Microflight newbie

[Jim Griffin]

Greetings,
Another large-scale RC flyer looking to come indoors!
Following advice posted here, I am entering the world of microflight with the Pico Indoor J3-S, the GWS Pico receiver/servo/controller/battery set, and my trusty JR 347. If I might ask a few questions:
1-what type/nature of the glue in the little tube? Seems to be a very thin 'Goop'.
2-is the defined cg correct?
3-any comments on glueing the little bamboo dowels into the wing leading and trailing edges? My kit has some dihedral built in via the small plastic wing mounts, any comment?
4-since this is my first micro venture, any comments wrt setting the J3 up, or flying it will be greatly appreciated.
I look forward to visiting and flying with those of you in the Ft. Worth/Hurst/Arlington areas.Thanks for your help,
Merry Christmas!!
Jim

[Jason Nowell]

Jim:

Come on In! We'd love to have you. First, a note about Bedford Boys Ranch, since you are a local, Bedford will be closed this coming week. Thursday, December 28th is the next fly-in and it is in Fort Worth on Azle off 820.

I'll address your question in order.

1)I have no idea what that glue is, but I do know that it works! I generally use 5 minute epoxy on the wing dowels, but the GWS glue is great for everything else.

2)The defined CG is OK but we usually balance them a little aft of the CG shown in the book.

3) Some people have had the dowels break, I haven't, but I've seen it and it isn't pretty. I've started using regular dowels, slightly larger than the supplied bamboo and sanded down for a tight fit into the dihedral brace.

Speaking of dehidral braces, that term is an over-statement. We usually rig about 20 degrees more dehidral into them by stretching some Spyder Wire (fishing line with very little strech) across from tip to tip, using a dowel or small peice of Carbon Fiber rod taped to the tip for support. It really takes a lot of dihedral to turn those big wings tight enough for a basketball gym.

4) It's a synch, just be sure to follow the directions carefully, most of the parts have to go together with a specific side up, out, or angled the right way. The plane flies beautifully, I too was an outdoor flyer (and not that accomplished a pilot I might add). My first plane was a regular Lite Stick and I flew it fine the first time out.

For better directions to the Azle flying site, more info on Sticks and Indoor RC in General, plus a video of the J3 version Flying at bedford, visit the NIRAC site at www.nirac.org (http://www.nirac.org)

Good Luck, and I look forward to meeting you.

Jason Nowell
Asst WebMaster ~ NIRAC
jason@nirac.org