Remote Control Airplanes Spring Refresh
Time for a Spring RC airplane refresh. Here is what I do during my Spring Refresh.
My Planes: All those dents and dings I planned on repairing over the Winter. I get out the foam filler, or Spackle, the airbrush, and get my planes back to excellent condition. Something about a freshly repaired and painted aircraft looks better at the field and in the sky.
If you haven't tried airbrushing, maybe this is a great time to dry it out.
Now is a great time to add to your hanger. There are great start of season sales. Maybe it's time to acquire that plane you've been eyeing.
My Planes Control Services / Gear - I charge up a battery and give each of my planes a ground test. I check all the mechanicals. I make a simple spreadsheet by plane with each repair needed. (the laptop comes in handy sitting in the back of my SUV while I power up on my driveway).
My Batteries - I check my batteries. I store my batteries in meal ammo boxes, sorted by size. (1 each for 3 cells, 4 cells, and 6 cells). Any signs of damage and battery is correctly disposed of.
According to Large.net, damaged batteries can be identified by "Damaged plastic cell envelope or visible deformities on the cell package. The smell of leaking electrolyte. Or puffing or swelling shows that the battery is damaged, and therefore you should discontinue discharging or charging immediately.
Remember, regardless of the cost, it is never worth it to charge or fly with a damaged battery.
Do I need more batteries? There are many great early season sales. Maybe it is time to add to your battery arsenal. Also, check your charger to make sure that it is in good order.
A trick I use during the season to evenly use my batteries is that I number each battery with a Sharpie with both a number and the date placed in service. That makes it easier for me to cycle through the batteries evenly.
My tools - I get my toolbox organized and ready for the field. I collect the tools that are out on my workbenches and bring them back in the toolbox.
I look to see if there are any damaged or lost tools needing replacement. I go through my box and throw out the dried-up CA glue. I give my box a general refresh and restock (tape, Velcro, zip ties, etc.). Give the box a refresh and restock. Better to do that now than realize you need something while at the field.
My transmitter - I do a clean and organize on your transmitter. I review the planes stored in my transmitter's memory and delete the aircraft I have crashed or don't have anymore. If they are going to fly again no need for them to be clogging the menu.
Get the planes you fly the most up to the top of the selection menu.
My Memberships / Licenses: A quick check to ensure all my registrations and memberships are current and active.
Club Field Day - I attend our Dayton Wingmasters field day. A focused field refresh and clean-up go a long way to creating an enjoyable flying experience for you and the other members.
Volunteer and attend a Swap Meet: Maybe you don't like that particular plane, sell it at a swap meet and add another plane.
As you get ready for a great flying season, I hope some of these ideas have helped. If you have any other great ideas, leave them in the comments below.
Have a safe and enjoyable flying season.
2021-04-20-RC Airplane Week in Review
This is the week for Modelrama - One of the MIdwest's largest swap meets and auctions.
Here are YouTube videos I enjoyed this week:
The weather is warming up, and time to get back out to the field. Are you working on your planes getting ready for the Summer flying season? djmoosecom reviews a fantastic benchtop RC Stand.
Another great TheRcSaylors video. The Dynam Primo is an excellent beginner plane. Here they take it up. The Dynam Primo.
Mavic just released Air 2 - here is a video from FIRE RC as he chases RC airplanes. Chasing RC Airplanes with DJI Mavic Air 2
Have you seen this before? I never thought to keep my planes up and away from mice! Don's RC Airplanes ran into a problem. # E-flite T-28 1.2m and a mouse Oh my !!!
Happy Flying!
2021 Modelrama
It’s winter, and we need a way to renew our RC airplane excitement. We want to add new planes to our hanger but need to clear out some of our current planes. Want a way to do this in person safely?
The 2021 Wingmasters Modelrama swap meet and auction is your place. The Dayton Wingmasters Modelrama is on April 23rd and 24th. As one of the largest RC airplane shows in the Midwest, we have expanded the space under roof (over 42,000 sq. feet) to allow for social distancing and to accommodate all the current vendors and other sellers. The venue is the Montgomery Fairgrounds 645 Infirmary Road, Dayton Ohio 45417.
If you have gear or planes you want to sell or pick-up new gear and aircraft, this is the show for you—a tremendous in-person opportunity to rev you up for the 2021 flying season. In 2020 we had over 275 tables sold.
As the Club’s treasurer, I encourage you to attend, and if you want to reserve a table, see the attached flyer. Tables and spaces are going fast, so if you're going to get your hanger ready for 2021, here is a great opportunity.
All the proceeds go to support the RC hobby with the Dayton Wingmasters. A long-time AMA sanction club here in Dayton.
Mittens for Winter-Time RC Flying
Don’t stop flying your RC airplanes or drones this winter. Although, nothing sends chills through your hands like holding on to a metal transmitter box.
Just get yourself some fold-over mittens.
I use the Simms flying fishing fold-over mittens in, and they work great. IMAGE. I have the necessary feel for the sticks with these fold-over mittens while protecting my hands from the cold bare metal. I can fold them over when I’m done flying and can warm my hands up. I get the benefit of the “glove fingers” for control and the warming impact of mittens when I fold over the cover.
These mittens are 100% polyester and are not waterproof. They have half fingers and a mitten overlay. The mitten fold-over provides the warmth of a mitten while the fingers give control and dexterity. The Simms mittens have an elastic band to secure the fold over for both your fingers and thumb. They also have a snap that allows them to be snapped together.
The gloves can be machine washed and tumble dried on low. I have used these for fly fishing, and washing the gloves got all the fish smell out.
I have larges, and they seem to be true to their size. Come cooler temperatures, these gloves/mittens are permanently in my car.
An inexpensive item for your cool-weather kit allows you to extend your flying season and get out there year-round.
I hope this helps and keep flying.