have hit the market.
Good luck == you won't regret your move to jets.
If you are looking for something scale, an F15 is by far a better choice. The Avonds DF is a sweetheart. I still have mine, even though I have moved to turbines. It is big but light, glides well and lands very slowly. I have also seen many newer pilots fly the Top Gun F15.
Many more people are also moving straight to turbines, as more affordable ARF or builders kits have hit the market.
Good luck == you won't regret your move to jets.
10-22-2005, 05:48 PM
#6
RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
Hi,
There are definitely drawbacks to the F-18 Single as a first jet, but the speed envelope certainly isn't one of them. The performance envelope of this plane is beaten only by the Starfire (as far as our line goes). The go-arounds are easy with the application of full throttle, and the landing speeds (even with a turbine) are low. Before I ever bought my first one, I saw video after video of this plane flying at meets, and the performance on both sides were quite good. I have video I can email to anyone interested.
The main drawback to this plane is it's ground handling. If you don't set the gear up just right, it will have a higher tendency to give you ground handling headaches. There's no voodoo to it, though--you can set it up to handle just fine on the ground. There are many guys out there who have had excellent luck with this bird. Hope this helps!
There are definitely drawbacks to the F-18 Single as a first jet, but the speed envelope certainly isn't one of them. The performance envelope of this plane is beaten only by the Starfire (as far as our line goes). The go-arounds are easy with the application of full throttle, and the landing speeds (even with a turbine) are low. Before I ever bought my first one, I saw video after video of this plane flying at meets, and the performance on both sides were quite good. I have video I can email to anyone interested.
The main drawback to this plane is it's ground handling. If you don't set the gear up just right, it will have a higher tendency to give you ground handling headaches. There's no voodoo to it, though--you can set it up to handle just fine on the ground. There are many guys out there who have had excellent luck with this bird. Hope this helps!
10-23-2005, 01:39 AM
#7
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RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
ORIGINAL: Ron101
Hey Guys,
I've been flying and teaching for about ten years. I've flown just about every type of prop plane.
Mostly Warbirds.. I've also raced my T-34 at 100+ .... I'm building a G&P models F-18 pusher type plane. I was going to use it as my first jet. But I'm looking at a yellow F-18 ducted fan... any thoughts on this being my first jet?
I was going to jump form my pusher F-18 or the yellow to a comp bobcat... is that a far stretch?
any help would be great
thanks
Ron
Hey Guys,
I've been flying and teaching for about ten years. I've flown just about every type of prop plane.
Mostly Warbirds.. I've also raced my T-34 at 100+ .... I'm building a G&P models F-18 pusher type plane. I was going to use it as my first jet. But I'm looking at a yellow F-18 ducted fan... any thoughts on this being my first jet?
I was going to jump form my pusher F-18 or the yellow to a comp bobcat... is that a far stretch?
any help would be great
thanks
Ron
10-23-2005, 06:44 AM
#8
RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
My first jet was a Yellow F-18 Single, with a turbine, the plane before that a P-51 with OS 1.20. The F-18 flys great, it is not a jet trainer but it is not too dificult neither. As Shawn said, the ground handdling is a bit of a pain, but once you get used to it, it´s ok. Takeoffs are smooth with a bit of flap, and it comes nice and easy for landings. Talk to Shawn Evans, he will help you a lot with it. I am very happy with it. It is still flying great.
Michel
Michel
10-23-2005, 09:50 AM
#9
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RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
I have one for sale as I am building it. (baby on the way) I went through the same issues you have. I have heard a lot of people speak highly of the f-18 as a good first jet. (use a gyro on the nose gear to help with the ground handeling.) I bought one and the building has been fun. I can send you some pics if you like. I am putting a wren turbine in mine but the df flies well from what People tell me. I have had 2 people tell me that this thing will not fly at all and that it is junk. I saw their planes and the build was heavy and messy. Build it light and use good equipment and you will have no problems.
10-23-2005, 11:59 AM
#10
RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
Hi,
I've gotten a few requests for these video clips. I can't send them through RCU PMs, so just email me and I'll send them.
HotelSierra,
What a good post. I think the same way. I'm confused when I read all of the horror stories about DF reliability. I had a wonderful time with DF. A guy really learns to appreciate the power of a turbine when he's had to learn power management with a DF.
I've gotten a few requests for these video clips. I can't send them through RCU PMs, so just email me and I'll send them.
HotelSierra,
What a good post. I think the same way. I'm confused when I read all of the horror stories about DF reliability. I had a wonderful time with DF. A guy really learns to appreciate the power of a turbine when he's had to learn power management with a DF.
10-23-2005, 01:47 PM
#11
Senior Member
RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
ORIGINAL: chipperg
I have one for sale as I am building it. (baby on the way) I went through the same issues you have. I have heard a lot of people speak highly of the f-18 as a good first jet. (use a gyro on the nose gear to help with the ground handeling.) I bought one and the building has been fun. I can send you some pics if you like. I am putting a wren turbine in mine but the df flies well from what People tell me. I have had 2 people tell me that this thing will not fly at all and that it is junk. I saw their planes and the build was heavy and messy. Build it light and use good equipment and you will have no problems.
I have one for sale as I am building it. (baby on the way) I went through the same issues you have. I have heard a lot of people speak highly of the f-18 as a good first jet. (use a gyro on the nose gear to help with the ground handeling.) I bought one and the building has been fun. I can send you some pics if you like. I am putting a wren turbine in mine but the df flies well from what People tell me. I have had 2 people tell me that this thing will not fly at all and that it is junk. I saw their planes and the build was heavy and messy. Build it light and use good equipment and you will have no problems.
How do you know if you havent finished building??
10-23-2005, 04:02 PM
#12
RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
So I was out flying this morning and trying to sort out which way to go on this...
and now my head hurts..lol.. I hope flying my first jet will be easier than picking it
I think I'm going to just finish my G&P Pusher F-18.. which is almost done.. get some flights on it
Then see where to go from there... I'll have a better idea after flying it
George I love the idea of the Skymaster F-15.. for the first jet.. it looks great!
I think skipping over ducted fan would be nice also... I'm sick of the glow mess (HotelSierra I'm sure your right I'd gain experience with the ducted fan)
I really love the looks of the Bob Cat... and from the bobcats and king cats I've seen fly I was sold... but the price
I've also looked at the rookie... which seems like a great value
see what I mean my head hurts...lol... I'd like pick something up soon to work on over the winter
but I'm lost...lol
off the subject which jetcat is good for the Rookie and the Skymaster F-15
it looks like a P-70 would be good for the bobcat?
I'm trying to factor which size motor into the decision.... price and which airframes I could use it in later
I thank all of you
I'm holding off on the ducted fan for now
Ron R
and now my head hurts..lol.. I hope flying my first jet will be easier than picking it
I think I'm going to just finish my G&P Pusher F-18.. which is almost done.. get some flights on it
Then see where to go from there... I'll have a better idea after flying it
George I love the idea of the Skymaster F-15.. for the first jet.. it looks great!
I think skipping over ducted fan would be nice also... I'm sick of the glow mess (HotelSierra I'm sure your right I'd gain experience with the ducted fan)
I really love the looks of the Bob Cat... and from the bobcats and king cats I've seen fly I was sold... but the price
I've also looked at the rookie... which seems like a great value
see what I mean my head hurts...lol... I'd like pick something up soon to work on over the winter
but I'm lost...lol
off the subject which jetcat is good for the Rookie and the Skymaster F-15
it looks like a P-70 would be good for the bobcat?
I'm trying to factor which size motor into the decision.... price and which airframes I could use it in later
I thank all of you
I'm holding off on the ducted fan for now
Ron R
10-24-2005, 06:04 AM
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RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
Hey Ron,
In my opinion there's too much fuss made about jet flying. You seem to be an experienced flyer - I'm sure if you can handle heavy warbirds you can handle a jet. I, like a lot of other people I'm sure, just fancied having a go and did so without seeking help. I've flown lots of ducted fan models before progressing onto turbine - they've all been very smooth and faster than the average sport model in flight. Just bear in mind the possibly longer, faster approach and take-off. Enjoy the learning curve just be careful you don't get seriously hooked!
In my opinion there's too much fuss made about jet flying. You seem to be an experienced flyer - I'm sure if you can handle heavy warbirds you can handle a jet. I, like a lot of other people I'm sure, just fancied having a go and did so without seeking help. I've flown lots of ducted fan models before progressing onto turbine - they've all been very smooth and faster than the average sport model in flight. Just bear in mind the possibly longer, faster approach and take-off. Enjoy the learning curve just be careful you don't get seriously hooked!
10-24-2005, 09:04 AM
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RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
Sorry about that. I have seen several fly at different fields around the south east. I have taken the controls for a few min. I love the plane. The planes I worked with had gyros on the nose gear and tracked well. i will let you knoe when i get mine flying.
10-24-2005, 11:12 AM
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RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
Hi Ron,
I have the F-18 single powered with a turbine and this was my first attempt at jets "ducted fan or turbine" I did the maiden on this plane myself without the help of any experienced turbine pilot and the plane flies pretty much the same as any pattern plane in the air. There was a learning curve involved in landings since this plane requires some power during landing. I think if you've had some previous experience with a heavier 1/4 scale warbirds and likely have had to use throttle management during the landing approach then this should be no problem for you. The best advice here would be to stay well above the power curve on the first few flights until you get the feel for it. I consider myself an average pilot at best and while I had a few issues at first trying to learn how to land it I have been successful with it. I think you will do fine if you choose this plane as a first ducted fan or turbine model.
Good Luck,
Brandon
I have the F-18 single powered with a turbine and this was my first attempt at jets "ducted fan or turbine" I did the maiden on this plane myself without the help of any experienced turbine pilot and the plane flies pretty much the same as any pattern plane in the air. There was a learning curve involved in landings since this plane requires some power during landing. I think if you've had some previous experience with a heavier 1/4 scale warbirds and likely have had to use throttle management during the landing approach then this should be no problem for you. The best advice here would be to stay well above the power curve on the first few flights until you get the feel for it. I consider myself an average pilot at best and while I had a few issues at first trying to learn how to land it I have been successful with it. I think you will do fine if you choose this plane as a first ducted fan or turbine model.
Good Luck,
Brandon
10-24-2005, 03:43 PM
#18
RE: Yellow F-18 Single as first Jet?
Hey,
Can one of you fellows I've sent the vids to give a performance review based on what you saw? Don't count the landing, since a main wheel was missing! I'm hoping we can dispell this myth about the plane not performing well on DF.
Can one of you fellows I've sent the vids to give a performance review based on what you saw? Don't count the landing, since a main wheel was missing! I'm hoping we can dispell this myth about the plane not performing well on DF.
