My buddy and I went back to our usual spot. Today, however, there were plenty of people flying all sorts of planes and helis. So, we went over and introduced ourselves. I told them that I had just finished building my Tower and that I wanted to get her in the air. They were more than happy to help out. Frankly, I didn't believe that my plane was going to fly. After all, I put it together, and my crafmanship wasn't wonderful. I fired her up, and one of the guys fine tuned the engine. He taxied her and off she went. He did a few circuits and trimmed her. Then, I got the sticks. I was a bit nervouse because there were two other planes up there, but she and I flew just fine. Again, the O.S. .40 LA is a bit weak, but it kept her in the air. I kept it simple and did a circuit and a few loops. I was very nervous bringing her in since there were so many people, so I landed her quite a ways out. It was rather rough. She bounced a few times, and the prop snapped. Otherwise, no damage, and a sucessful flight. I took her another time and that was it. On the whole, it's not a bad plane. Smooth. Will stay inverted, too. I must say, however, that I much prefer the Avitstar, but the tower is a great trainer for 70 bucks.

Now, this flying site is a qestionable one, and I am suprised that the cops aren't on everyone's butts. The parking lot is just behind us, and a very busy road is just to the right. Not just that, but there are plently of little kids. Oh, and everyone is drinking beer ( I don't mind it.) . Even more, the more expereienced guys were flying over our heads, just above cars and what not. I was very suprised, since I know this would not fly anywhere else. A great bunch of guys, however, and a lot of fun. Just not the safest place if you play by the rules. I wish I could have taken some pictures. Thanks!

Glad you had a good first flight on your new plane. Find another place to fly.

What Jim said........

Bad crowd and bad habits,eventually you'll pick up their style if you stick around.Look for a club that is respected.

Glad to hear of the good maiden flight. I wouldn't be too happy with the other stuff going on.

Yeah, it was nice of them to help you out like that, and that was good. However, I must ditto what the others have said. Flying overhead, with children around, and while drinking alcololic beverages.. this does not mix very well. If someone gets hurt while you are there, you could be included in any problems that erupt over that.

Do yourself a favor and find yourself a new club to fly in.

Good job, otherwise though, sounds like you built it right!!

CGr.

Flying so close to traffic and around other people makes me nervous. It's not worth it if something goes wrong .Period. There is a beautiful, perfectly maintained field about 20 miles outside of the city. I will try to get out there as often as possible, but I don't have a car. My roommate is more than willing, however, to take me, as he is trying to get into the hobby, too. So, if this weekend is nice, I think we'll head out. I'm addicted now. Absolutely addicted.

way too much bad stuff could happen there, attitudes alcohol, kids and flying planes do not mix at al. and the only one that will get hurt or in trouble will be you, murphys law, rite?? my club has a strict no alcohol law

Yep, bad stuff WILL happen. I think the beer is fine as long as you're not flying. Then again, this is Philly. Anything flies. (no pun). But, I won't be around to see the disaster when it happens.

Phili or not. Alcohol should not be around when RC flying is taking place. Period. You know the good old "anything that can go wrong will" is a good addage for this situation. Any alcohol present if and when an accident happens is going to be very much subjected to scrutiny. Better to just avoid that situation.

We have a rule in our club that alcohol (the drinking kind) is not permitted at either of our fields under any circumstances and there is a big reason for that.

CGr.

And I would guess one of the reasons, aside from the obvious, any insurance, AMA or other, may not cover you if alcohol is found to be involved in any way IF something happens.

These guys aren't even covered by AMA . . .

Congratulations on your first flight............It's a kick isn't it!!
I like my beer as much as the next guy but this really isn't a drinking sport. "Danger Will Robinson"
Be carefull out there,

Rufcut

yetti831 - The pilot in command, that is you, makes the decision when to push the throttle forward. I read about your flying site this morning and have been thinking about it ever since! Its hard to comment because simply, we are not there, however you are and as a pilot of an aircraft, have to make the decision to fly or not and have to live with the results.

To us a model is an AIRCRAFT and to everyone else that is not into RC it is a TOY, a very cool toy that attracts all kinds of people. Kids, alcohol ect don't sound good but it is up to you to make the good decisions.

Most spectators have never thought along the lines of describing a average model as a 6 pound object traveling in excess of 80 mph or so. Impact with humans is painfull, dangerous and could be fatal. Also with guys flying with no insurance.......[:@][:@][:@], not a good thing. Guys flying over people and over cars ect....maybe not a good thing.

Congrats on your maiden....please give your flying site some thought! Maybe a actual club that is sanctioned where members are insured[sm=thumbup.gif]

Thanks. I'm going to teach my friends how to fly with a buddy cord shortly. I'm trying to get them to make a purchase!

Do you have a car?

There are at least four flying fields within an hour's drive from Philadelphia. Just cross the Walt Whitman Bridge and head east on the AC Expressway. Get off at the Route 50 exit toward Mays landing. Go to Rt 322 and turn right and go up about a mile and look for a Smokey the Bear sign and turn at the sign. You will run into a 3000 x 500 foot runway and probably a bunch of guys flying RC without any of the problems you desribed in some of your posts.

CGr.

No, I don't have a car, but my roommate does. I already visited a beutiful flying field that's just 20 miles outside of Philly. Thing is, the other field is only 3 miles away from me, but I guess I'm going to bite the bullet and drive out. Thanks for the info CG.

Enjoy being 20 miles out of Philly and flying your plane! Its an excuse to 'get out of town'. Congrats on the maiden flight.

Fly with the winners.

chances are these guys have been banned from the clubs or don't want to follow the clubs rules. great job on the maiden and trying to get another guy into flying, we need more good people in this hobby