Test-flying for fun - RC planes and helicopters

Contrary to popular belief, people who work in modelAfter a few tweaks to the engine I was happy with
shops don't spend all day every day playing with theirthe way she was running I thought we would do a
own models!!!few gentle circuits with a couple of stall turns thrown in
However, on Friday afternoon Dale and myselffor good measure. I must say this is probably the most
decided we were actually going flying. We closed thestable model in the hover I have ever flown. I landed,
shop dead on 6 o'clock (usually we don't leave till gonethen passed the controls to Dale for a quick play. He
7). We were cashed up, loaded up and were off toalso loved how stably it flew.
our own secret flying site in Kent by 6.30.The amount of fun you can have with an electric Zagi
We arrived at the flying field around 6.45, all models stillis amazing. This model is so much fun and so
intact after a mad dash along the A2 in Kent andunbreakable, I found myself doing the silliest of things
some rather bendy country lanes.with it. Like skimming across the strip with the prop
First out of the cars were a pair of Weston Cougars,clipping the grass on its way through, stalling it from up
one of my favourite planks (sorry for the term plankhigh and seeing who could get the highest bounce
but I class myself as a heli flyer). Once started andwhen it hit the deck!
both airborne there was a really noticeable differenceWho cares, the chances of breaking it are near nil.
in performance between the two. Dale's is fitted with aThat's how we continued for the rest of the evening....
OS46LA, whilst mine has a West Eurotech 36 fitted.until we remembered that to fly in the dark - which i
We both decided to go for height, (when I say height Iused to do on a regular basis - you need 'glow sticks'.
mean the clouds were getting in the way) Dale's climbSo, back to the shop to unload all the models - we
rate was respectable but mine climbed like a homesickboth commented on what a great evening's flying it
angel. After a few attempts at getting it to flatspin &was, probably one of the best this year - we are not
some low inverted circuits I was out of fuel, so wastrying to tempt fate or anything, but are now charging
forced to land and get the next model out.everything in sight ready for another evening of fun.
The next candidate was a Century Predator GasserOne of the best things you can invest in is a fast
which has had one previous flight. The beauty of petrolcharger - perfect for those last minute decisions to go
powered models is that they are cheap to run & thereflying, we have all put a lot of miles on my poor old
is no starting equipment required. The previous flightripmax fast charger.
was used to set the model and engine up correctly.