Finally got my Seagull Space Walker 2 maidened today. Flew 4 flights. The model is kinda squirrelly on the ground due to the smallish tail wheel. I'm running a TT Pro .46 in it and the engine performs quite well in this plane. Anyways, the arf comes with 2 figures for pilots/co-pilot, a male and female. I've affectionately called them, Helmet and Helga.
There was about an 8 mph wind with gusts up to around 15 mph. The space walker handled this breeze pretty well. It didn't get pushed around all that much. Anyways on my 2nd flight, I was about 60 to 100 feet high and noticed something fly out of the plane.
"Oh crap"!!!!! I hoped that I did't lose a servo or something . When I landed it, I found that Helga was missing. Maybe she got into an argument with Helmet? Or didn't like his flying so she jumped out!!!! She was sitting in the back seat. Maybe I'll learn how to glue the figures in better next time.

Dave...

It happens to the best of them. I seem to have problems with pilots for my Sig Hog Bipes. I've had Snoopy and Buzz Lightyear both bail out at one time or another!!! Hire a new pilot and get back in the air.

I use canopy glue for securing the pilots. It sets up a bit flexible and will strech under stress rather than just shear off.

when is the RC world going to realize the importance of seatbelts. this tragic event would have never happened if seatbelts had been securely fastened

I believe a 5-point harness would have been in order for the maneuvers performed. Did you actually think you lost a servo? That is little faith in workmanship.

Its a little disheartening seeing something fly off your plane while its in the air. Because generally, you'd be in dire straits say if one of the wing hold down screws came out.
Yeah, they need seat belts!!!! I may try gooping the next one in.

Dave...

I just noticed this part of your ID area:

Bad=your mother-in-law joins your club!

You forgot the part of:

Worse=She flies better than you do.

I've seen all sorts of stuff fly off of planes. Your story reminds me of one of the funniest "abandon ships" I've ever seen. At a huge giant scale fly-in, I was spotting for a bud of mine. He lost an elevator half in flight and proceeds to yell at the top of his lungs "Mayday! - Emergency!" He immediately lines up for an emergency landing, and then his pilot figure bailed ship... Plane was landed with out further incident, but without the pilot figure or canopy. As for the pilot figure, his chute didn't open. He would have been better off riding it out. Cheers!

I was thinking of somehow hinging my canopy on. For the pilot to plop out of.. It would be awsome...

A 1/4 - 20 bolt, nut, two washers, and a lockwasher is best, use locktite to keep the bolt from coming undone. The length should be enough to allow all threads to pass completely through the nut. You may have to drill a hole through her head to get to the bolt but you can use an allen cap screw for that instead of a hex-head bolt. That way you will have a smaller hole. Then, if she falls out, you KNOW she is undoing the bolt herself and just does not want to fly. In that case, follow the above and find another pilot.[X(]

LOL!!! Well, I got another rider for the back. Thing 2 from the "Cat in the Hat". I hope the pilot don't mind his blue hair.

Dave...

Nah,

Helmet tossed her out for "backseat driving". Proabably was also nagging him to death.

Then maybe my hole in the head is not such a bad idea after all!!

Someone please correct me if my facts are off here, but dosen't the backseater fly a 2 place Spacewalker? So maybee she was trying to do away with him.....

Andy

Andy,

That's very true, but if you remember back a few posts, she did not have a chute on or at the very least no chute was seen opening.[X(]

So based on that and your idea, maybe she could not deal with him anymore and just plain ole gave up and jumped.

Seems more fitting, don't you think ?