06-12-2007, 03:51 PM
I started flying sailplanes (gliders) years ago because my dad would build them.
He is a hardcore r/c modeler who is too old to race hydra-planes* like he used to so he now builds sailboats and gliders.
I enjoy smaller sailplanes that can be hand launched because you don't need as large of an area (in NoVa the closest place to do real sailplaning was Bull Run and now I don't think you can go there anymore) as the winch launched variants to fly in. Some of our larger sailplanes have 10 foot wingspans and the logistics involved in getting something that big high enough into the air can be a pain.
The electric park flyer segment of the market is huge now. You can buy a nice small almost ready to fly (little assembly work involved) foam park flier and hit your neighborhood park immediately. Gas ran r/c aircraft are much more hardcore and will require finding an experienced flier to teach you how to fly. If you want to go that route you're best bet is to find a club with a flying field and a buddy program to get you into it.
-T
*a kind of high speed boat in case you were not aware
He is a hardcore r/c modeler who is too old to race hydra-planes* like he used to so he now builds sailboats and gliders.
I enjoy smaller sailplanes that can be hand launched because you don't need as large of an area (in NoVa the closest place to do real sailplaning was Bull Run and now I don't think you can go there anymore) as the winch launched variants to fly in. Some of our larger sailplanes have 10 foot wingspans and the logistics involved in getting something that big high enough into the air can be a pain.
The electric park flyer segment of the market is huge now. You can buy a nice small almost ready to fly (little assembly work involved) foam park flier and hit your neighborhood park immediately. Gas ran r/c aircraft are much more hardcore and will require finding an experienced flier to teach you how to fly. If you want to go that route you're best bet is to find a club with a flying field and a buddy program to get you into it.
-T
*a kind of high speed boat in case you were not aware
MIHS - hot cause we fly you ain't so you not
2004 Subaru WRX STi
1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass
2004 Subaru WRX STi
1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX
1998 Oldsmobile Cutlass