A GIANT Flying Giant Experience

[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!

[flyingklown]

Very nice Elie!

[mavacpjm71]

Snap - Great discussion on the advances of the RC hobby over the years, it goes with out saying - skies the limit on where we are headed, and technology is advancing so rapidly - i can truly see a 75% aircraftt in my future and looking back and saying, those 40% aircraft are too small LOL

[Dantley]

Nice write up! I love seeing the technology mature in this hobby.

[Stu_D]

Funny you should bring up the topic of rapid change . I ran into a bloke at the local
field this afternoon who I hadn't seen for at least three years . He was blown away
by the std of the planes and equipment .

I think the thing which shocked him he the most was when told him just how many people we now have with 35 & 40% planes . As you said he thought 1/4 scale was large and not so long ago in this country if you wanted a 35% + plane you had to scratch build .

In the end he was so impressed I think I might of sold him my old 2.6 extra , I can only hope .

Stu

[Stinger1]

Darned right Snap . The internet, with the Flying Giants leading the way, is not only responsible for accelerating the technical advances but also our awareness of them . In addition to that, it has allowed the gathering of a great group of knowledgeable individuals that help each other .

[OverTemp]

Suck-up

[everyday3]

Well put brother. I have been a member for a year now and just put my first gasser together. I could not have done it with out the help of the flying giant’s community. So like Snap said thanks Flying Giants.

[Propstriker]

Elie, That piece was well written, I esspecially liked the part, "make a wish and dream Giant".........I got Misty

[SUPERFLYJAY]

ELIE MAKE A WISH AND DREAM SALAMI

[Craven]

ELIE FOR PRESIDENT!!!!!

[Stinger1]

	Quote: Originally Posted by SUPERFLYJAY
	ELIE MAKE A WISH AND DREAM SALAMI

Better make it Cheddarwurst

[hollywood54]

Hey man thats some heavy shi8.I wish i had an endless supply of money, that way i could realize all my dreams and some of yours too.But for now i wish my 91 4 stroke was running better so i can fly my edge.Dude i didn't know you love to wright.That's pretty cool. ROCK ON!!!

[DR10044]

I have been flying RC since the early 80's. Due to involvement with my kids during their middle and high school years, I was inactive for 6 years. Now they are in college so I was able to start flying again late last year. It was almost like I had to relearn everything. I still new how to fly but the leap forward in all aspects of the hobby simply amazed me. The good thing is I work in technology so I am use to the pace of change. It is a great time to be in the hobby.

The one thing that did not change was the pilots. It has been so great to get back with the RC community. The club I belong to has just been great.

[snap a saurus]

Guys, thanks for your replies, whatever I put out there was facts, I will no longer use the word impossible.

mavacpjm, the only limit for giant scale now is the 100 Lb maximum weight rule set by AMA.

Dantley, thanks

Stu D, I go through the same thing once in a while.

Stinger, where else do you find all the services that the Flying Giants provide from hosting your videos, swapshop, promote your events live event coverage and so on basically the world is at your reach through FG and it's for free.

OverTemp, everyday3, thanks again

Larry, misty is ok but no leaking.

Salami Man, you are going to be a different person after the Joe Nall, I promise.

Craven, I would dedicate 2 days a week for model airplane flying, no work.

Hollywood man, cut the bull, you have more money than anyone here, I know why you are crying, you are afraid I will ask you to buy me a plane.

DR10044 this happens to all of us, I have had my share of on and off flying.

Thanks Klown