ORIGINAL: da Rock
Went flying today. Pretty cold. Everyone had trouble starting engines. And guess what............
One of our Futaba bigots had a problem with his Futaba TX. Seems something in the right stick broke while he was flying. He was in a world of hurt for a minute there.
Didn't get a chance to check out how old the TX was. But it was one that sells for just under $200 in a complete package.
Thats pretty funny and quite scary. Everyone once and a while needs an eye-opening experience like that to get them out of the one-path frame of mind. But, it just goes to show how dangerous this hobby can be (from a financial perspective and the danger to other people). Unlike modern airliners, RC aircraft (actually all rc) do not have redundant systems, so if one part of the machine breaks down, there is a good chance that it will cause the demise of the rest. Thats why I cringe at even the thought of purchasing an expensive craft. Actually, if I always thought about how expensive my setup at the moment is, I would probably never fly. But like someone in the forums said, part of the fun is that there is always the chance that your entire investment could go up in flames at any moment. And boy was he right.