ORIGINAL: rctom

Yes, 40% size planes do seem slow, that's the whole idea.

Look at it from the pilots perspective. Trying to fly 3d or precision, either one requires lightning fast reactions (something I've never had). The faster the plane reacts/acts, the faster the required pilot reactions must be.

A bigger, slower plane gives a pilot a bit more margin, sort of like making your reactions faster relative to what must be done.

For example, look at a snap roll. The faster theplane rolls, the more difficult it is to judge the exact time when the snap should be stopped. A big plane that does the snap more slowly give the pilot a better chance of getting the exact spot.

I do agree that 35% planes in some cases can be more fun to watch, but pilots tend to like a plane that reacts more slowly.

TF