Flying in winter time.

[ChuenouXiao]

Is it a bad idea to fly during overcast or during a incoming storm? Does it increase chances of you getting strike by lightning? I know this is stupid question but thought I should ask

[Beemerider]

It's not a stupid question. There is a certain amount of risk being outside with any storm activity. I don't see how flying rc would be worse. Now holding onto a 72 mhz transmitter with it's antenna extended during an electrical storm would not be wise. I've flown many times with the skies overcast. But if lightning is in the area I will find something else to do.

[Fishbonez]

I dont think it increases your chance of being struck by lightning, though I am reminded of Caddy Shack "Im having the best golf game of my life," I have flown numerouse times in overcast skies, some of my models can be seen better in cloudy/grey skies, before snow/rain and for a short time during. I dont like to get all soaked so once it begines I usually call it a day.

[solentlife]

Flying when an electrical storm is near - not only risk to yourself - buit also possible damage to your Tx ... and Rx ....

Having seen what happens to a Marine VHF by a close proximity lightning strike .......... another instance when an antena on my offfice roof took a hit ... fried ALL PC's and phones in the office ........

NOTE - both were NOT direct hits .... but were close hits.

Nigel

[AEAJR]

Why would you want to fly during a storm?


However your topic is about flying in winter. I fly in winter every year, so no reason to avoid flying just because it gets cold.

[AEAJR]

Since your original question was about winter flying:

As the weather turns colder and the wind hits 20 mph
and the temperatures hit 20 F, we still go flying. Here is a little about what we do to stay warm while we enjoy flying:


COLD WEATHER FLYING AIDS – for the pilot that likes to fly all year round.

Winter Golf Gloves – Great for DLG pilots. Good throwing grip and good transmitter feel
http://www.theworldofgolf.com/equipm...of-gloves.html

Hand Warmer Packs – put them in your gloves, in your pockets, in your boots or in your transmitter glove. Great for cold days slope soaring. Also good for keeping your batteries warm. Put them in a cooler pack with your motor batteries to keep them warm. I keep a bunch of these in my car winter emergency pack in case I am caught on the road. good for 4 to 8 hours.
http://www.gemplers.com/search.aspx?...120828123209:s


Neck Warmer – like a scarf but better
http://www.basicskiwear.com/bula-hi-...tor-black.html

Mongo Mitt – Transmitter Glove - Great for slope soaring
This is the one I have – love it! - has pockets for hand warmer packs.
http://rcmitt.com/

TurnegyTransmitter glove
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...11738&aff=8620
Fleece Hood – for when a hat is not enough. I keep one in my car winter emergency kit

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00128465Y/...SIN=B00128465Y

[pattern14]

I fly in storms a lot, as I live in a stormy place for most of the year. My tailless combat planes handle it well, although it gets hairy at times. Lightning is definitely out though, and hail is no fun at all. I also have a 40 knot upper limit.......cheers

[Whiskers]

Originally Posted by AEAJR

Since your original question was about winter flying:

As the weather turns colder and the wind hits 20 mph
and the temperatures hit 20 F, we still go flying. Here is a little about what we do to stay warm while we enjoy flying:


COLD WEATHER FLYING AIDS – for the pilot that likes to fly all year round.

Winter Golf Gloves – Great for DLG pilots. Good throwing grip and good transmitter feel
http://www.theworldofgolf.com/equipm...of-gloves.html

Hand Warmer Packs – put them in your gloves, in your pockets, in your boots or in your transmitter glove. Great for cold days slope soaring. Also good for keeping your batteries warm. Put them in a cooler pack with your motor batteries to keep them warm. I keep a bunch of these in my car winter emergency pack in case I am caught on the road. good for 4 to 8 hours.
http://www.gemplers.com/search.aspx?...120828123209:s


Neck Warmer – like a scarf but better
http://www.basicskiwear.com/bula-hi-...tor-black.html

Mongo Mitt – Transmitter Glove - Great for slope soaring
This is the one I have – love it! - has pockets for hand warmer packs.
http://rcmitt.com/

TurnegyTransmitter glove
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...11738&aff=8620
Fleece Hood – for when a hat is not enough. I keep one in my car winter emergency kit

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00128465Y/...SIN=B00128465Y

Those transmitter gloves look glorious. I'm new in the flying rc world, but I've already experienced the numb hands in the cold. Thanks for the suggestions.

[Beemerider]

I found a pair of gloves the other day at a local discount store called Big Lots. The gloves are the simple cotton variety with the finger tips cut off at the first knuckle but there is a fold over mitt-like end that is sewn on the back. I'm probably not describing them very well but they were inexpensive ($5) and warm. Good combination.

[AEAJR]

I use the winter golf gloves often. Almost like flying without gloves. If it gets really cold I put a heat pack in the palm. Only if it is super cold and windy, mostly slope soaring, do I pull out the radio glove.