Now here's a question that I can't seem to find an answer to. I've looked through the forums and videos on youtube lack the resolution to make a determination.

Do pilots fly their jets based on what they're doing, or what they see them doing?

I ask because it seems that only a few seconds at best after takeoff the model become a sillihoette. Is this something that can be avoided by flying tighter circuits? Is that practical?

I would preffer to be visually oriented with the aircraft. Rather than oriented to it as a result of its response to my inputs.

Does this make sense?

Thanks, Peter

Peter,

Its a combination of both. You stay visually orientated with the jet, but you anticipate where its going based on your inputs. A classic example is the downwind leg with the sun close to the model. The model turns black regardless of what color it is, so its hard to see if its banked towards you or away. The pilot knows which way he's been inputting aileron, so he's better able, than the causal observer, to know if its banked towards or away from him. Also, in that situation pilots will frequently "S" turn the model on downwind leg to keep a clearer picture - both mentally and visually - of which way the model is heading...

Bob

You actually get to the point that you are mentally "in" the aircraft, or at least I am. If I had to think left, right, etc. I would be behind the jet. Hope that makes sense too. Bob