Transition

[SnoJetter]

Hey guys, I've been hanging out in the park flyer section, but have a question for you.

I started RC about 1990 with a Sig Kadet Mk II. After 2 successful flights (none solo) the club folded and I didn't fly again until this year. I bought a GWS Tiger Moth electric and learned on my own. I'm no expert, that's for sure, but I'm getting better. Crashes are less frequent, I feel comfortable at the controls and my reaction time is improving. Take-offs look pretty good, and landings are improved - I can almost stick it right where I want it with a bounce or two.

What I'm gonna want to do is move up to an aileron trainer soon. Since I've got the Kadet built and ready to fly, is it feasible for me to jump right to that plane? I'm gonna have to learn on my own with no other flyers around (I do have some experience with glow engines) and I do have a large field. Is the Kadet gonna be too much for me to handle with only park flyer experience? Big difference in wing loading...what do you think?

Kyle Sands <>< Huntley, MN

[saabdawg]

I wouldn't fly it without an experienced flyer with you. I've flown the Kadet MkII and it flies very nice and stable but it's still a far cry from a park flyer. I just got into park flyers and have been flying gas for many years on and off. I recently bought and built the GWS Zero. Everyone seems to think this plane is a handfull and they think it flies very fast. This is the slowest plane I've flown not including gliders of course. My father has the Kadet and I just flew it 2 weeks ago and I estimate it lands at approx. 25-30 mph. A lot faster than a park flyer. Take offs are easy as it will lift off quickly depending on the engine. My dad's is over powered with an O.S Max .46FX. My guess is that you'd be able to take off and fly the Kadet but lining up for landings would be another story. I don't mean to discourage you I've just seen a few people attempt to fly gas with little experience with disastorous results and in one case very dangerous. If you do fly this plane alone make sure no one is around you wouldn't want to hurt anyone as well as you might be even more nervous about flying. The Kadet is as good a trainer as any, it's just not a park flyer. Also once the plane is in the air gain altitude. Do not attempt to turn the plane until your up high. With altitude you gain time in which to correct any mistakes. Good luck and let me know how it went. SaabDawg

[SnoJetter]

Thanks for the opinion, saabdawg. I knew flight speeds would be vastly different. My main concern is will the Tiger Moth teach me skills enough so that I can handle the Kadet in time? I'm not intending to go off flying the Kadet very soon. I want to gain proficiency and flight experience first. But when I have the Moth mastered and am ready to move up, will I be able to handle the speed of the Kadet? Thanks again,

Kyle

[saabdawg]

I've never seen the Tiger Moth fly but I hear it's slow and easy. I think I'd make a step into something faster before going with the Kadet. One plane that comes to mind is the Great PlanesPT-Electric. It has I believe a 50 or 56 inch wingspan uses a speed 600 and flies well on an 8 cell pack. This is a bigger plane, similar in size to the kadet but still slower so it would be easier to fly than the Kadet. I have flown this one as well but with ailerons added to it ( I think it's only a 3 channel). I'm not an expert in Electrics in fact I'm new to them so I'm sure someone at this site could give you advice on intermediate electrics or even gas. Ever consider an Electric glider? Great trainers! but not much better than what you have (TM). Keep flying the the Tiger Moth and so some research on your next plane. Maybe a Zagi, can't destroy it! Good luck, Saabdawg

[SnoJetter]

Time I do have, so I can research my next plane. I'll enjoy the Moth for now, and dream of what I can fly down the road. Thanks!

Kyle