ORIGINAL: wind junkie
ORIGINAL: beepee
On the point about big bird events: I used to enjoy going to them, but since they have become the property of the Extra/Edge/Yak ''watch me hover!'' group I have lost most of my interest.
Flame suit on.
Bedford
This is because once you learn to hover on small planes, the large ones do everything much easier. Everything happens in slow motion.
My only beef about big bird gatherings is they somtimes tend to showcase money and status more than the actual enjoyment of the hobby. Granted, that's fine for people to enjoy the hobby how they wish, but sometimes, not always, you see guys who barely know how to fly (or fly just enough to be REALLY DANGEROUS with the big planes) buy their way into the hobby, and show up with huge RVs and trailers to match the egos.
While I agree with these statements to a certain degree, not all are like this. Head to any IMAC event and see what I mean. Everyone I have ever dealt with in IMAC, no matter who they are and that includes the big names are extremely approachable and always willing to share information or just sit and talk. Most IMAC events you will find 50cc on up and a good range of planes. I can be seen flying my Carden Extra or my Carden Cap, both 40% planes, but you can always come talk to me.
Another thing I see a lot of is the IMAC community is always willing to lend a hand, it's not uncommon that when a pilot has an issue others will step up and help, even to the point of lending them a plane, I've done it several times and have seen it done even more.
The 3D crowd that most of you are referring to are basically "stick bangers" they can do things but as soon as they get out of shape, you need to find cover. Then you have the really good ones that are a joy to watch, they can put the plane into any position they want and keep it there. A lot of them have flown some sort of precision (IMAC, Pattern, F3A) in their lives and have learned the skills needed to be great at 3D. The ability to fly precise always helps with 3D.
Now as to way I went big, it was always part of my plane to get to 40% size planes. The reasons are many but I like the feel and look of a large plane, my eyes and reactions have slowed with age and large planes give you time and are easier to see.
Do I fly small planes, yep, still do. My smallest is a SIG Four Star 120 with an Evolution 35cc gas engine. I use this plane to relax with. It's nothing for me to grab a chair and do 20 minutes of nothing but touch and goes with this plane. Why, simple, I was taught to fly on a Four Star 40 glow plane and have always loved the way they fly. They are simple, nice fat wing, can slow to a crawl and I do mean a crawl and are generally good are "normal" aerobatics. I wanted one large enough to handle gas as I can use the same 5 gallon can I use for my big planes so all I need is the gas can, a battery charge and battery source and a few minor tools for a day at the field and I really do not need more than a single allen wrench and 7/16th socket and ratchet but I do take all of the above every time, just in case.
Oh yea, cleanup happens about every other flight and that depends on the engine and if it's still on breakin oil or not. But yes, generally gas engines are a set and forget for the person that flies at the same elevation all the time, but as a traveling competitive pilot, I do have to change mixtures every so often but not much more than a 1/16th of a turn on each needle.