Guys, let me weigh in here with some recent experience. I've got 40+ years of modeling experience under my belt including pattern, quikee racing, WWII scale racing (180 mph+), scale, helicopters, ducted fan, competition fun fly, and lots of sport airplanes of my own design. With all that, I was still surprised when I made my first successful turbine flight two weeks ago with a BVM Bandit and a de-tuned JetCat P120. I thought I had everything under control and knew about everything there was to know about model aviation with all my experience and competition activities, but still found the turbine experience unlike ANYTHING I'd done before. In fact, I put a Euro-firebird in a year ago (cost me over $6000.00) by the time I finished replacing everything, so that was a REAL setback - took a year to recover and get back in the saddle.

What I'm saying is, there ARE NO SHORTCUTS in this turbine game. I'm still enough of a newbie turbine driver to remember that I also thought you experienced guys were pretty arrogant and condesending UNTIL I had a chance to get some time under MY belt. Man, what a different experience!!! I've now got 10 successful flights on my BobCat and I can't believe how different flying this machine is from EVERYTHING I flew before. I've not had a pucker factor like that for a very, very long time!!! It's beginning to come together and feel good, but will take a while before I REALLY feel comfortable with it.

There are three things that REALLY stand out with turbine flying to me: 1. The sheer effortless speed and power of the turbine - can sure get you in trouble fast before you know it, 2. The throttle lag time when you need power - especially on landing or a go-around, and #3. The need for constant throttle management - you CANNOT push the throttle up and keep it there like you do on recips - there's just too much power and the speed gets too fast. Already had a botched landing with a go-around - didn't have a problem, but was surprised at how long 3 seconds can be when you're hanging on the edge of a stall waiting for the power to come up!! A prop job thrust is instant, and you have air over the controls right away to help you - not so with a turbine - you have to wait until it spools up and it CANNOT be rushed. You just can't imagine how that feels until you experience it for yourself. The airplane is GREAT, but very fast and covers the ground very quickly!!!!! My BobCat weighs 20# and the turbine has been detuned to around 18-19# of thrust - still has PLENTY of power. I cruise around 1/2 to 3/8 throttle except for manuvers.

So, to you new turbine drivers, I know you're impatient to start flying turbines - so was I - but take your time, do it right, and save yourself a lot of money, frustration, possibly severe damage, or someone's life. THERE ARE NO SHORTCUTS to this!!!!!! Take it from someone who's been there already! I agree with these CD's who are trying to give you good advice. You'd be wise to listen to them - they know what they're talking about. I know from first hand now that I've got mine in the air, and I'm just beginning to learn!!!

Hope you're all successful and enjoy the jets - there's just no experience like it, so do it right, and enjoy!!!!!

Best Regards, and best wishes from a no longer virgin turbine driver,