Last summer I flew noon demos at several RC events and was alarmed by how many pilots struggled with or lost control of their models during simple turns, leading therefore to additional difficulties trying to line up with the runway, handling wind, etc. As one who diagnoses pilots’ flying skills for a living, it was obvious to me that the problem wasn’t that they needed more practice, but that they lacked an understanding of basic flight control. If you’ve ever watched a proficient pilot fly (you can often tell by their mirror image perfect landings), you may have noticed how their general flying appears casually routine. In other words, they make it look easy. That’s because their control of the airplane has become mostly automatic. For example, instead of reacting to the airplane every time they perform a turn, proficient pilots simply repeat the same turn control inputs and the airplane predictably and consistently follows along. By focusing on controlling the airplane and repeating the same control inputs, you too can experience the same predictable results as pro fliers, and therefore experience greater proficiency in wind, easier transitions into new and different aircraft types, and more consistent landing setups.
PROCEDURE (AILERON) TURNS
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Legend Hobby / Seagull Models - Cessna Grand Caravan 208
The Cessna Grand Caravan 208 is a legend in aviation circles. A single engine utility aircraft that punches up with capabilities that rival many twin engine aircraft in its class. Its seemingly simple configuration belies its near extreme utility.
PROPER CG LOCATION FOR AEROBATICS
If you are getting into aerobatics and are starting to perform more advanced maneuvers, it is time to discuss ways you can not only become a better pilot, but how you can also improve the flight characteristics of your airplanes.
Legend Hobby 13-Foot L-19 Bird Dog/ Cessna O-1
This famous multi-mission single engine observation aircraft served from 1950-1974. From calling out target locations to providing intel/recon information, the Bird Dog was a valued asset in both the Korean War and Vietnam.
EARN YOUR WINGS
10 Tips for First-Flight Success
Old School Model Works Fifty Six
The Fifty Six takes its design cues from the original .09- to .15-size Carl Goldberg Falcon 56 of the 1960s. Reworked to incorporate modern, lasercut techniques to make kit building better than ever.
FLYING TWINS Multi-engine warbirds made easy
Let’s face it, there’s just something extra special about twin-engine RC aircraft. Most modelers stop what they’re doing when a twin fires up on the flightline.
HOW TO BALANCE PROPELLERS
Four easy steps to increase performance and reduce vibration
PRODUCT REVIEW: RC PLANE STANDS BENCHTOP MODEL
I’m a sucker for shop stuff. I buy tools I will probably never use just because they are cool, or I might need to use them someday. When Glen from RC Plane Stands reached out about a review, however, I knew as soon as I browsed their website that I would be receiving something I would use a lot, maybe even daily.
SPIRIT OF RHINEBECK AWARD WINNER
A close up of Norman Malinowski’s 1/3-scale Albatros
CENTER OF GRAVITY BASICS
The secret to a plane that flies well
Sunny day smarts
When temps rise, so does your chance of heart trouble if you're at risk. Suddenly your body has to work harder to maintain its core temp, which can strain the heart and up your risk of heat-related illness. And becoming dehydrated because of excessive sweating or not drinking enough (plus, diuretics are often used as blood pressure meds, making adequate hydration even more challenging) can cause your blood pressure to drop and your heart to beat faster. Here, three biggies for staying heart-healthy in the heat.
WHO YOU LOVE DOESN'T NEED A LABEL
My journey to accepting myself *exactly* as I am.
THE DARK ISN'T YOUR FRIEND
Choose a weapon-mounted light flashlight carefully. It can hurt as much as help you.
Love animates the World
CHARLOTTE DUFOUR is a veteran in the fields of international cooperation and sustainable food systems. Here she is interviewed by KALPANA SAI of the Heartfulness Institute about the role of Yoga and spirituality in mental health and wellness. She shares some solutions for a world that seems more anxious and disconnected than ever
Surviving Widowhood
GUEST COLUMNIST LESLIE GRAY STREETER
RINGER
Charming micro RPG LOOP HERO is one of this year’s first true gems.
Feeling, Sensitivity and Consciousnes
ROS PEARMAIN, Ph.D., has been integrating the fields of psychology, psychotherapy and spirituality, through both practical and philosophical approaches, for over 40 years. Here she explores the way a spiritual practice opens up the levels of feeling and sensitivity, as we expand into deeper and deeper levels of consciousness, and how our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies are integrated through the heart.
Gluten and dairy restriction:OUR CHILDREN DESERVE BETTER!
When children experience respiratory, digestive, behaviour, or other health challenges, many parents naturally seek out dietary solutions. Unfortunately, the prevailing confusion in this area provides fertile ground for misconceptions and counterproductive dietary fads. Among contemporary trends, avoiding gluten and/ or dairy products are two of the most popular. Does taking your children off gluten or dairy really help? Do such recommendations rest upon fallacy or fact? As it turns out, though born of legitimate concerns, the impulse to discontinue gluten or dairy products is generally misguided, and may distract parents from truly important steps that can help kids to eat right, grow, and thrive.
Corsair 4000D Airflow
Obsidian meets 2020
The Puzzle of Mineral Names
DISCOVERING THE LOGIC BY UNDERSTANDING THE PROGRESSION