Since I now have three functional, decent F5J planes (Osprey, Supra and Xplorer) I need to get to know them to the point where it would be easy to decide what plane to fly based on the conditions.
One thing I did notice while practicing with the different planes were that flying 3 different planes, and changing between them all the time might not be ideal. They all fly well but subtle differences in handling, mostly while landing, makes it difficult to be consistent. I find that I get it right with one plane, then when I change I miss the spot/time again for a while till I am used to the different plane.
So I have to decide, do I keep on changing planes and getting to know them all, or concentrate on one (but which one?) and get it as perfect as possible? I think my progress would be quicker if I stick to one plane for now.
Trimming and getting to know the Osprey and Xplorer.
With the first F5J League contest rushing up (17 January) I decided to concentrate on the Osprey and the Supra since between than I would be fine for just about any weather other than really strong winds.
Pre-contest practice session with the Supra and Osprey.
I am at the point where I can now read the air reasonably well again, on most flights, if there is lift around, I can find it. So I decided it is time to practice landings.
I took out the Osprey and Supra on a few occasions, in different conditions, to purely practice landings. Initially the plan is to just practice landing precision and then to later add accurate timing as well. To practice accurate timing I have MP3 recordings on my phone for 1 to 15 minute countdowns. As things turned out I never got around to the timing practice before the first contest, but that is another story!
By launching low, 30 - 50m, it is possible to get quite a few landings in in a few hours of practice. I had a couple of sessions doing around 25+ short flights each to to practice landings, with a few longer flights added for fun!
Supra landing practice session, I have fallen in love with this plane!
I have to admit I am a bit apprehensive about the first contest, it has just been 3 months since I started flying, and due to my back operation I have not been able to fly nearly as much as I wanted to. Not much more than 2 months ago I was still nervously trying to keep my foam glider in one piece, maybe it is expecting a bit much to go and mix it with the big boys in a contest at this stage? Time will tell.....
I decided that my main goal for the first contest would be to fly all the rounds and keep the plane in one piece, with no worries about my score some of the pressure will be off!
Next post will cover my first contest......
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