Winter flying?
10-10-2006 | 10:10 AM
#1
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From: Otsego,
MN
Winter flying?
I'm getting ready for winter flying, and need a glow engine for my trainer, are 2 strokes or four strokes better in the winter? My trainer donated a its engine to another plane, so I'm just wondering, a 46 AX or a Saito 56?? thanks, Grayle
10-10-2006 | 11:35 AM
#3
RE: Winter flying?
Things I find helpful:
Glomitts of Glittens - those fingerless wool or neoprene gloves with flaps that can pull over your fingers.
Towels - one for the engine and one for the transmitter - keeps the snow from lighting and melting into where it shouldn't
A flight box with plane cradle - gets it up out of the snow so the wind doesn't blow it away. Skis are much slicker than wheels. Figure twice as much room to land as when on grass . . . unless you find a deep footprint. Don't walk right out to your plane if it stalls (like when the prop hits the snow). You'll ruin the strip in a short time. Walk along the edge and cut in perpendicular, and then use the same foot holes coming out.
I have a little flange on my flight box that I can slip the transmitter handle over so I don't have to set it in the snow.
Coffee. Lots of coffee.
Worst winter mistake: I slipped a gallon size Baggie over my transmitter with holes just large enough for the sticks. Seemed clever at the time. Unfortunately, I was in trouble at take off (thought it was a cros-wind) and by the time I thought I had enough altitude I tried to get rid of the plastic. Turns out my rudder trim was full right (a 6DA with slides instead of computer toggle trims). The plastic worked up on the sticks and tipping the aileron stick to hold her level pulled the rudder out from my left thumb. Smoking hole in the snow. RATS!
