That was fun!
 

I've dabbled with RC since 2004, but haven't really taken off with it before. Mainly because of the cost involved and being scared of crashing. But, I've been pushing it more lately to get confidence up, etc. I've soloed before, several times, but today was the first time I've flown RC completely on my own. Went out to a friend's field (has 10 acres) by myself, setup the plane, and flew out 3 batteries. Probably flew 30-40 minutes in total. I'm pretty much all electric these days and it was VERY enjoyable to sit out there in the quiet solitude and hear the airplane whish by, etc. Flew 5 or 6 separate flights, the landings were pretty good with the last being the best. Airplane (Sig EP-42) looks like it did before I started, which is always a good thing. A fun way to spend an hour. Plus, flying by yourself is pretty efficient - out with the spent battery, in with the new, and up again.

Was fun - just me and the plane.

RE: That was fun!
 

Please think twice about flying alone.......there are two kinds of flyers, those that have gotten it with a prop and those that will get it......usually requiring several stitches.....
I used to think a prop would never get me...after all I am a full scale A&P have worked around large prop engined airplanes, have had more safety briefs than you can count etc etc etc...
Then 3 yrs ago Thanksgiving morning I got in hurry to fly between showers and got, got...sure was glad that there were people around....plus by the time I got back from the ER my airplane and gear were home......
Just food for thought...Oh by the way electric engines are as bad if not worse than glow.....
Congrats on your flights and be careful

RE: That was fun!
 

Thanks for the tip. I feel confident with this setup though because the prop doesnt even turn with me close by. I just keep throttle at zero...esc would prevent spinning either way. Once Im ready to take off, I add power and prop starts for the first time. But Ill absolutely be careful though.

Interference would cause prop to start I assume.

RE: That was fun!
 

Interference probably won't cause your prop to start unexpectedly, but plenty of pilots have accidentally bumped the throttle on the transmitter. Programming a throttle hold is a very good idea if you have a computer radio, or installing an arming switch is an option if you don't.

RE: That was fun!
 

Jester is absolutely correct. More times than not it's accidentally bumping a throttle stick that will start an electric plane accidentally. And the problem with an electric is they don't stop once they hit something like a fuel power engine usually will. An electric will just keep spinning away until power is cut. In my opinion they are more dangerous than a fuel power engine for just that reason. They should be treated with great respect at all times.

Ken