I've been a sport flier most of my life (with some pattern experience many years ago) and I'm looking to add a little pizazz.

I would like to try that hovering thing that the 3D guys do, and I have a plane that will stand on it's prop (a GP 60 size Extra 300 with a YS 91AC) But it's tough to say the least.

My question is this: Is a gyro standard equipment for this maneuver? And what are these new "Heading Hold' or "Tail Lock" Gyros? Are they better / worse? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Gyros are illegal in competition. It is tough to do but practise practise practise and you will get the hang of it. There are some who use gyros as a crutch but it is my feeling that you will not develop all the skills to properly perform these manuvers using a gyro. Just practise practise practise!!

Thanks Can, It's nice to know that in this world of ARF's and Computers that some things are still done the ol' fashioned way. Practice it will be. (And thanks for saving me a few bucks for the gyro)

MikeB,
I use Realflight GR for practising
hovering, torque rolls, blenders and other 3D stuff.
Gives you a lot of stick time.
The good thing is that if you stuff it up and
end up meeting the ground, you can just press the space bar and try again and again and again...

Re: last post:-

Should be Realflight G2

Using a gyro is going to get you into trouble faster than you can get out of it, Hard to get setup and unless you put 3 in the plane you might as well not use one. The trick is to find a .40-.60 size 3D plane and really practice on that first or doenload some og the 3D setups for G-2 if you already have G-2. If not...start smallm and cheap then work your was up. The guys you see doing 3D have been thru more that on plane and probaly started on something designed to teach 3D. Personallt I prefer my Freya for 3d but that's kinda cheating.
I kinda like the bipe I came up with that has that little bit od added punch;

Minnflyer, get yourself a profile aircraft ( Morris Hobbies Knife, Su-do-khoi, or the new Lanier Extra 330X funfly) and a case of fuel and go at it!!!!!!! This is the best way to learn 3D maneuvers and also the cheapest. These aircraft are very forgiving for those just learning this style of flying, and absolutely unlimited for the experienced 3D flyer. Many people don't like the looks of profile aircraft, but they will improve your skills faster than anything else out there. Just ask Quique!

Is West Central MN close to Alexandria?

Anyway...the secret to hovering is a flat pitch prop, a full charge on the batteries, a fresh jug of fuel, and a nice calm afternoon & evening.

(So you can pretty much rule out this weekend!)

Chuck

Aeroworks makes a big Extra 300L profile that shouldn't cost too much to finish, and should be a little easier to 3d than the smaller profiles. Everyone I've talked to says the bigger the plane, the easier it is to 3D. Even though I hate the looks of profiles I'm still thinking about getting one...

www.aero-works.net/extra300profile/index.html

Antispad, You're close, I'm in Willmar. Thanks for all of the great ideas guys! I'll check into all of them. And Verga, I love your bipe!

If you do get a profile (get one you'll love it) get the Knife. It is made to hover.
http://www.morrishobbies.com

Matlok is right. My friend and I each just finished one of the AW planes. They are way cool AND I finally have something to learn hovering & 3D on. These are great planes for this.

http://www.devino.org/mark/airplanepics/aeroworks.htm

BTW, the same friend has that new high end Futaba gyro in his Patrick Ultimate. It IS cool on "vector hold", but he admits it is only teaching him to flip switches.

-Cheech

What new Lanier Extra 330X?????

Got pictures?

Pug

Pugs, can't discuss it yet, though it will be available by the end of summer, if not sooner. It will be worth the wait, I promise!