Maidened 2 planes today

[Grasshopper]

Ended up having a really nice morning today and got to maiden the P-51 and the Pitts Bipe. Both flew really well and needed little or no trim adjustments. Also got to fly the P-38 and the Spitfire several times. It was nice to get out for a while again.

[aviatordave]

Nice looking planes. I got outside today also to fly.....we still have snow on the ground but its going fast. Tomorrow looks like another good day.

Well look at the bright side...all those bad days we had this winter allowed you to get your fleet looking good.

Dave

[Grasshopper]

Thanks Dave. Now I need to get my Magpie back together and start taking some spring pictures.

[Solid Hit]

I maiden my Pulse XT (for the 2nd time). The first time it flew great for about 1 min. Then it went right in. I thought I had radio problem since I had no elevator control at all. When I got to her I saw that I forgot the screw to the elevator control arm and it came off in flight. Second time was great. Nice easy going plane and fast with an eflight 480.

Tomorrow I should maiden the Voyager Long EZ.

Grasshopper, which Pitts do you have? I've always liked that plane and I'm thinking about getting one.

[Grasshopper]

It's a Richmodels Pitts.

http://www.avia-richmodel.com/Product/PITTS-380.html

[CHELLIE]

Congrads Grasshopper on your 2 maiden flights, that is nice to hear, the first flights are always the ones that scare you, those planes look great to, in the air where they should be take care, Chellie

[Grasshopper]

Thanks a lot Chellie.

[firemanbill]

Wooohooo Tom got to fly! It must be spring!

Congrats Tom. That is a good looking Pitts!

I got to fly as well, no maidens but it was still all good! Hoping to get back out again tomorrow as well.

[Grasshopper]

Thanks Bill, It had been quite a while since I've spent much time flying. My hands actually started shaking when it was time to land the Pitts. Once she was on the ground in one piece, the nerves settled down again. Hope you have a good day tomorrow. It's supposed to be rainy here tomorrow.

[firemanbill]

Originally Posted by Grasshopper

Thanks Bill, It had been quite a while since I've spent much time flying. My hands actually started shaking when it was time to land the Pitts. Once she was on the ground in one piece, the nerves settled down again. Hope you have a good day tomorrow. It's supposed to be rainy here tomorrow.

ahhh yeah, the old forget to breathe and beat your knees together feeling! I need to maiden one again soon to relive that sensation!

[alienx]

That's great!! You had a really good day. It also sounds like your running low on projects now!

PS. Your cameraperson does good work!

[Grasshopper]

Thanks Andy. It was a good day. My camera man is my neighbor and flyin buddy. As far as running low on projects, I have wound down a little. I've decided to focus on getting better at flying and will most likely thin out the hanger a little. You probably saw I put my Stuka up for sale.

I still have several waiting though. I have the Ultrafly P-40, a Pica PT-19 trainer kit and an Extra 260 and Gee Bee coming. I think I'll probably sell the Gee Bee when it gets here though.

[rick88ss]

I'm thinking of getting that P51. How does it fly compared to the Richmodel Spitfire that's the same size? What motor did you use on the p51? Thanks

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by rick88ss

I'm thinking of getting that P51. How does it fly compared to the Richmodel Spitfire that's the same size? What motor did you use on the p51? Thanks

The Spitfire is a little easier to fly but not a whole lot. It also needs to land with some power on and cut it just as it touches down. The one thing I like better about the P-51 is the removable battery hatch in front of the wing. The Spit requires you to remove two screws and the wing to install the battery. Other than that, the P-51 flys very nice. I had an E-Max 2215-25 and it scooted right along. Hope that helps.

[rick88ss]

Thanks for the info. I have the Spitfire and she's a little touchy at times and doesn't like the wind too much. What size prop and battery and prop are you using on the P51? I don't know if I should get the P51 or the Pitts Bi-plane. I hear the Biplane is a handfull. How does that one fly compared to the P51 and Spitfire?

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by rick88ss

Thanks for the info. I have the Spitfire and she's a little touchy at times and doesn't like the wind too much. What size prop and battery and prop are you using on the P51? I don't know if I should get the P51 or the Pitts Bi-plane. I hear the Biplane is a handfull. How does that one fly compared to the P51 and Spitfire?

I'm using 3S 2100 15C packs in all my planes. If I remember correctly, the P-51 had an APC 10x5E prop. I say "If I remember correctly" Because I just recently sold the plane but I'm almost positive it was the 10x5.

The Pitts is a nice flying plane too but it finishes out a little heavy so it also needs to come in with power. Not a floater at all. Roll rates are slow on it since it only has lower wing ailerons and none on the top but it is a fun plane to fly and looks really good in the air. I sold it recently also. I had a TP 2908-10 motor with a 30 amp ESC and an APC 9x7.5E prop on it.

[rick88ss]

OK thanks I'm defintely getting one of the 2 or both.

I'm probably gonna use a Welgard 2217-09 or 2217-07 on the P51 and a KDA 22-20L on the Pitts.

[70sflyer]

Grasshopper,Nice Pitts,I just built one too.Question,does your motor go 2or 3 deg to the left? I was told they were to go to the right,but a club member said if the instructions say left,do it.I havent flown yet.please reply.thanks Dean

[Grasshopper]

Originally Posted by 70sflyer

Grasshopper,Nice Pitts,I just built one too.Question,does your motor go 2or 3 deg to the left? I was told they were to go to the right,but a club member said if the instructions say left,do it.I havent flown yet.please reply.thanks Dean

Hello Dean,

It's been so long ago since I had the Pitts that I really can't remember. If I had to guess, I would think it was down and to the right though.

[70sflyer]

Thanks Tom,I think I will shim mine so it is that way.Might maden it wensday.Our snow is melting up here in Iowa.Thanks Dean