Hey Guys see if you can help me out. I am learning to fly a trainer and have it almost down pat. I want to fly Pusher Jets like the CB f-15 or something to that nature. I have seen the Great Planes F-15 it looks pretty sweet. Great planes web site says that it would be a good second plane after the trainer. or is the step to a pusher jet or the gp f-15 eagle to big of a step. Any help would be great .

I really cannot be of much help with he pusher style jets as far as performance. My experience with pusher prop type planes has indicated a loss of performance in the thrust department.

But, I believe that the more important thing in your case is the statement , " flying a trainer, -- almost have it down pat. "

Anytime that you 'step up', you will have two major issues to deal with. Number one is disorientation in the air and speed. The disorientation is a BIGGIE. Jets in general have sleek lines, little frontal area and profiles that can confuse it's attitude to you in a heartbeat, the speed factor just compounds the problem.

I have watched several of the GP F-15's fly. They all have landed a little on the hot side, but are stable in the air and are easy to become disorientated with if you are not careful. I have also watched the pusher F-16--disorientation here also....

If you do decide to take on one of these prop jets as your next choice in a model, get on a buddy cord with someone that is comfortable with fast sleek models until you are confident in your own ability to handle the speed and stay orientated to the models attitude.

Also learn the tricks of the trade about how to become reorientated to the model quickly in the air, i.e., waging the wings, pulling up(if the model goes down, you are upside down and need to roll over) etc, etc.....

Good luck

Rod

The GP F15 would be a decent 2nd plane. It will land nice and slow if you pull the nose up. The fuse is long enough to help eliminate disorientation. This plane is NOT a trainer for moving to ducted fans though, the pusher would be better for that.

Mark M.

Why not try a pattern plane. They usually fly as fast as a Ducted fan model. Don't know much on pusher prop models but I know a good pattern ship will help you get aquainted with the speed aspects of flying a ducted fan among other things.
As I see it, the only thing different between the pusher and a puller is that you have prop wash going over the wing surface helping generate lift. With the pusher, you have to get up to airspeed first before you can fly. I'm building a pattern ship right now. I have the basics down but need something a little faster than what I'm flying now.

Tamecat

Tamecat,

Most jets fly great once they are up to speed. The pusher will help you learn the timing associated with getting the plane up to speed. Pattern, pusher, heavy warbird, speed plane, etc.. each helps you learn a piece of the puzzle. Keep in mind many jets will fly nice and slow, so speed isn't always the issue. Many jets need more skill landing and taking off (especially since there is no propwash) than high speed.