Hi Guys.

We (several of us) were flying yesterday (Sunday). Although it was a tad windy, we had a good flying day. I found my engine problem, it would surge and behave strangely after about a half tank was run through it. So, I took the tank out and found that the clunk was wraped around the vent tube and stuck in about the center of the tank. I re-adjusted it so it would'nt to that again and then put a different prop (had been using an APC 12-7, someone suggested an APC 13-6 which is what I changed to).

With the OS-50, it accelerates nicely, climbs like there is no tomorrow, and slows down nicely for landings. Performs great. So, the Venus 40 is doing just great.

Four of us are starting out new in the Sportsman level Pattern. So, we started doing the maneuvers yesterday, going to practice as much as we can during the winter months getting ready for the 2006 season. Should be an interesting season.

I intend to practice with the Venus 40 as I am building an Excelleron 90, that build is about half completed. I have to put on the control surfaces on the tail, then the linkage for the pull-pull system, servo's for the tail surfaces and engine throttle. The wing is done, complete with servo's and linkage.

Meanwhile, though the Venus is doing just fine. The club 'pro' flew it and said it is a good airplane. Sooo.. onward we go into the pattern world.

So, as it is now, it is equipped with the OS 50 SX and an APC 13-6 prop. S&W 15% Hi-Rev fuel, Airtronics RD8000 using high torque Ball Bearing servo's for all control surfaces, and a standard servo for the throttle. All throw settings are according to the manual. I set in 35% expo and no dual rate. I am going to disable the spoiler function by setting all switch settings at 100% (or 0% which ever effectively disables that function) as I am using dual servo's on two different channels rather than a Y connector. The radio has 8 channels so I am using 2 and 6 for the ailerons and setting the system for spoilerons. Other than that, the plane is stock.

DS.