What would be a good choice for my first jet, that would have a "sort of" scale look or better? And are these turbines super finicky, or are there some that are reliable, consistent starters?

Thanks

871

871,

Assuming that you are planning on flying in the Fort Collins/Denver area, you #1 concern will be the altitude. Here in Albququerque (5800 ft) we have exactly the same problem. What performs extremely well at low altitude won't necessarily work here. At our altitudes, the air is much thinner so there is less thrust from the turbine and there is less lift so the take off distances are longer and the approach speeds are faster. There is less drag so the top end speed of the aircraft isn't effected but it does take longer for the aircraft to slow down when you throttle back.

You'll want to choose a jet that can fly quite slowly. The popular jet here is the Comp ARF Eurofighter. It is a large jet with a low wingloading, a delta with lots of drag when flying at a nose high approach, and has functional canards way in the front which really helps maintain pitch control at slow speeds.

As for engine choices, the altitude effects turbine performance as well. A couple of the local pilots have worked with JetCat and have fine tuned the engine internal setup for this altitude. Once the settings were determined, these engines run very reliably at our altitude. If you order one, make sure to tell them to set it up for high altitude.

PM me if you want more info and I can put you in touch with a couple of the more experienced local pilots who are flying the Euro/P-120.

Regards,

Jim

The hot tickets for sport-type trainers right now appear to be:

ARF - The PST Reaction 54 - all-composite, big wing area and real good slow-flight. "reasonably priced" to. I'm getting one of these as an all-around tear-em up plane to replace my Facet 2300 that's seen better days.

Build yourself and save some dough - the Jetmach. This thing's not as pretty, but is a REAL trainer - VERY slow flight capable. There's rumor that they'll have the new, low wing, retract ready version flying at the Austin Jet Rally. I'll bring a camera and post. This has a lot of promise as a prettier plane.

The Facet 2300 was a pretty decent trainer for me, but I don't know the availability of the kits from Kerry Sterner and the build's not as straight forward as the Jetmach, though it's a little prettier than the high-wing Jetmach, I think. Can't compare against the low-wing version yet.

All the above glide reasonably well, that I have personally seen, just in case you have a flame-out.

Have fun! You'll LOVE this end of the hobby.

Are you familiar with the Love Air Club in your area. I am in Denver. They fly 9.5 east of I-25 on Highway 14. I would suggest you contact the club for advice. I have a Boomerang Intro which is very easy to fly but is not "scale like".
First decide what size engine you are going to buy. A 14lb thrust engine flies the Boomerang very well.
I am converting a Top Gun F-15 to turbine, which flew OK at this altitude as a ducted fan and should be much better as a turbine. There are several turbines fliers at Chatfield in South West Denver.

I help maintain a list of jet fliers in the front range and will send you the list if you email me direct. Also you can phone me if you email for the list.

I forgot to mention there is a short video of my Boomerang flying at Chatfield if you go to my web site: http://www.gates-sid.com

I think I am going to look for a good used Boomerang elan.....if anyone knows of one out there pm me!

Thanks

871