GEE BEE BIPE?

With their massive cowls, stubby wings and barrel-shape fuselages, Gee Bee racers are some of the most recognizable planes around. But have you ever seen a Gee Bee with two wings? The little-known Gee Bee Model-A biplane actually started the renowned Granville brothers in the aircraft-design business, but if you're searching your memory bank for an image, you aren't alone; only nine Gee Bee bipes were ever produced. Now, thanks to Gee Bee researcher and enthusiast Henry Haffke, you can build your own ½-scale Model-A and have fun stumping other aviation enthusiasts at the field. This IMAA-legal plane has a 60-inch wingspan and features basic, built-up construction. Why not make it your next project?

Champion aerobatics pilot and instructor Quique Somenzini is back this month to continue his "Flight Techniques" series, and this time, he tackles the rolling circle and rolling loop. Although these difficult maneuvers may take a lot of practice to perfect, your plane's control-surface setup may hold the key to success. see Quique's step-by-step formula on page 70.

When the San Diego Silent Electric Flyers held the first Mid-Winter Electrics event eight years ago, they never dreamed that it would grow into the premier electrics gathering on the West Coast. This fun-fly now attracts more than 100 pilots, nearly 1,000 spectators and dozens of vendors to view and share the stateof-the-art in batterypowered RC. This year, West Coast associate editor John Reid was on hand to capture the action from little high-performance aerobats to giant-scale warbirds. see the latest in electrics on page 32, and don't forget to mark next year's gathering on your calendar.

Speaking of electric power, this month, "Powerlines" columnist Greg Gimlick offers the inside scoop on multi-motor wiring. Take advantage of the reliability and simplicity of electric motors, and use them in your next twin aircraft!

With the flying season revving up into full swing, you're probably wondering which innovative new planes are on the horizon. In this month's "Thinking Big," senior tech editor Gerry Yarrish gives you an early peek at what's new and exciting in the world of giant-scale, but what about the latest smaller planes and gear? You need only wait one issue for our annual "What's hot for Summer" sneak preview of the newest aircraft, radio, power and gear releases. see you then!

Copyright Air Age Publishing Jun 2004
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