Classic Pattern and the economy...

The unforseen bonus of flying electric...more quality flying time, for me.

Electric powered, specifically LiPo power, has add an unintended bonus in the form of more quality flying time which for me (having very little time) is priceless?

Specifically, I added an Oxai Beryll/Hacker C50XL Comp to my F3A fleet in 2007. I logged 125 flights from February to July, not particularly special. What made/makes it special is that at least 45 of the flights were completed on my way to the office at 6:00 am! My flying field only flying hour restrictions for "glow". I also had at least 20 flights made on my way home from the office. E-power offered my the ability to fly with a suit and tie, quick set-up and tear-down creating more tiny little windows to add flights and stay married.

The other benefit, that I did't fully appreciate, is the consistency. The throttle stick is exactly the same, with zero concern about a slightly too low of an idle in a spin...and the brake feature for down lines is pretty cool. I am drawing better manuevers with the additional flights which is enhancing all of my precision flying. I also have/had many other 2c/4c aeropbatic models...love em...when time is available like em the best over the most weather conditions.

The expense is not rationally defensible. I have (3) sets of 5300 Thunder Power lite packs with 120 flights each and (2) 5000 Extreme Thunder Power packs with 60 and 20 flights and will require hundreds of more flights to "break-even" versus Cool Power 30% heli for my YS powered models. The chargers, power supplies, balancers and batteries are expensive.

The simplicity, consistency and reduced wear and tear on airframes are very apparent. Glow will always be a part of my modeling recognizing the e-power may prove to be very enjoyable for many modelers and a variety of their airplanes...independent of cost.


Rusty Dose
Team Futaba
Team YS Parts and Service