IT'S SHOWTIME!: TALKING RC WITH 5 EXPERT PILOTS

Model Airplane News, Nov 2004 by Yarrish, Gerry

Q: What's your mindset?

A: To get ready for a flight, I walk away from the pit area and go to the flightline to observe a few pilots ahead of me. I watch how they set things up for their routines. I try to clear my head and just concentrate on the airplanes and the wind conditions by checking the visual cues, such as smoke trails. When I flew an electric model at the Nats, however, I did not have this visual aid! During my flight, I focus on the model and on flying the maneuvers; I rely on my caller to tell me about other situations on the flightline.

SCALE COMPETITION

Name: Dave Patrick

From: Milford, IL

Occupation: owner/operator of Dave Patrick Models

Years in RC: 37

Q: What are you most proud of?

A: When I won the 1994 FAI World F3A Pattern competition in Australia. I was part of the Canadian team, and it was awesome to stand on the podium and hear my country's national anthem. I remember being given a bottle of champagne by the U.S. team that had been dominating the competition. It was great!

Q: What, in your opinion, would be the perfect airplane?

A: One that flies well and does what it is supposed to do. Whether it is a Cub or a Mustang, it should be comfortable to control. It shouldn't have any difficulties or bad habits. Its engine should run perfectly, and its setup should work every time.

Q: How much practice time do you devote to the hobby?

A: For Top Gun, I block off a solid two weeks of 24/7 flying. Practice sessions are twice a day. The important thing is not to over-practice and not to cram! It's important to have a plan and to practice so you are at your peak just before the contest. Then you must maintain that level of proficiency. Graeme Mears, who builds the greatest scale models, and I have won Top Gun Team Scale three times. We try to have SO full practice flights done before we arrive at an event. There is no substitute for good practice time. Practice doesn't necessarily make perfect; it just makes the same! You need someone to evaluate your flights for you so you don't perfect flight mistakes. You have to put your ego aside and listen to your trainer/caller. Listen to his observations, and do what he says.

Q: What do you think is the most important aspect of setting up a model?

A: In a nutshell, the most important setup things are proper center-of-gravity position, control-throw quantities and proper installation of linkage and setup. After that, it's all flying.

Q: how about radio setup?

A: It's important to use your radio gear properly. Use mixing for pattern or scale maneuvers, so the airplane does what it's supposed to do. This all depends, of course, on your particular aircraft. With my Futaba radio, I use the "Condition" feature so I can just flip a switch to select an entire model-memory setup. I change modes for 3D maneuvers versus hovering versus slow rolls. You really have to read the radio manual and get the most out of it. Also, use only good-quality, coreless motor servos for quicker response. Digital servos are nice but not really necessary.