16-09-2009, 01:07 PM
My EasyStar finally got bloodied last weekend. After two successful flight at the field on Saturday morning with Darrenâs very capable hands in reserve I drove 220km into the bush to a secret and deserted (with the exception of about 20 kangaroos who were wisely keeping their distance) field. It was close to dusk and the winds were light so I decided to give it a go by myself. The first three launchers added some new farrows to the field but on the fourth I got into the air and had several minutes of joyful flying. Realizing I was probably low on battery I did a quick dummy landing run which seemed to go ok so around once more and then a perfect landing.
Feeling lightheaded and somewhat elated I quickly changed batteries and launched again. Throwing caution to the wind (pun intended) I went higher and further afield. Unfortunately it was at this point I suddenly realised the wind had picked up and I was having trouble keeping the EasyStar in the circuit. Then I made the mistake of doing two rather tight turns which due the great distance I was flying I did not pick up in time. I was able to recover but the EasyStar was now way over on the other side of the field and the light was fading. I managed to put the plane in level flight and pointed directly towards me. Feeling somewhat relieved I cut back power to let the EasyStar glide back to me, something it does very well on its own. It was at this point disaster struck as the Easy star executed a perfect right angle turn straight into the ground; I had run into a single power line that I could not see. Fortunately there was no permanent damage apart from some new wrinkles in the nose and a failed glue joint in the fuselage. It will be flying again next week end.
I'm sure there is moral in somewhere.
Kevin
Feeling lightheaded and somewhat elated I quickly changed batteries and launched again. Throwing caution to the wind (pun intended) I went higher and further afield. Unfortunately it was at this point I suddenly realised the wind had picked up and I was having trouble keeping the EasyStar in the circuit. Then I made the mistake of doing two rather tight turns which due the great distance I was flying I did not pick up in time. I was able to recover but the EasyStar was now way over on the other side of the field and the light was fading. I managed to put the plane in level flight and pointed directly towards me. Feeling somewhat relieved I cut back power to let the EasyStar glide back to me, something it does very well on its own. It was at this point disaster struck as the Easy star executed a perfect right angle turn straight into the ground; I had run into a single power line that I could not see. Fortunately there was no permanent damage apart from some new wrinkles in the nose and a failed glue joint in the fuselage. It will be flying again next week end.
I'm sure there is moral in somewhere.
Kevin