First Flight Help
 

Well I decided today I would go fly my new ALPHA 40. With the motor broken in and absolutly no experince with 4 channel RC flying, my brother and I drove to the park. To my surprise All 4 take off and landings were perfect. The winds were 12 mph too! I dont know how I did it but hey...I did. so TUning....Ughhh. There is oil all over the wing? Signifying that it is too rich? also at full throttle up there the plane starts to come back down to low RPM what do i do?


High Power: engine will vary in RPM sometimes

Mid range:stable
Idle: a tad high
Oil all over wing? Now that I learned to fly it I just wanna be more confindednt with the motor! Help me

RE: First Flight Help
 

On the negative side:
The park is a bad option for flying a glow trainer; an AMA sanctioned club is the best option.
Why? Because you have free experienced help and training not only about piloting, but about safety, proper engine tunning, aerodynamics, field etiquette and comradely.

On the positive side:
Congratulations on your first flight; it seems that you have natural skills.:)

You need to richen the high needle a little, so the engine is cool and happy at full throttle.

At the end of the day, clean the oil over the wing with Windex and a rag; it is normal.

Best luck!

RE: First Flight Help
 

Hi!
You are just running the engine too lean! Open the high speed needle some!
-And join a club!!!!!

RE: First Flight Help
 

I agree with the other responders an all counts. The park is NOT the proper place to fly a nitro powered plane. Even if space permits, you have no control of others walking into harms way. As for the engine, it definitely sounds like you're running too lean. I assume you have a 2-stroke. Lots of oil on the plane is a price you have to pay. You should have a "cloud" coming out of the exhaust at full throttle. To set the high speed needle correctly, bring the throttle to full and slowly turn the high speed needle clockwise until you reach the maximum rpm's. Then turn the needle back (counterclockwise) at least three "clicks". To test for the proper setting, pinch the fuel line closed. If the engine gains rpms before stalling, it is correct. If it loses rpms or quits suddenly without gaining speed, it is too lean. Richen the mixture slightly. Next, bring the throttle to idle and wait for the engine speed to settle. Then advance the throttle quickly. The engine should increase rpms smoothly, If it "spits and sputters" it is too rich. Hope this helps.
Please find a safe place to fly, and consider finding an instructor to help you.

RE: First Flight Help
 

Thanks! Even though I live near a club...im 16 and refuse to pay 200 dollars for 1 year :( that money goes twards my real plane. I have a cessna that I recently flew solo in so thats where the money goes, however the RC is more fun hahha. Thank you all for Your help i will let u know how it went

RE: First Flight Help
 

Hold up. Your 16 and own a full sized Cessna and can't afford the $200 for the club fees?

Dude you need to understand what these guys are saying. Your new at flying RC and you did it at a park where it's close to little league baseball players are playing, or soccer players, whatever!. You never flew before and you could of possibly put some kids in danger for a measly $200. Do you realize that even a .40 size plane can can cause serious injury or even death in the wrong and inexperienced hands?

I hope they teach that in your Cessna School. Good luck on instrumentation. Spelling counts.

RE: First Flight Help
 

I agree with everyone but a lot of oil on the wing would mean its rich and your engine struggling means too lean. Its one or the other. Youre probably rich at the high end and lean at the low end or vice versa but make sure you have smoke coming out of your exhaust at full throttle. This is done at the high end probably half a turn.

RE: First Flight Help
 

If you hit someone with your plane it is going to cost you alot more than $200.00.

RE: First Flight Help
 

This is not a hobby to try and save money on. There are park flyer airplanes on the market that are ok in a park (check your local regulations to be sure) but nitro planes are too big and usually too noisy.

As for cost, the search feature at the AMA website is your friend. This club will cost you the grand sum of $5 a year until you're 18.

http://www.jcsportfliers.org/

You'll need AMA if you don't have it already. It'll cost you $60. It's the cheapest investment you will ever make in this hobby with one of the biggest payoffs. The insurance policy alone is a steal at that price and the rest that they do on behalf of the hobby make a lot of it possible. You have been benefitting from the AMA's work from day 1. If you haven't been paying dues, now is a good time to start.

RE: First Flight Help
 

Actually, AMA will only cost you $1.00 until you turn 19($15 if you include "Model Aviation" magazine). I can't say much about the dues at the local club, but I haven't heard of dues being $200 in any club. Many clubs even have reduced rates for juniors and some also give you a break on your first year (to encourage new pilots to join). So money should not be a problem. Of course, if you hit someone with a nitro plane in a public park, AMA's insurance will not cover you because that would be considered gross negligence, especially now that numerous people have pointed out the dangers of doing so. (any decent lawyer will hit you with the same thing when they sue your parents).
Someone else pointed out that there are small electric planes that are designed for park flying. You should stick to those in the park. If you can't follow a few simple rules, you should not fly at all. I certainly hope you don't carry your disregard for safety into the cockpit of your full scale.

RE: First Flight Help
 

While I do advocate joining a club most of the time I understand his aversion to pay 200 bucks a year just on principle. I have not been a member of a club in a long time. There are many public parks where RC flying is normal and I normally seek those out. When I was stioned at Little Rock AFB we had a public park that had a huge open field on it tht the city kept mowed year round. They used it for a once a year festival and thats it. Me and my buddy flew on it all the time. I liked it more than a club field because we were free to do 3D and fly in random patterns. Most club flys that I go to I spent more time keeping and eye on the club members because all they want to do is fly in big circles and got pissed when I wanted to hover down on the deck. It is not always about the money. For a beginner yes I think he should seek out the help of a expert but don't start bashing the guy for using a PUBLIC park because it can be done safely.

RE: First Flight Help
 

I didn't even know about the reduced rate for juniors for AMA. So can you afford $6 to be in compliance with the established safety code?

trublu02- True that RC flying can be done safely in a park, as long as spectators don't come near the flight area and there aren't any obstacles nearby. Personally though, I much prefer to fly in a club that has established patterns specifically because it keeps things orderly. Sure, I want to do whatever I want, but I don't want to be flying a scale plane in a pattern and have someone decide to do a wall and hover right in front of me. My club maintains a very considerate balance. We fly the pattern generally, but if a guy wants to do 3d or anything wild he gets up when others are taking a break and we give him his space. All the pilots know to not hog the runway and allow for others to enjoy it, so it works out very well.

RE: First Flight Help
 

I don't deny that there are parks large enough to fly in. I do question the safety of doing so. As you point out, parks are public. IMHO, that means that you have no right to restrict others from using any part of it, which means that you have no control of the flight area. The fact that nobody has yet walked under your plane doesn't mean that they won't in the future.

RE: First Flight Help
 

I've heard of a couple of incidents were.....as the RC pilot is coming in on approach, watching his plane, after he checked to see the runway cleared.....some little kid on a bike came from behind the pilot and pulled on the "runway" right in front of the plane.....there was a court case involved....and the mean ol pilot that hit the kid was defending himself....
Due yourself a favor and get with a club

RE: First Flight Help
 

Jester s1
Some clubs are alot better than others at allowing all types of flying. Unfortunately I have never had one locally. Currently I am stationed in Corpus Christi Texas and the closest club with a field is 25-30 miles away. Gas is to expensive for me to drive out there everytime I want to fly especially when I am only going to be here a few more months.

dredhea,
The public park I fly in now is huge and it is very rare that someone will walk through the middle of it. Even when they do I am very careful to keep my plane far from any people. If the park is busy I dont fly. Even at club field there are times when people are walking directly through the flight area to pick up planes off the runway or pick up the pieces of a crash. How is that any different? In fact I have found that modelers are the worst offenders. They are so used to the planes they get complacent. Most non flyers give model aircraft a wide berth. The only point I am trying to make here is that a club isn't right for everyone. Almost no beginner can post here and not get blasted if he is not a member of a club. I know plenty of people who leared to fly without being a member of a club. Yes clubs are a great option if you got one locally. I am just advocating that this is not the only option. It is obviously not a popular opinion here at RCU.

RE: First Flight Help
 

Well I'm not sure about the $200/year.But a quick search of the clubs in your area on the AMA's website shows a club that is listed as 11 miles from your location and their dues are only $40/year.

http://www.jcsportfliers.org/


In fact, there are quite a few clubs in your area, and I'm pretty sure that you could find one less than $200/year for dues.

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="word-spacing: 0px; font: medium arial, sans-serif; text-transform: none; color: rgb(0,0,0); text-indent: 0px; white-space: normal; letter-spacing: normal; border-collapse: separate; orphans: 2; widows: 2; -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; color: rgb(59,56,56)"><table id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_dgClubs" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4" align="center" border="0" style="width: 700px; color: rgb(51,51,51); font-family: Verdana; border-collapse: collapse"> <tbody> <tr style="font-weight: bold; color: white; background-color: rgb(93,123,157)"> <td>Name</td> <td>Number</td> <td>Members</td> <td>Contact</td> <td>Address</td> <td>District</td> <td>Intro Pilots</td> </tr> <tr style="color: rgb(51,51,51); background-color: rgb(247,246,243)"> <td>JERSEY COAST RC CLUB<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Flying Site Details
<span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_dgClubs_ctl02_lblDis tance" style="font-weight: bold; color: blue">6.05 miles</span></td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">419</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">100</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">ROBERT ADAMS
Email Contact</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">117 YALE DR<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
LAKEWOOD NJ 07753<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Phone: 732-905-1068<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Visit Website
</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">2</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">No</td> </tr> <tr style="color: rgb(40,71,117); background-color: white"> <td>OCEAN COUNTY SPORT FLYERS<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Flying Site Details
<span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_dgClubs_ctl03_lblDis tance" style="font-weight: bold; color: blue">10.92 miles</span></td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">2221</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">6</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">DENNIS ROME
Email Contact</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">5 NORTHUMBERLAND DR<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
TOMS RIVER NJ 08754<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Phone: 732-240-6965<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Visit Website
</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">2</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">No</td> </tr> <tr style="color: rgb(51,51,51); background-color: rgb(247,246,243)"> <td>JERSEY COAST SPORT FLIERS<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Flying Site Details
<span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_dgClubs_ctl04_lblDis tance" style="font-weight: bold; color: blue">11.79 miles</span></td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">1265</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">109</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">ROBERT KALLOK
Email Contact</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">18 BAMPTON PL<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
WEST LONG BRANCH NJ 07764<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Phone: 732.263.1561<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Visit Website
</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">2</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">No</td> </tr> <tr style="color: rgb(40,71,117); background-color: white"> <td>OCEAN COUNTY MODELERS<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Flying Site Details
<span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_dgClubs_ctl05_lblDis tance" style="font-weight: bold; color: blue">13.73 miles</span></td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">775</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">117</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">JAMSHID RABII
Email Contact</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">PO BOX 569<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
LAKEHURST NJ 08733<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Phone: 732.657.6760<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Visit Website
</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">2</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">No</td> </tr> <tr style="color: rgb(51,51,51); background-color: rgb(247,246,243)"> <td>MANCHESTER R/C MODELERS<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
<span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_dgClubs_ctl06_lblDis tance" style="font-weight: bold; color: blue">14.05 miles</span></td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">5002</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">6</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">DEAN KRAUS
Email Contact</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">2012 CHAMPLAIN ST<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
TOMS RIVER NJ 08757<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Phone: 732/240-0138<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">2</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">No</td> </tr> <tr style="color: rgb(40,71,117); background-color: white"> <td>WALL RC HELICOPTER CLUB<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Flying Site Details
<span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_dgClubs_ctl07_lblDis tance" style="font-weight: bold; color: blue">17.35 miles</span></td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">4935</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">17</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">MARK SCHNEIDER
Email Contact</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">38 WARDELL AVE<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
RUMSON NJ 07760<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Phone:<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">2</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">No</td> </tr> <tr style="color: rgb(51,51,51); background-color: rgb(247,246,243)"> <td>MONMOUTH MAC INC<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Flying Site Details
<span id="ctl00_ContentPlaceHolder1_dgClubs_ctl08_lblDis tance" style="font-weight: bold; color: blue">22.14 miles</span></td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">424</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">48</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">PETER MULARCHUK</td> <td style="white-space: nowrap">71 MANNING PL<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
KEANSBURG NJ 07734<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Phone: 732.787.5665<span class="Apple-converted-space"></span>
Visit Website</td> </tr> </tbody></table></span></span>


As others have stated, flying in a public park with a nitro powered plane has the possibility of being dangerous. Especially if you are a new pilot with very little experience. Yes, you did get a plane up and down a few times, but you are far from being experienced yet. Chances are you are going to get into a situation where you don't know what to do, and if you complicate that with being in a public venue such as a park the potential for hurting somebody can be very high. I can't stress enough getting to an area such as a club where you have a safer area to fly in, as well as getting help from experienced pilots as you progress in your flying.

Hope this helps

Ken

RE: First Flight Help
 

Something for the original poster to consider about flying a glow ship in a park and especially a park where there is not a protocol set up for flying any kind of aircraft.

It was I beleve just one year ago perhaps six months more than that somewhere in the south east (I don,t recall) some fellows were flying a variety of aircraft in a park that had not permitted protocol for flying. One of the aircraft was a helicopter, it was seen to be flying over a pedestrian trail, control was lost and a young girl was struck causing severe lacerations about the head and chest. She will no doubt be carrying the consequences of this the rest of her life. The errant flyers split the scene but were later tracked down by police as there were plenty of witness and even vidio.

Right here in Arizona maybe ten years ago one of the flying fields I have frequented in the past a gentleman and newer flyer managed to center punch himself in the chest with a forty sized glow trainer and die.

These are the reasons some of the fellows are being a little insistant about the flying of a glow airplane with in any public park where the protocol for doing so has not be set up.

John

RE: First Flight Help
 

I agree that there should be some protocol in effect for flying at a public. The parks I fly at have these in place and the public is used to see me and others there flying. There are always going to be horror stories of people getting hurt with models. Yes they are dangerous. We all know it and we accept the risks. These risks are real no matter where you fly and not all parks are suited for flying large models. But, with proper planning and training model flying in a public area can be done safely.

RE: First Flight Help
 

sure we walk on to the runway...but how is it different tells me you know nothing of how a club operates...we tell the other pilots what we are doing and wait to get a response from the other pilots that are flying...before we proceed on to the runway.....
perhaps you can fly as a guest, or get a month by month membership.....or if like my field it's city owned we make the rules, and you must have AMA membership.....but we can't stop a non member from flying as long as they follow the safety rules.....
I know you are 16, and the courts would probably do nothing to you in the case of an accident...but you would know that someone got hurt because of you if there was to be an accident.....think about it

RE: First Flight Help
 

This was in Tampa, Fl. It was all over the news, the local TV channel even called the AMA because the heli pilot was an AMA member.
The AMAdid a press release and send a local club president to the news to answer questions.
This type of incident never help us, especially in these days where the FAA and the USCongress are deciding the future of our hobby.
Dont fly glow planes in public parks. Park Flyers are for Parks.
Would you take off your FS Cessna from the interstate?

RE: First Flight Help
 

Perhaps at the place where you fly it is safe to do so, but that would be a rare exception. The main difference of having pilots walk into the flight area is that they are aware of the risk and most clubs have a rule about announcing before entering, and should adopt one if they don't. You also know where they are coming from. At a park, people could come from any direction and may not understand the hazards. I don't insist that the new guys don't fly in parks, I only request that they fly planes that are appropriate for the location. Whether they chose to join AMA is a personal choice. I merely jumped in to say that the $200 excuse didn't wash. A new pilot is the worst person to judge what is or isn't safe. They may not even know how much space they need to land, much less determine a safe distance for others that may be around. Add the injury potential of a 40 size nitro trainer that may be out of control (new pilots can lose control of a plane in a hurry) and you're looking at a disaster looking for a place to happen.

RE: First Flight Help
 

I doubt that the model flying would be anywhere near where it is now if it wheren't for the clubs.
In a club people will also help out with the engine problems for free...

RE: First Flight Help
 

Yes lopflyers that is the incident and thanks for the additional details.

John

RE: First Flight Help
 

To start with the AMA now has 0 dollars for membership if under 19 and living at home. So for him to join is now no big deal. Also being 16 his father is libel for any damages not him. The AMA would be secondary to his dads insurance, but without it his dad will carry the whole bill. Also some parks won't even let electric to fly. You must find out. Also a lot of clubs have JR membership dues, that maybe less.
It's great you had no problems and I hope in the future you continue to enjoy the hobby. Dennis

RE: First Flight Help
 

I agree with the "fly at the club" for safety and help reasons, but come on guys, cut this kid some slack. He came on here asking for help. You should be willing to give help, NOT criticize him for what he did. This hobby is slowly losing ground and not enough people are into it as they once were. Give positive reinforcements, not negative ones, and suggestions are nice, but rudely criticizing someone is a whole different ball game. Fly safe!