[snap a saurus]

I have been involved in flying giant scale airplanes for a very long time now. Over the last few years I have noticed that there has been a huge advancement in this popular hobby. In the past, ARF's were very expensive and poorly made. They have improved substantially as of late. Today they are much cheaper and better made with new composite materials. Power plants are reliable and more powerful than ever.
The hobby is leaping forward at a tremendous pace. You buy something today and before you know it it becomes obsolete with the introduction of newer technology and better designs. Consider batteries for example. The introduction of lithium batteries a few years back changed the hobby dramatically. Don't be surprised if you see a 40% electric powered aerobatic model airplane with more thrust than an average 150cc powered aircraft. These batteries pack a ton of energy!
Incredible servo power in standard cases, a new era in RC began with the introduction of Spektrum 2.4ghz technology. No more worries about interference. I am sure that most of us have been bothered at one point or another with this problem.
We should not forget the foamy revolution, who doesn't own a foamy? A new breed of small electric powered scale aerobatic airplanes has also been introduced from Extras, Katanas, Ravens, Yaks and many other aerobatic subjects that perform like their much bigger counterparts, yet at a fraction of the cost.
One of the most important advancements in this hobby was the simulator, even though I am guilty of not using it very much. However, I will admit that it will make you a better pilot. Todays simulator can be programmed to match the flying characteristics of any airplane out there.
And last but not least, we are seeing much bigger airplanes!! Bill Hemple, TOC and TAS competitor, introduced the new 50% class and he can't make enough of these. The demand is huge! What the future is hiding, nobody knows. But make a wish and dream Giant, and don't be surprised if your dream comes true! A few years back, a 1/4 scale airplane was my dream. What is my dream now? I will not dare say!!!!!!!!!!! Actually we have some Flying Giants members building 66 and 75% airplanes. Unfortunately, we are limited by AMA to a 100 lbs maximum weight and anything over 55 lbs require an AMA certification under the AMA experimental aircraft rules.
We should not forget the biggest technological advancement of the century, the internet. The internet has made the world a much smaller place. It has placed hobby shops at our fingertips and brought to us all these great websites that cater to a large variety of our flying needs. There are discussion forums, how to build threads, photo and video galleries, and a swap shop, just to list few topics. And on top of that list is the Flying Giants!!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Flying Giant organization for giving us the chance to ask questions, share thoughts and discuss ideas - all for the advancement of this great hobby and to help each and everyone of us to accomplish our goals.
Hope to see you all at the Nall!