DominicM

Piloted by Keith Mitchell, this model took 5 years of combined design and construction. This model aircraft was initially designed by Tony Nijhuis and part-built - was extensively rebuilt by Keith's modelling mate, Peter Johnson. Its initial flights were taken under the Large Model Association scheme (approved by the CAA) for model aircraft over 80KG. It underwent 12 test flights for combined flight time of more than 2 hours to get it's LMA\CAA certificate to fly at public shows.

During this flight at Elvington Keith was battling a strong gusty cross wind. The cross wind landing was extremely skilful and amazing to watch. Judging from his reaction I don't think Keith enjoyed it so much but the watching crowd were certainly very appreciative that he put on a good show.

Specifications of this fantastic model.
Wingspan: 21 Feet
Length: 19 Feet
Weight: 220 Lbs
Engines: 4 x ZDZ 90cc petrol
Props: 4 x 28 x 10 Biela Carbon
Radio: Futaba 14 Channel
Servos: 22 (13 channels for ailerons, elevator, rudder, flaps, throttle x 4, landing gear and lights)

Chad Veich

My Feedback: (60)

I would probably shorten the nose gear a bit to achieve a scale ground stance were it mine. Might help with what appeared to be a premature take off as well. Impressive size and looks to be nicely constructed.

Truckracer

My Feedback: (19)

All of the landing gear look a bit taller than scale but overall the stance on the ground looks about right for a Constellation. I'm thinking the builder had a reason and purpose for whatever deviations from scale he chose. Quite an achievement both in construction and flying. The only criticism I could come up with at all would be that a bit more rudder was needed in most of the turns but I'm sure that will come in time. Good job on the crosswind landing. Not a pretty landing but done with purpose. The passengers would have been comfortable with that one.

scale only 4 me

My Feedback: (158)

Yeah,, why are so many of these big event videos seem to be flying in nasty crosswinds?? bad luck I guess, hard to have a smooth flight in those conditions,

Seemed to me that tail was moving around a lot on the run up,, hope that isn't a sign it's not strong enough back there

speedracerntrixie

My Feedback: (29)

He did an OK job of flying considering the poor setup. I saw lots of adverse yaw and it looked like the CG was a bit aft. Two things that are quite easy to fix. That brings up the next point. It appeared as if the poor handling came as a surprise, could be a hint that he hadn’t flown it previously or if he did it was with much better conditions. Either way not the smartest move to fly under these circumstances in front of a crowd.