Up and away

[antsis]

Hi All

Got to the field on Saturday lunchtime and not another flyer in sight. So with the site to myself, I fired up the hawk, set it on the flightline and took off. Now I first flew it on Easter Sunday and on the 2nd flight passed the hovering portion of the A cert. (My club will not let you progress to circuits until this is done). I managed it thanks to playing with my hummingbird.

Anyway, on Sat, the wind was a little gusty, but put her into a hover and then did a couple of lazy 8's. Thought, this isn't so hard and turned the 8's into circuits. After 6 mins I had to land to control the shaking, but once I calmed down, had an extra 3 flights with no mishaps.

The bummer of it is there wasn't anyone to see me do it. Such is life, am hoping to complete the A cert this weekend.

[chappers]

sounds as is if your progressing well? just remember its not a race to see how fast you can get your "A". when i examine people i like to see not only that they can hover etc.. but they have some experience and knowledge of the subject. not that they have to be experts just know what they are talking about??

chappers

[antsis]

I hear you loud and clear Chappers.

Not to worry, I still plan to take it at my own pace until I am fully confident.
I've been into flying since I got my first airfix kit and I actually started to do my ppl. However money, primarily, and family prompted me into rc in '93. Certain circumstances had prevented me going the heli route, but this year I was determined to get into it.

I also used to teach and consistantly had to advise pupils about getting too ahead of themselves once they had cracked that first landing. So I will definitely taking it nice and slooow.

Ant

[G-DAVE]

I think there is a trend today for new pilots to get into 3D to soon , before they can do all the hovering manovers particularly nose in .
Dave D

[antsis]

You might be right Dave.
There are heli pilots who maintain that nose-in should be mastered before circuits. Other pilots go the other route and hit circuits as soon as they can hover. The fact that it's not required for the A cert probably also has something to do with it. I suspect that there are a lot of heli pilots who can't nose-in and aren't too worried about it.
I'm not too concerned if I can't hover inverted 6 inches off the runway. However, even though I'm comfortable flying towards myself, and may hardly use nose-in, I still want to crack it but in my own time.

Ant

[chappers]

a very sensible and mature approach to the sport!

chappers

[G-DAVE]

Chappers

How would YOU know that ????
Dave

[antsis]

Firstly apologies to all. I got my brain in a twist. I wasn't doing my A test, but completing my club solo test. The whole thing is based on the A cert, but is certified by the instructor. However, the club has arranged for a BMFA examiner to visit at the end of June, so will go for the A then.

Anyhow had 3 days and one night of heli's and enjoyed every minute of them. (Extremely understanding wife). Also added 2 heli's to the fleet. Firstly a Century long ranger with hawk 3 mechanics, OS32 and Futaba gear. Secondly, Piccolo pro electric with the collective head. The HB is now on the market.

[Stuart]

Great to here you having some fun......keep up the good flying..Get your some more pics in your gallery.

Why do people need to take a test? Is it for insurance? If it is i better take it do you think?

trev

[G-DAVE]

Test are held as part of the BMFA achievement scheme - A and B certificates are issued to successful candidates these are a measure of your ability and at some Fly-ins are asked for as proof of flying prowess.
Dave D

Well i do not fly elsewhere so do i not need it? What about insurance will it be cheaper with it?

TREV

[antsis]

Trev

As Dave mentioned, the A & B are BMFA achievement awards. They acknowledge that a pilot has demostrated to a BMFA examiner that he complete control of his a/c and is also aware of good safety practices. However, it is not manditory, unless you plan to fly in shows, competitions, fly-ins etc. It does not reduce your insurance premium, but if you were to have an accident (involving a third party), holding either cert could work in your favour.

Many clubs may not require the A cert for you to fly, but will still test you on your flying ability. As I originally mentioned, my club requires me to pass my hovering before I can fly circuits, which I then had to do with the instructor present. I have since passed my club solo test which means I can go out to the field and fly without supervision.

So, in a nutshell, if you are not planning to fly anywhere else and your club is happy with your skills, then you do not need to do the cert's.

Ant