Thanks to you all here at RCU, this Newbie is learning new stuff all the time. It's great! I've picked up on a couple of your websites, learned about AMA, instructors, Sims, Buddy Boxes, Trianers (Still don't know for sure which way to go on one though []) I was leaning towards one of the Megatechs until I read some other posts in another Newbie thread. Don't guess I'll be going that route! [:'(] Anyhow, I am always reading about 3D. What is that? Some Fancy-Schmancy term for Aerobatics, or does it mean something else?

3-D means "I wish I had a Helicopter"

It is actually a series of maneuvers that are performed with the wing in a (completely, or partially) stalled condition. Things like Hovering, Or Torque Rolls would be considered 3-D

3D is fun to watch and my hat is off to the folks that are talented enough to do it. I am not that good. But, I had much rather watch a plane doing scale maneuvers. That is what I really enjoy. Just a personal preference.

I had an Sig Lt40 for a trainer and after I passed my wings I learned how to hover it with just a 40FX engine on it!![8D]

Uh huh. Bet you a dollar you can't do it when you're awake.

What, never seen an LT40 hanging on the prop?? A buddy put a 61 engine on his and he can do knife edge for the full length of the 635 foot runway! [X(]

Knife Edge requires very little power and trainers often have a fuse layout that is well suited for knife edge. Hovering on the other hand is a different matter. I too have a trainer that will hover, but I'm not exactly a beginner and the trainer is on steroids big time (Kadet Seniorita 25 size, modified controls, with a YS63 burning 30% nitro hidden in the nose.)

LionHeart, I agree with Minn on 3D. 3D flying is in its infancy, and there is a lot of confusion about maneuvers and what 3D is, even between established 3D pilots. But in general, IMO, 3D is aerobatics that can only be performed in a stalled (harrier, blender, wall) or near zero/zero airspeed (waterfall, hover, TR, etc.)