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So I wanted to fly model aircraft. Where to begin?
Doing some research, I
discovered that, unless you are one of the landed gentry with endless
supplies of money and patience you had better join a club. I went to the
BMFA web site, and found the Beaufort. An email to the
Membership Secretary quickly brought me joining and other
information. I went along as a spectator to a novices night at one of
the club's three flying sites and found friendly folk ready to offer
lots of good advice, including choice of trainer.
So, with the agreement of She Who Must Be Obeyed, I put together a Tiger
Trainer (MK 1) with an OS 46LA engine and a Futaba Skysport 6YG radio. I
hadn't joined the club at this point, so my only guidance was a David
Boddington book and the (mostly OK) Thunder Tiger instruction manual.
Having run a tankful of fuel or two through the engine it was time to go
for
it. I joined the club at a general meeting (almost more helpful advice
than
I could remember!) and prayed for good weather at the weekend.
Saturday morning revealed the result of the previous night's torrential
rain, and there was some standing water on the field, but other intrepid
members were flying. A member (I'm sorry I forgot your name, but thanks
for all your help) checked my model over and pronounced it OK, with a
suggestion or two for minor mods, and performed a successful range check
on the radio. We were almost ready for him to do the first trimming-out
flight when he observed that perhaps the wings were not secured tightly
enough with rubber bands. Cain to the rescue (I'll return those bands,
promise!) and we were ready again.
This time I had a holed fuel tube. Shut it down, cut the affected bit
off,
and try again. It was not to be my day. I was unable to restart the
engine
for a variety of reasons, mostly of my own making. Never daunted, back
to the field next day to be met by one of the club's most experienced
instructors, who took time at all stages to explain "why" rather than
just "what", especially in regard to safety issues. His second pair of
eyes over the model produced several helpful suggestions for
improvements, although I hadn't done too bad a job apparently. He was a
little concerned about the aileron throws, though they were set up as
per the manual.
This time I had more luck getting the engine started (albeit backwards
the
first time!) and I was ready to keep my fingers crossed for the first
flight.
In the capable hands of my instructor it took to the air, and a running
commentary explained to me how it needed some aileron trim, more aileron
throw and some elevator trim. Apparently there is the merest smidgen of
lateral thrust misalignment, but not enough to even think about
correcting. An excellent landing (how long before *I* can do that?) was
followed by adjustments to aileron throws and trim, and elevator trim.
Time for another flight. Top up the tank, and restart the engine. I'm
getting better at this engine starting lark. Well, that's some progress
anyway.
An easier take-off followed, and soon the model was pronounced fit and
able, albeit with a tad more elevator down trim required. Asked if I
would like to try a few turns, I agreed, albeit with a little
trepidation. Apparently I
didn't make a complete ass of myself. Who would have thought that
standing in one place and moving a thumb around could be so exhausting?
Time to hand the transmitter back to capable hands for another smooth
landing. Besides, it's time to go home for lunch and to pay some
attention to the family. A quick clean up and back home to a family who
were standing there with a bin bag and shovel ready for the remains of
the plane. Thanks for the vote of confidence chaps and chappesses!
All in all a most satisfying introduction to model flying. I'm confident
that
if anyone can get me to my 'A' certificate, and to be a safe and
competent
pilot, the Beaufort instructors can. Now, what's the forecast for next
weekend? |
