when is ok to fly
 

is it ok to fly in the winter. i live in sotheren chichgo. what would be the lowest tempture for flying a electric plane. if you can then please respond.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

when is ok to fly
 

How cold can you stand to be outdoors? The plane can take it.

Of more concern is going to be the wind. I've spent a winter up near Chicago... When the wind's howling at 30 to 50 mph you aren't going to want to fly, especially as a beginner.

You want to find a day when the wind is under 15 mph. (less is better when learning) After you have some experience... the only limit to the weather you can fly in is if you want to stand in it. I've flown in snow, sleet, rain... It doesn't really bother the airplane. (well.. freezing rain may cause ice buildup on the wings and cause a crash, but I doubt you'll want to stand outside in those conditions.)

when is ok to fly
 

I saw the results of a 1/5 scale plane getting caught in a shower. It was a light rain, but by the time the pilot got it down, a lot of paint was missing from leading edges.
reptile, full size aircraft fly better in cold air, because the air is thicker. Air expands and contracts with temperature changes. Your electric may climb better, loop tighter, and land easier in cold air. ENJOY!!!!!!

when is ok to fly
 

don't paint the plane with something that will wash off with water... [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] How can you clean the plane if the paint's going to come off that easy?

when is ok to fly
 

Do you mean that tiny litttle drops of water at a speed of 50+ mph in the air should not remove paint from a model?[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

when is ok to fly
 

We fly year round in Minnesota. Electrics are great for winter flying.

Check out the pictures of our Freeze Flys, and come join us next New Years Day.


SPMRC Gallery

when is ok to fly
 

Reptile,

I just got back in from flying my little nifty fifty off the snow. Here in western Pa, the snow is about 1 1/2 feet deep and it "warmed up" to about 30 degrees today, so I headed out. Got a nice 10 min flight in even though it was slightly breezy and more importantly snowing. Did a couple of touch and goes - smooth as glass on the snow and finally ran out of fuel so I had to land. By that time the visibility was down so that I was afraid I'd lose sight of the plane so I quit. Had fun though.

Just thought I'd let you know its fun to fly off the snow with skiis.

Roodester

when is ok to fly
 

ROODESTER I'm west of you and we also have lots of snow on the ground. Hang in there. I think it is OK to fly anytime the area is clear, the breeze is light, the batteries are charged, and you're in the mood.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

when is ok to fly
 

One of the problems with electric flight is cooling the motor and batteries. Your flight time may be increased if you are flying in colder weather. Wind is a problem even in summer. Skis are a lot of fun as are floats. We fly at an altitude of 5000' and we do get a little snow but the entire club is entitled to the "All Weather Flyer" patch from AMA. Concern yourself more about wind than anything else.