Hi,

I know there are many topics regarding the AFS on the NexSTAR and the question whether this is really a hinderance to use. I haven't flown the plane yet, but speaking with the instructor he believes in it. My concern regards the location of the flying field. Reading on Futabas website about the PA2 (Pilot Assist Link), which is what the AFS is on this plane, it states that it should NOT be used around tall buildings or structures that intefere with a view of a flat horizon. Our flying field is basically surrounded by woods in all directions. With this situation there is NO real view of the horizon and this concerns me. I'm not sure what I should do. Should I trust my instructors flying experience and not say anything and give it a go? Or would it be ignorant of me being a first time flyer to tell him that I would prefer to disable it and learn the way everyone else does....with no mechanical or electronic intervention? I don't want to offend him or make him angry by second-guessing his judgement. Like I stated before, I know the general opinion here is that it is better off disconnected or with the gain set WAY down because there are to many factors that could give it false readings and you wind have to fight the plane more than anything. I would really appreciate anyones opinion or advice on how I should handle this.

Thanks


Adam

My recommendation, especially considering the surrounding terain, is to disable the AFS. I strongly believe in learning on a "Buddy Box" and without mechanical assistence.

As you learn to fly, YOU have to learn to control the plane. Having a device controling the plane is not helping you to learn to control it.

I would suggest telling the instructor you would prefer to learn without the assistencs of the AFS. It MAY take you a little longer, but in the long run it will be worth it. If the instructor will not teach you UNLESS YOU USE THE AFS, I would ask for a different instructor.

The AFS could be of help to you if you were trying to teach yourself (not recommended).

I would also see what others have to say, I feel a majority of them will agree with me though.

I've taught a person how to fly one of these before. The pilot assist, in my opinion is totaly trash. I could hardly get the plane undercontrol with it on. We decided to turn the dang thing off, and he learned how to fly without it and is doing good. Whatever senser is inside of it isn't good at all. Goodluck learning to fly. I strongly suggest you fly with an instructor and a buddy box though.

Thanks for the advice

Those are the answers I was expecting, but like I said....being a brand new member, I didn't want to make waves. I really do want to learn to fly correctly . I will be seeing the instructor before my first session so I will let him know about my concern and tell him that I would prefer to learn without this "crutch".....and see what he says

Thanks again


Adam

very good choice remove the flaps and use a buddy box

This may sound stupid....I know what a buddy box is....but is this something that the club instructors should have? or is this something that I need to buy and bring? If they will supply....will they have the cable to connect to it or will I have to supply this ??


Adam

I guess I can see both sides since I was a flight instructor, and now am still getting advice from my RC instructor after soloing a month ago.

I would definately suggest giving in a little to the instructor's opinions in any case. Of course, you should state your worries about the AFS. I agree that buddy boxing is a must. Maybe he needs to see it in action one time to be a believer in forgoing AFS???

Just my 2 cents from being on both sides of this one.

A "buddy box" is either another transmitter OR a dummy transmitter. You will need to provide the cable (About $15 - $20). Your transmitter will be used as the "Master" transmitter, the instructor's (or someone elses) will be used as the "Slave or Student" box.

What you will need to find out from your instructor (or who ever is teaching you) is what brand of transmitter they have. Then you will need to purchase the correct buddy box cord. Be aware that SOME of the Futaba and Tower transmitters use a rectangular/square buddy box port instead of the round port. Be sure you know what type of buddy box ports are on the master and slave AND, in some cases, the cord MAY BE SET UP with a Master end and a Slave/Student end.

Futaba, Tower and MOST Hitec transmitters are compatible with each other. If you have a transmitter that is either not compatible OR the cable for the buddy box ports is not available, you will have to provide a dummy transmitter or another transmitter AND cable for use as a slave. IF you have to go that route, I suggest getting another transmitter w/flight pack. If I remember correctly, the NexStar comes with a 4 channel transmitter. If you have to "bite the bullet", I suggest getting a 6 (or more) channel COMPUTER radio. As for the flight pack, you WILL use it. I have 8 planes (and one in the works), they all use the same transmitter, just have a flight pack in each one. Once you learn how to fly, you can sell the "Slave/Student" transmitter (or keep it as a spare) if you want to.

Thanks Campy for the detailed info....helps alot


Adam

the instuctor shoould