I dont know what to fly?
 

I'm not sure where I should post this topic but I have been flying for about 5 years and I fly Extreme 3D, Scale flying to Warbids. At the same time, I'm not sure what I enjoy more... I feel like I come to a point where I'm not sure what I enjoy more? and what plane I should buy next?.... Its kind of a weird topic but i'm wondering if anyone has felt like this and what advice can you give...am I getting bored? I'm starting to enjoy the friends around the flying field, helping other people and giving advice more...

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

NJ, where you been hiding guy? Haven't heard from you in quite a while.

Have you tried a multi-engine yet?

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

Hey Bruce,

haha nice to see ya again. I have been around. Im just debating on what I should fly next lol. Twin engine sounds good HHhHMMmM.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

Spend cash and go jet. Thats something you havent done, and you can show it off on the airfield!

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

You have gone in a bunch of directions.
Have you entered any competitions?
Scale, pattern, ect...

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

Potential problem with a jet may be the need for a whole new radio system in addition to the jet and all of the support gear needed.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

Part of the appeal for many is the challenge. Sure, you fly 3D and stuff. Now, try getting BETTER at it. I don't know your current level and I'm in no way bashing it. But, even trying to improve your landing can be a challenge and once mastered, you're that much better for it.

On the other hand, you might want to take on building or, SCRATCH building a plane. A whole new challenge there. The benefit is that you can build what you want, how you want it. Like I said, I don't know you so please don't take this thread as a bash because it isn't. I just know that until you can walk on water, there's always room for improvement.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

Take one of your scale aerobatic planes and start practicing the IMAC sequences. Hardest thing to do in RC airplanes. Anybody can sling an airplane through the maneuvers. It takes SKILL to do it smooth and well enough to get good scores.

I've flown in just a handful of IMAC contests. I haven't been to a contest in about 5yrs. I plan to enter BASIC this year with a 30% Extra 300L.

Even if you don't want to compete --- get a copy of the 2008 sequences and start practicing. They sound easy--they aren't. First time I flew the Basic pattern--just practicing--I almost crashed my plane. That'll get your heart pumping. [X(] Gets rid of the boredom in a hurry.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

IMAC is definitely one good suggestion. NSRCA Pattern or SPA/BPA would be good challenges, too. Practicing precision aerobatics is a never-ending pursuit.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

Maybe youd like to get into extreme speed prop planes ?

It gets to a point were trial and error are needed and you modify plans and such to reduce drag to get that extra few mp/h

Just an idea

Steven

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

This quote from yourself says it all and any other suggestion is pointless. So get out there and do it. And while your doing it to get the fullest enjoyment don't just buy an ARF twin. Kit bash your own, You will learn and enjoy the experiance so much more maybe even end up with a better flying airplane.

No need to stop there how about? triples, quads or sixpacks heck even a convertable twin/glider.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

I got bored with speed pretty quick. But, thats just me. I know a LOT of guys enjoy speed planes.

To me, it seamed like:
Go fast.
Turn around.
Go fast the other direction.
Turn around.
Go fast again.
Turn around.
etc.. etc.. etc..

I had a Viper with an OS46FX and a tuned pipe. It was fun for about 3 flights. Then I got bored.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

Try going slower then! Soaring in the thermals with a little electric backup for when you lose the updraught you've been playing in. It's kind of like being out in a sailing dinghy "ghosting around". That is the practice of sailing on an almost calm day, seaching for those little tell tale ripples on the water that show you the spot you can find the next breeze. Any fool can fly/sail with plenty of power/wind, the sign of the true pilot/sailor is how they can stretch their thinking in the less than ideal situations. Gliders are also very graceful and serene for just a relaxing afternoon of playing in the sky. I'm in love with the idea of a flycam for my Easy*.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

Wow these are great suggestions. Speed planes were alot of fun but after a while buzzing across the runway got a bit boring. I really like the kit idea and practicing for Competition. I guess I can consider myself an "ARF" kind of guy and did try 2 kits before but messed up lol. When I messed up, I kind of got a bit upset and just chucked the whole project. I think this time I will take it nice and slow and give the kit another chance. I think I will be purchasing a kit and in the meantime practice some of the 2008 sequences. You guys are great!

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

Dynamic Soaring is a WHOLE NEW kinda speed though. [X(]

Gliders that ride the wind shears and rotors on the sides and backs of mountains or hills.

Google or YouTube "Dynamic Soaring" if you want to see the fastest RC airplanes on the planet. Yup. A GLIDER with no motor is faster than ANY internal combustion engine, ducted fan or turbine engine in RC. Gliders hold the world speed records in RC.

I've recently got involved with slope combat using foamie wings. They sorta look like the old Zagi foam flying wings, but they are made from different material and are a much better airfoil. These wings can be used for soaring, combat or even dynamic soaring. They max out at about 80--100MPH in dynamic soaring. But if you want to go faster, there are composite airframes that will go OVER 300MPH. We've actually exceeded the calibration of the radar guns now and don't know how to check our speed. The radar guns are only calibrated up to about 310MPH. The gliders are going much faster than that now.

Check this out:
http://www.predatorwings.com/

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

Very Interesting! Please keep the comments coming, like myself, I’m sure there are millions out there who are interested in the many different things you can do in this hobby to keep yourself busy and from getting bored.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

Get yourself a pair of floats and go flying off the water.

Build a kit (that will keep you busy for a few months), then buy a set of plans and do a scratch build (that will keep you busy even longer!).

Teach someone else to fly.

Brad

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

The beauty of working with wood, balsa included, is there is not much you can mess up that you can't go back and fix.
Start with a kit that has good instructions, SIG, Great Planes, Midwest or Top Flight, and if you have any questions come here and ask.
Before you decide what kit to get go the the kit building forum and find a model that has a good long build thread that you can follow as you go.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

When I got a little bored I got interested in SPADS, as shown in the SPAD forum, or at spadworld.net, or at spadtothebone.com. You can build planes using the new material COROPLAST, or even design your own. I design my own. Very rewarding and interesting. One of my favorite planes now is my Flying Lawnmower. Currently I'm rebuilding my SPAD Canard, using swept wings. I have posted many photos here of my designs. You can search for them if you are interested.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

What the?!? Double post, unintentional.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

Have you ever built anything from a Kit, or from scratch? Building is a far more fascinating aspect of this hobby, then flying from my point of view. You say you are board with flying, changing the model you fly may not really do anything to improve your enjoyment of the aspect of the hobby you are already board with! Break away from the HORDE of ARF flyers out there and become a creative person who actually builds model airplanes for enjoyment!

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

He did say in post #14 that he had attempted a couple of kits without much success.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

Many times I simply scan a post quickly and when I don't see a referance to something I think needs suggesting I simply jump in. Such was the case above. I still don't see someone else devoting a post to building airplanes in this thread, other then myself.

When I started there were no choices. You built or you could not become involved in R/C. I actually knew how to build model airplanes from my rubber power and free flight experiences. However, everyone has to start somewhere and my first models looked like crap! Even so, I was proud of what I'd accomplished and realized I would get better, if I kept on. Building a model airplane is so much easier now then it was then! The covering process is what has changed, iron it down and fly it, as opposed to hours of doping on tissue or silkspan and putting dope on the covering. Give it another try.

I truly believe you guys who only fly ARFs are missing the greatest fun in this hobby and that is building model airplanes!

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

NJAirstrike,
Here is a link to the NSRCA district 1 competitions page, Why don't you come out to the first one
in Jackson NJ, and check it out. All you would need to compete is your AMA card and and entrance fee.
it's alot of fun and in the sportsman class any plane will do

http://www.ocmrc.us/NSRCAD1/NSRCAdis...ualContest.htm

Chris.

RE: I dont know what to fly?
 

“I'm starting to enjoy the friends around the flying field, helping other people and giving advice more...”

Sounds like you might make a good instructor. Most clubs are always looking for some one to help with students.

Also when I get board I get the Heli out.