What is 3D Flying?
#2

3D flying is a style of flying. In some cases, the airplane doesn't even fly. It can hover by hanging on the prop. In other words, there is no air moving over the surfaces creating lift and the airplane stops flying. Some of the maneuvers in 3D flying are just not humanly possible in full scale aerobatic planes. The G loads can get very high.
Takes a lot of practice to get good at it.
Just go to youtube and search 3DRC Or type in Joe Smith or Andrew Jesky. You'll see what it's all about very quickly.
Hawk
Takes a lot of practice to get good at it.
Just go to youtube and search 3DRC Or type in Joe Smith or Andrew Jesky. You'll see what it's all about very quickly.
Hawk
#3

Generally refers to doing extreme aerobatics involving flying at or near stall and hanging on the prop.
there are some maneuvers in "3D" that require flying at speed to enter them.
Most of these are impossible for full scale aircraft due to light wing loading and high power to weight requirements and/or the G forces involved being beyond what a full scale pilot could survive.
there are some maneuvers in "3D" that require flying at speed to enter them.
Most of these are impossible for full scale aircraft due to light wing loading and high power to weight requirements and/or the G forces involved being beyond what a full scale pilot could survive.
#5
Super Contributor
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,231

Post stall maneuvers is the text book answer like hovering aka hanging on the prop.
The planes are quite different with extremely large control surfaces and over sized engine/motor where thrust exceed 1:1 ratio. Thrust ratio on my PA Addiction X is 2.6:1
The planes need no runway to fly as they can take off and land like a helicopter. To take off you hold the plane pointing straight up, go full power and off you go straight up like a rocket would take off. To land hover a few feet above the ground in front of you and just snatch it from the air, but very dangerous to do so.
Takes a very skilled pilot with Magic Thumbs and a 3D Plane.
The planes are quite different with extremely large control surfaces and over sized engine/motor where thrust exceed 1:1 ratio. Thrust ratio on my PA Addiction X is 2.6:1
The planes need no runway to fly as they can take off and land like a helicopter. To take off you hold the plane pointing straight up, go full power and off you go straight up like a rocket would take off. To land hover a few feet above the ground in front of you and just snatch it from the air, but very dangerous to do so.
Takes a very skilled pilot with Magic Thumbs and a 3D Plane.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Far West Texas
Posts: 103

I have been wanting to communicate with you Australian flyers to see the type of planes and conditions you guys fly under. Out here in West Texas..far West Texas.. the winds are quite challenging. I am enjoying immensely the Hawk Sky . With chopped(and re-installable) wing tips an a 2200KVP MicroJet motor it will keep you on your toes!
#7

Half of flying in wind is your attitude...
Australia is not the only place that has wind.
I used to fly at a site where we LIKED windy days. Slope soaring depends on wind to "power" the aircraft.
Generally wind will be less near dawn or dusk. Use those windows for flying planes that can't handle much wind.
To successfully fly in higher winds you really should have a higher performance airplane.
If the wind is higher speed than the minimum flying speed of your plane you will have issues. Its still possible but requires more experience.
Australia is not the only place that has wind.
I used to fly at a site where we LIKED windy days. Slope soaring depends on wind to "power" the aircraft.
Generally wind will be less near dawn or dusk. Use those windows for flying planes that can't handle much wind.
To successfully fly in higher winds you really should have a higher performance airplane.
If the wind is higher speed than the minimum flying speed of your plane you will have issues. Its still possible but requires more experience.
#8

I have been wanting to communicate with you Australian flyers
Try these guys........:
http://www.rcdownunder.com/forum/
http://amas.org.au/
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer...DKVEk&hl=en_US
http://www.maaa.asn.au/
Wind blows everywhere..........and the Hawk Sky is owned by hundreds who fly them in strong wind.........even here in sunny California.......
Try these guys........:
http://www.rcdownunder.com/forum/
http://amas.org.au/
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer...DKVEk&hl=en_US
http://www.maaa.asn.au/
Wind blows everywhere..........and the Hawk Sky is owned by hundreds who fly them in strong wind.........even here in sunny California.......

#9
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Far West Texas
Posts: 103

I have been wanting to communicate with you Australian flyers
Try these guys........:
http://www.rcdownunder.com/forum/
http://amas.org.au/
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer...DKVEk&hl=en_US
http://www.maaa.asn.au/
Wind blows everywhere..........and the Hawk Sky is owned by hundreds who fly them in strong wind.........even here in sunny California.......
Try these guys........:
http://www.rcdownunder.com/forum/
http://amas.org.au/
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer...DKVEk&hl=en_US
http://www.maaa.asn.au/
Wind blows everywhere..........and the Hawk Sky is owned by hundreds who fly them in strong wind.........even here in sunny California.......


#10

Can find any environmental condition you like here........bluff soaring is very popular along the coasts of southern CA.
Not for the timid....having the proper craft helps a lot.........:
http://www.fatlion.com/bash/index.html
http://www.skykingrcproducts.com/rcp..._1-26_HLG.html
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products...pma0960_n.html
http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmar...0Sailplanes_01
http://www.icare-rc.com/the_bizz.htm
http://www.icare-rc.com/nemesis.htm
The list goes on and on...............I have a very good friend who tried to get me interested in this arena after he found out I was into RC heli's several years ago........I looked into it since we have many mainland bluffs along the foothills where I live. Not my cup of tea............it's a skill set that takes lot's of time and patients to master (with the proper craft)........heli's where enough of a challenge at that time.......due to that & since then, the skills I have adopted are better suited for closer distance, powered sport and vertical climbers.........
Not for the timid....having the proper craft helps a lot.........:
http://www.fatlion.com/bash/index.html
http://www.skykingrcproducts.com/rcp..._1-26_HLG.html
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products...pma0960_n.html
http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmar...0Sailplanes_01
http://www.icare-rc.com/the_bizz.htm
http://www.icare-rc.com/nemesis.htm
The list goes on and on...............I have a very good friend who tried to get me interested in this arena after he found out I was into RC heli's several years ago........I looked into it since we have many mainland bluffs along the foothills where I live. Not my cup of tea............it's a skill set that takes lot's of time and patients to master (with the proper craft)........heli's where enough of a challenge at that time.......due to that & since then, the skills I have adopted are better suited for closer distance, powered sport and vertical climbers.........

#11
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Far West Texas
Posts: 103

Can find any environmental condition you like here........bluff soaring is very popular along the coasts of southern CA.
Not for the timid....having the proper craft helps a lot.........:
http://www.fatlion.com/bash/index.html
http://www.skykingrcproducts.com/rcp..._1-26_HLG.html
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products...pma0960_n.html
http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmar...0Sailplanes_01
http://www.icare-rc.com/the_bizz.htm
http://www.icare-rc.com/nemesis.htm
The list goes on and on...............I have a very good friend who tried to get me interested in this arena after he found out I was into RC heli's several years ago........I looked into it since we have many mainland bluffs along the foothills where I live. Not my cup of tea............it's a skill set that takes lot's of time and patients to master (with the proper craft)........heli's where enough of a challenge at that time.......due to that & since then, the skills I have adopted are better suited for closer distance, powered sport and vertical climbers.........
Not for the timid....having the proper craft helps a lot.........:
http://www.fatlion.com/bash/index.html
http://www.skykingrcproducts.com/rcp..._1-26_HLG.html
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products...pma0960_n.html
http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmar...0Sailplanes_01
http://www.icare-rc.com/the_bizz.htm
http://www.icare-rc.com/nemesis.htm
The list goes on and on...............I have a very good friend who tried to get me interested in this arena after he found out I was into RC heli's several years ago........I looked into it since we have many mainland bluffs along the foothills where I live. Not my cup of tea............it's a skill set that takes lot's of time and patients to master (with the proper craft)........heli's where enough of a challenge at that time.......due to that & since then, the skills I have adopted are better suited for closer distance, powered sport and vertical climbers.........






#12

"sanctioned flying areas"...............
The AMA and FAA would love to see that happen and are lobbying for that aspect to grow.........along with craft size/weight/capacity and payload requirements restricted and locally registered............It's coming, like it or not........or move out into the middle of nowhere and fly to your hearts desire.........
The AMA and FAA would love to see that happen and are lobbying for that aspect to grow.........along with craft size/weight/capacity and payload requirements restricted and locally registered............It's coming, like it or not........or move out into the middle of nowhere and fly to your hearts desire.........

#13
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Far West Texas
Posts: 103

"sanctioned flying areas"...............
The AMA and FAA would love to see that happen and are lobbying for that aspect to grow.........along with craft size/weight/capacity and payload requirements restricted and locally registered............It's coming, like it or not........or move out into the middle of nowhere and fly to your hearts desire.........
The AMA and FAA would love to see that happen and are lobbying for that aspect to grow.........along with craft size/weight/capacity and payload requirements restricted and locally registered............It's coming, like it or not........or move out into the middle of nowhere and fly to your hearts desire.........




#14

I certainly feel for the direction our hobby in going. I live in far far West Texas where nearest neighbor is 6 miles. As you said, I am flying to my heart's desire but my sincerest sympathy lies with fellow hobbist that just want to have fun . I plan to be as proactive in combating this move as possible so that everyone can have the opportunity I have!!






#15
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Far West Texas
Posts: 103


#16

Here is a very good video from one of the masters of 3D flight. It'll give you an idea of what 3D flying is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJOffAcGGls
There is also different types of 3D flying as well. The old school traditional 'flying on the prop' style and the new high energy 3DXA. This is a video of 3DXA:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXZyaulTHTU
3DXA relies more on flying on the wing and keeping forward momentum- high energy. The traditional 3D flying and the new 3DXA really are polar opposites of each other as far as "3D Flying" goes. On one hand, you have guys that try to fly an airplane as low and slow as they can, sometimes dragging control surfaces on the ground, and on the other hand you have guys that try to make an airplane bend the wings, roll faster than anything else out there, and burn up as much fuel as fast as they can.
Airplane designs also vary all across the spectrum as well. You have companies like Pilot RC or Carden which are old school style 3D airplanes, light strong and floaty, and then you have other companies like Extreme Flight or 3D Hobby Shop which make extremely strong, super durable high energy style 3D airplanes that don't float as well. So when you decide on a 3D airplane you have to take a look at what you're looking for when it comes to a flight envelope and how you want the airplane to perform.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJOffAcGGls
There is also different types of 3D flying as well. The old school traditional 'flying on the prop' style and the new high energy 3DXA. This is a video of 3DXA:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXZyaulTHTU
3DXA relies more on flying on the wing and keeping forward momentum- high energy. The traditional 3D flying and the new 3DXA really are polar opposites of each other as far as "3D Flying" goes. On one hand, you have guys that try to fly an airplane as low and slow as they can, sometimes dragging control surfaces on the ground, and on the other hand you have guys that try to make an airplane bend the wings, roll faster than anything else out there, and burn up as much fuel as fast as they can.
Airplane designs also vary all across the spectrum as well. You have companies like Pilot RC or Carden which are old school style 3D airplanes, light strong and floaty, and then you have other companies like Extreme Flight or 3D Hobby Shop which make extremely strong, super durable high energy style 3D airplanes that don't float as well. So when you decide on a 3D airplane you have to take a look at what you're looking for when it comes to a flight envelope and how you want the airplane to perform.
#17
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Far West Texas
Posts: 103

Here is a very good video from one of the masters of 3D flight. It'll give you an idea of what 3D flying is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJOffAcGGls
There is also different types of 3D flying as well. The old school traditional 'flying on the prop' style and the new high energy 3DXA. This is a video of 3DXA:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXZyaulTHTU
3DXA relies more on flying on the wing and keeping forward momentum- high energy. The traditional 3D flying and the new 3DXA really are polar opposites of each other as far as "3D Flying" goes. On one hand, you have guys that try to fly an airplane as low and slow as they can, sometimes dragging control surfaces on the ground, and on the other hand you have guys that try to make an airplane bend the wings, roll faster than anything else out there, and burn up as much fuel as fast as they can.
Airplane designs also vary all across the spectrum as well. You have companies like Pilot RC or Carden which are old school style 3D airplanes, light strong and floaty, and then you have other companies like Extreme Flight or 3D Hobby Shop which make extremely strong, super durable high energy style 3D airplanes that don't float as well. So when you decide on a 3D airplane you have to take a look at what you're looking for when it comes to a flight envelope and how you want the airplane to perform.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJOffAcGGls
There is also different types of 3D flying as well. The old school traditional 'flying on the prop' style and the new high energy 3DXA. This is a video of 3DXA:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXZyaulTHTU
3DXA relies more on flying on the wing and keeping forward momentum- high energy. The traditional 3D flying and the new 3DXA really are polar opposites of each other as far as "3D Flying" goes. On one hand, you have guys that try to fly an airplane as low and slow as they can, sometimes dragging control surfaces on the ground, and on the other hand you have guys that try to make an airplane bend the wings, roll faster than anything else out there, and burn up as much fuel as fast as they can.
Airplane designs also vary all across the spectrum as well. You have companies like Pilot RC or Carden which are old school style 3D airplanes, light strong and floaty, and then you have other companies like Extreme Flight or 3D Hobby Shop which make extremely strong, super durable high energy style 3D airplanes that don't float as well. So when you decide on a 3D airplane you have to take a look at what you're looking for when it comes to a flight envelope and how you want the airplane to perform.
#19



Bubsteve
#20
#21
Super Contributor
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ex UK Brit now in Latvia west coast - Ventspils
Posts: 12,594

I consider myself a traditional model flyer. Having done Shows / Displays / Team flying etc. in years gone by.
About 2 year ago - I actually changed my mind about my dislike of 3D flying. I basically regarded it as an offshoot and not really for me. Then I got hold of a 3D machine (sadly not as capable as it should have been due to previous owners poor set-up) .. and I was on that slippery path.
Its a skill set that is pushing my limits again. I still enjoy my 'traditional' flying.
3D is not as easy as it appears .. that's my opinion ... as I am still getting to terms with it.
A comment was made earlier about Slope Soaring (term used was Bluff soaring) ............. now that was where I really learnt to model fly. Nose down, forward speed ... etc. etc. I miss SS now as Latvia has no real slope sites being a near flat landscape. Sloping teaches flying and how to maintain flight ... without that 'fan' on the front dragging you round.
But it's much easier than 3D work ... my opinion anyway.
Sloping teaches so much about model flying ... its worth people having a go ..
Nigel
About 2 year ago - I actually changed my mind about my dislike of 3D flying. I basically regarded it as an offshoot and not really for me. Then I got hold of a 3D machine (sadly not as capable as it should have been due to previous owners poor set-up) .. and I was on that slippery path.
Its a skill set that is pushing my limits again. I still enjoy my 'traditional' flying.
3D is not as easy as it appears .. that's my opinion ... as I am still getting to terms with it.
A comment was made earlier about Slope Soaring (term used was Bluff soaring) ............. now that was where I really learnt to model fly. Nose down, forward speed ... etc. etc. I miss SS now as Latvia has no real slope sites being a near flat landscape. Sloping teaches flying and how to maintain flight ... without that 'fan' on the front dragging you round.
But it's much easier than 3D work ... my opinion anyway.
Sloping teaches so much about model flying ... its worth people having a go ..
Nigel
#22
jofro
Join Date: Jan 2017
Location: Mid North Coast
Posts: 3

Quote-I keep reading about this 3D flying and want to know if it is flying in a gym or indoors?
You can do it anywhere! I prefer the beach!
https://youtu.be/mqZrW35JGZ0
https://youtu.be/hwSXuo7C-OE
You can do it anywhere! I prefer the beach!
https://youtu.be/mqZrW35JGZ0
https://youtu.be/hwSXuo7C-OE
#23

3D flying relies on engine thrust and skill to make the airplane dance on the runway as slow as you can. It is not a type of flying location, it can be done with small indoor airplanes all the way up to full scale.
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