I agree with most of what Chad posted, except of course his comments regarding gearboxes. With all due respect, from what I have seen, the outrunners simply do not have the same level of performance as the Hackers. And from what I saw posted regarding outrunner performance at the World's, they are just barely adequate. I for one, like models that have excellent vertical power and speed. I have yet to see that from an outrunner. They may be coming, but they are not here yet. When they are, I will be happy to switch. I am just not yet convinced that the physics of outrunners will ever let them reach the power to weight of a good geared inrunner.

The gearbox is just not that big of a deal to maintain. Hacker USA will do it for free if you want to send it to them. But if you are at all mechanically inclined they are simple to do yourself. And the new Hacker F3A motor will be even better.

As far as AAM's concerns, IMHO he is exagerating some things for his desired effect. But I'll agree, there is no way to rationalize switching to electric by comparing cost. Right now electric costs more, period. But for me, the advantages outweigh the increased cost. Others may look at it differently. But let's face it, competition pattern flying at a high level has never been cheap.

And I agree with rm. With his outlook, AAM should stick with glow. At least until he's convinced the numbers are there.

And here are some numbers. In the last two years I have flown 1,614 flights with electric models. 983 have been with large, high power electric. The rest have been with foamies or small models. I have never had a charging fire. I have crashed two of the larger models, both from wing failure. With the first, there was no damage to the packs, in fact I'm still using them. In the second, the two 5S4P 8000 mah packs did catch on fire. I pulled everything valuable away from them and let 'em burn. None of my foamie hits have ever caused even a damaged battery. I consider this a very good safety record. But as has been mentioned, I am diligent and careful with any model I am flying.

Electric pattern models will not be for everybody, plain and simple. Just like turbine jets aren't for everybody, or Giant Scale racers, or 40% IMAC models. But I do enjoy them and I do think so will those who make the investment.