I have had the good fortune of attending all 6 of the annual Arizona Electric Festivals held at the Arizona Model Aviators AMA field in Mesa. It is something we all look forward too each year. I have had the pleasure to see some of the same faces coming back year after year from all over.
The festival has evolved a little over the years. It is as large as ever, but we seem to see less and less of the kit plane vendors and designers each year. In years past we would always see Pat Tritle, Charlie Mansano, Mountain Models, and a few model kit inovators — none of which were with us this year at the AEF. We still have JTechLaser who had an awesome display of their laser works and products. It was awesome to see Steven’s Aero there with several new kits including some control line planes that would be interesting as RC planes.
Though there was tons of good looking planes, awesome pilots, and smoking deals by many of the vendors, there was nothing that jumped out at me this year as something I had to have or drew great interest for me.
I compiled a video of some of my photos and video clips. I loved the noon-time demo — the Yellow SU29 and the Red Yak 54 (flown by Ryan Archer) were highlights for sure. The green jet near the end was clocked at 162 mph the day before by radar in their speed run compilation. Overall, it was awesome and would not trade it for the world. I am already looking forward to the next.
One of the best things about going out to the local field is seeing all the new and unique planes that come out of the local creative minds. Just when you think just about everything has been done with the GWS Slow Stick, something totally unique shows up. Rus Carlson, of Mesa, recently brought out to the park one of the most modified Slow Sticks I have seen to date (if you can still call it a Slow Stick). Rus was given a very small section of the center wing of a Slow Stick by one of the other locals (thanks Ev) and he was told, “let’s see if you can use that for something”.
Using Depron and thin plywood and a little carbon fiber, Rus has built a low-wing rudder elevator trickster park flyer. It rolls like it has ailerons, spins like a tornado and floats in like a butterfly. We even got to see him fly it through a hula hoop the other morning.
In stark contrast to others posting on PopularRC, I’m new to the RC scene. I’d like to pass along some of my initial impressions and ideas that might help others in a similar situation…
Community I’m amazed at the close knit community that I’ve found around this hobby. It isn’t a stretch to call this self-organizing group family. I could see how someone new might be intimidated or concerned about being viewed as an outsider. My experience has been the exact opposite – everyone I’ve met has been extremely friendly and welcoming. I’ve even been given some upgraded equipment for my plane!
Mentor This has been by far the most important part of my introduction into RC planes. I happen to be friends with David, a superior pilot who designs and builds his own (incredible) planes. In my case, the barrier to entry would have just been too high without the advice and training I’ve received from David. If you’re looking to get into the hobby the best thing you can do for yourself is find someone who’s able and willing to bring you up to speed on the tips and tricks of the trade. My impression is that most fliers are more than happy to share tips with anyone who asks. The amount of time (and money) I’ve saved thanks to David’s expertise has been invaluable.
Fun
The enjoyment I’ve gotten from flying has definitely surpassed my expectations. There is a certain amount of stress (and anguish, see photo) but the pleasure of flight is incredible and the adrenaline of a 1st landing is unforgettable. In addition, the opportunity to watch, learn from, and admire the other fliers and planes really makes this an ideal way to get outside and have fun. So what are you waiting for? If I can do it then anyone can.
There always seems to be ONE at every field… well, in this case, there should be! Ev Knutson, also known as the field clown that always manages to get everyone smiling and laughing with his antics and funny hats. Often rewarding other pilots at the field with custom made T-shirts that tell the exploits of the individual pilots. Shirts like, “Poop Happens” — a pilot that has repeatedly flown his planes into the water treatment plant sludge ponds each time retrieving his planes to fly another day. Other shirts display a favorite plane of the pilot with their local made up field titles, like Certified Trainer, Top Gun. Today I was awarded a T-Shirt from Ev with a Fokker DVII on the front with a list of field jobs (that he has given me).
It is people like Ev that make going to the field every day fun. Today he was talking about how all of us sitting up there are here serving time… “what you in for?” — “oh, 3 to 4 slow sticks and a mutliplex… and you?”
If you don’t have someone around your field like this, then maybe you should get one. It always makes things interesting… or we can lend you Ev.
In stark contrast to others posting on PopularRC, I’m new to the RC scene. I’d like to pass along some of my initial impressions and ideas that might help others in a similar situation…