gavoss
Nov 14, 2008, 06:53 AM
!Introduction
| spec2
|
| @example1.jpg
|> <b>Venue:<b/> |< North America
|> <b>Media:</b> |< High Quality DVR
|> <b>Format:</b> |< DVD from Digital Master
|> <b>Packaging:</b> |< Standard DVD Case w/Color Artwork
|> <b>Regions:</b> |< All
|> <b>Run-time:</b> |< ~ 1 Hour 50 minutes
|> <b>Price:</b> |< $24.95 US
|> <b>Manufacturer:</b> |< <a href=http://www.radiocarbonart.com>Radio Carbon Art</a>
|> <b>Available From:</b> |< <a href=http://www.radiocarbonart.com> Radio Carbon Art</a> and selected distributors
Paul Naton from Radio Carbon Art has come out with his fifth “How To” DVD. The first was the very popular <i>Hand Launch Building Clinic,</i> (reviewed <a href=http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=444945>here</a>), the second is <i>F3 Building Clinic,</i> (reviewed <a href=http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=586265>here</a>), third is <i>Performance Tuning</i> (PT) (reviewed <a href=http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=524312>here</a>) where Paul shows us how to properly assemble and set up the sailplane for optimum performance. The fourth is <i>Radio Clinic for Sailplanes</i> (soon to be reviewed here on RCGroups) where expert Paul Naton teaches you how to utilize today's powerful computer radio systems to get the most out of the airframe. The fifth in the "How To" series is <i>High Performance Thermal Soaring.</i> With the help of two-time F3J world champion David Hobby, Paul and David get into even finer detail of aircraft setup and how to find and stay in lift.
@hpts logo.jpg
!DVD Contents
@HP dvd box.jpg:The DVD comes with a very nice full color label and a standard heavy duty case.
The DVD is nicely packaged with a full color label and standard DVD case, but that really isn't what we are interested in is it? No; we are interested in what's <i>on</i> the DVD.
*Viewing Requirements:
*The DVD is an "All Region" DVD, and therefore should play on most current computers and DVD players.
@hp logo 2.jpg
!Getting Started
*The chapters are as follows:
*Weather Geek
*The Cube of Air
*Three Speeds
*CG for Dummies
*In the Bank
*Stick n' Rudder
*Go Farther, Faster
*Pro Session with David Hobby
*Finding Lift
*Staying in Lift
*Bank Angle
*Down Wind
*Rudder Mix
*CG
*Plane Set Up
*Air Reading
*In the Air
*Day 2
*Extra-Paul Natons' setup
There are a number of small changes/additions to <i>High Performance Thermal Soaring</i> (HPTS) that sets it apart from any previous DVD from Radio Carbon Art. The still graphics are more detailed, there are references to previous DVDs with recommendations to purchase them and the feature I found most interesting, assignments!Paul urges you to get out and try the recommended setups nd see if they help you stay in the air longer. Let's get going.
!Weather Geek and The Cube of Air
Being able to read the air is the basis of thermal soaring. It doesn't matter if you are a day-one beginner or a seasoned pilot, reading the air we fly in, and finding and staying in the lift is our goal. To do that effectively, you need to understand weather basics; the more you know, the better chance you have of finding and staying in thermals. Paul gives you a number of different sources from which to obtain weather information and gives a brief overview of what to look for. "Lapse rate" and the "river of air" are just some of the terms you need to understand their effect soaring conditions.
@2143800:Knowing exactly what the air is doing in the Cube of Air and understanding how it affects your sailplane is just one of the many things you'll learn in this DVD.
!Three Speeds
There are basically three speeds at which a sailplane typically flies: minimum sink, cruise and speed.
"Minimum sink" is just that; the flying speed which allows the plane to sink its minimum amount yet still provide adequate control of the sailplane.
"Cruise" as we typically call it is maximum L/D. L/D is pronounced "Ell over Dee" and translates to "lift over drag." At this speed, the plane is flying at its most efficient speed to cover the most ground as quickly as possible, losing as little altitude as possible. This speed is typically 15-20% above minimum sink speed. This speed is normally used to search for thermals and go from one thermal to the next.
"Speed" is faster than cruise by another 10-15%. This speed or setting would typically be used on windy days to get out of sink or to range out to find thermals upwind.
The terms "cruise" and "speed" are what we typically use in the US. The title itself isn't important, but what they allow the sailplane to achieve is.
Paul explains how to find these speeds, when to use them and why they are important. Once determined, the use of a computer transmitter allows you to be able to flip a switch or two and achieve these speeds time after time. He also explains why you would put them on a switch vs. trying to use the elevator stick or trim lever. Of course, all this is fodder if you don't have a tight, repeatable elevator setup. Paul recommends, and I certainly agree, upon a strong digital servo and a slop-free elevator setup.
One of the new features of this DVD are the assignments. Paul explains what he wants you to do, what to look for and what to change. I like this concept!
@2143792:It's back to school time. Paul challenges all viewers to become participants by giving an assignment with each chapter. This is a new feature and one I really like.
!CG for Dummies
There is probably no other subject in RC soaring (OK, except maybe the "dive test") that carries as many opinions as there are people. CG, or "center of gravity," and finding its proper location is one of the most important factors in getting the highest performance out of any flying object. Without belaboring the subject, Paul explains the "whys" and "hows" of correct CG placement and how to obtain it. Paul also explains why different people may have different CG placement for the same airplane.
!In the Bank
If you have a full size pilot's license, you were taught and should understand how bank angle affects wing loading, sink speeds, stall speed and more. If you don't know or just need a review, this section explains how the bank angle effects all of the above and more.
@2143795:Your assignment is to find out how bank angle affects flying speed and much more.
!Stick 'n Rudder
I'm a firm believer that most soaring pilots don't use the rudder enough or correctly. I was one of those people. I took up pattern flying a few years ago to teach myself how to incorporate the rudder into every aspect of my flying. This section will explain the proper use of mixing rudder with aileron throws, when to use a little mix and when to use a lot and when to use the rudder separately. You'll learn to see adverse yaw and how it effects the plane’s position in a thermal too.
@2143802:Slipping and sliding can be both good and bad. Stick 'n Rudder explains when to slip and slide and when not to.
This is probably my favorite assignment. Learning how to use the rudder properly will allow you to stay up longer because the rudder causes less drag than using the ailerons. Less drag means less sink. Learn to use the rudder to keep the plane circling in a thermal and to control the plane up the winch or hi start line. Also, in this lesson you get to practice slipping and sliding.
!Go Farther, Faster
Ballast is something new pilots sometimes have a hard time understanding. It seems completely crazy to add lead to a sailplane. However, sometimes it's recommended and maybe even necessary. Knowing when to ballast and how much to ballast will change from plane to plane. Paul recommends adding 10% as a start. I've found that most of us can't tell the difference unless you raise the wing loading by 2 ounce/ft/^2. This will require you to know the wing loading of the particular glider you are using and, as you can see, adding say two ounces to a 2M plane isn't the same as adding two ounce to a 4M plane.
@2143794:Ballast is an often misunderstood subject. This section will give you the basics of how, why and when to use ballast.
This time your assignment it to experiment with ballast and see how it affects your particular plane. Each plane will be different so you'll need to perform this experiment on each plane you fly.
Now comes the real fun!
!Thermal Soaring with 2-time F3J World Champion David Hobby
@2143793:2-time F3J World Champion David Hobby shares his time and talents.
I've had the pleasure of flying with and against two former World Champions, and I found them both to be extremely knowledgeable about reading air, and if asked, they were more than happy to answer any questions asked of them.
Now you get to spend some one-on-one flying time with 2-time World Champion David Hobby! David explains virtually every subject reviewed above and explains his strategy and techniques while you watch his plane respond to the air. David is low-key and very clear in his explanations. Watching how the sailplane react to thermals, sink, no-lift, minimum sink, cruise, and speed speeds is a great benefit for viewers serious about becoming a better soaring pilot.
David uses a visual aid, a little handmade sailplane that Paul designed. It represents the Pike sailplane, and it's used to explain how the air and surface input affect the plane in flight. Unfortunately, they are not available for purchase. This visual aid is used to explain certain aspects of flying that are more difficult to see when the aircraft is flying. Actual bank angle and fuselage alignment with the ground and the air are difficult to measure if the airplane is some distance from the pilot. The visual aid solves that problem.
@dave hobby plane.jpg:David uses a tiny "Pike" as a visual aid to help explain some things that would be difficult to see while flying. Paul Naton designed and assembled the plane from balsa and paper.
While everything else makes the DVD worth its price, watching David fly, seeing the plane react to the air and his explanation of what to look for, make this DVD a must-have if you want to become a better soaring pilot.
!Extras
Don't forget to look at the "Extras!" In this section, Paul describes in visual detail how he sets up his personal glider. You will find that David and Paul do some things differently, and that's perfectly OK! No two people set up their planes exactly the same. What matters is that you know your own setup, and you can fly the plane like it's an extension of your body and mind. This takes a lot of experimenting and a lot of flying.
Once you get a plane "dialed in," and you understand the conditions around you, all that keeps you from the winner’s circle is the choices you make when it's your turn to fly. The Radio Carbon Art "How- To" series can help you get dialed in faster and help you make better choices in finding lift and staying in the lift you've found.
!!Is This For a Beginner?
The information contained in this particular DVD is directed to someone who has already learned to thermal soar, and some of the information will be over the head of the day-one beginner. This doesn't mean a beginner won't learn from the presented information, but they won't use much of this information until they are comfortable with basic flight and can find and stay in lift.
For the intermediate or the expert, there is plenty of information to absorb in this DVD, and it's entertaining too.
!Flight Video/Photo Gallery
*
*<a href=http://homepage.mac.com/pnaton/iMovieTheater42.html> QuickTime Trailer</a>
*<a href=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FUZaynkfds>YouTube Trailer</a>
*<a href=http://homepage.mac.com/pnaton/FileSharing17.html>WMV Download Page</a>
*<a href=http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=pnaton&p=r>YouTube trailer w/short clip of David discussing proper CG placement</a>
*<a href=http://glidefast.typepad.com/glidefast/2008/09/the-david-hobby-interview-podcast.html>25 minute podcast up which contains a interview with Dave on the last F3J worlds</a>
!Conclusion
By watching, studying and most importantly, applying and practicing these methods, you can become an expert soaring pilot. Applying the information in Radio Carbon Art's How-To series is like getting a PhD. in thermal soaring!
I highly recommend this DVD.
*Pluses:
*Excellent information concerning aircraft setup
*Information applies to most high performance sailplanes used today
*Educational and informative yet entertaining.
*About the ONLY source available where you get world class instruction in setup and thermal soaring
*Minuses:
*Not a program for the total beginner, DVD assumes you have some basic thermal soaring knowledge
*The information on trailing edge control doesn't apply to 2-channel or Rudder/Elevator/Spoiler sailplanes
| spec2
|
| @example1.jpg
|> <b>Venue:<b/> |< North America
|> <b>Media:</b> |< High Quality DVR
|> <b>Format:</b> |< DVD from Digital Master
|> <b>Packaging:</b> |< Standard DVD Case w/Color Artwork
|> <b>Regions:</b> |< All
|> <b>Run-time:</b> |< ~ 1 Hour 50 minutes
|> <b>Price:</b> |< $24.95 US
|> <b>Manufacturer:</b> |< <a href=http://www.radiocarbonart.com>Radio Carbon Art</a>
|> <b>Available From:</b> |< <a href=http://www.radiocarbonart.com> Radio Carbon Art</a> and selected distributors
Paul Naton from Radio Carbon Art has come out with his fifth “How To” DVD. The first was the very popular <i>Hand Launch Building Clinic,</i> (reviewed <a href=http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=444945>here</a>), the second is <i>F3 Building Clinic,</i> (reviewed <a href=http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=586265>here</a>), third is <i>Performance Tuning</i> (PT) (reviewed <a href=http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=524312>here</a>) where Paul shows us how to properly assemble and set up the sailplane for optimum performance. The fourth is <i>Radio Clinic for Sailplanes</i> (soon to be reviewed here on RCGroups) where expert Paul Naton teaches you how to utilize today's powerful computer radio systems to get the most out of the airframe. The fifth in the "How To" series is <i>High Performance Thermal Soaring.</i> With the help of two-time F3J world champion David Hobby, Paul and David get into even finer detail of aircraft setup and how to find and stay in lift.
@hpts logo.jpg
!DVD Contents
@HP dvd box.jpg:The DVD comes with a very nice full color label and a standard heavy duty case.
The DVD is nicely packaged with a full color label and standard DVD case, but that really isn't what we are interested in is it? No; we are interested in what's <i>on</i> the DVD.
*Viewing Requirements:
*The DVD is an "All Region" DVD, and therefore should play on most current computers and DVD players.
@hp logo 2.jpg
!Getting Started
*The chapters are as follows:
*Weather Geek
*The Cube of Air
*Three Speeds
*CG for Dummies
*In the Bank
*Stick n' Rudder
*Go Farther, Faster
*Pro Session with David Hobby
*Finding Lift
*Staying in Lift
*Bank Angle
*Down Wind
*Rudder Mix
*CG
*Plane Set Up
*Air Reading
*In the Air
*Day 2
*Extra-Paul Natons' setup
There are a number of small changes/additions to <i>High Performance Thermal Soaring</i> (HPTS) that sets it apart from any previous DVD from Radio Carbon Art. The still graphics are more detailed, there are references to previous DVDs with recommendations to purchase them and the feature I found most interesting, assignments!Paul urges you to get out and try the recommended setups nd see if they help you stay in the air longer. Let's get going.
!Weather Geek and The Cube of Air
Being able to read the air is the basis of thermal soaring. It doesn't matter if you are a day-one beginner or a seasoned pilot, reading the air we fly in, and finding and staying in the lift is our goal. To do that effectively, you need to understand weather basics; the more you know, the better chance you have of finding and staying in thermals. Paul gives you a number of different sources from which to obtain weather information and gives a brief overview of what to look for. "Lapse rate" and the "river of air" are just some of the terms you need to understand their effect soaring conditions.
@2143800:Knowing exactly what the air is doing in the Cube of Air and understanding how it affects your sailplane is just one of the many things you'll learn in this DVD.
!Three Speeds
There are basically three speeds at which a sailplane typically flies: minimum sink, cruise and speed.
"Minimum sink" is just that; the flying speed which allows the plane to sink its minimum amount yet still provide adequate control of the sailplane.
"Cruise" as we typically call it is maximum L/D. L/D is pronounced "Ell over Dee" and translates to "lift over drag." At this speed, the plane is flying at its most efficient speed to cover the most ground as quickly as possible, losing as little altitude as possible. This speed is typically 15-20% above minimum sink speed. This speed is normally used to search for thermals and go from one thermal to the next.
"Speed" is faster than cruise by another 10-15%. This speed or setting would typically be used on windy days to get out of sink or to range out to find thermals upwind.
The terms "cruise" and "speed" are what we typically use in the US. The title itself isn't important, but what they allow the sailplane to achieve is.
Paul explains how to find these speeds, when to use them and why they are important. Once determined, the use of a computer transmitter allows you to be able to flip a switch or two and achieve these speeds time after time. He also explains why you would put them on a switch vs. trying to use the elevator stick or trim lever. Of course, all this is fodder if you don't have a tight, repeatable elevator setup. Paul recommends, and I certainly agree, upon a strong digital servo and a slop-free elevator setup.
One of the new features of this DVD are the assignments. Paul explains what he wants you to do, what to look for and what to change. I like this concept!
@2143792:It's back to school time. Paul challenges all viewers to become participants by giving an assignment with each chapter. This is a new feature and one I really like.
!CG for Dummies
There is probably no other subject in RC soaring (OK, except maybe the "dive test") that carries as many opinions as there are people. CG, or "center of gravity," and finding its proper location is one of the most important factors in getting the highest performance out of any flying object. Without belaboring the subject, Paul explains the "whys" and "hows" of correct CG placement and how to obtain it. Paul also explains why different people may have different CG placement for the same airplane.
!In the Bank
If you have a full size pilot's license, you were taught and should understand how bank angle affects wing loading, sink speeds, stall speed and more. If you don't know or just need a review, this section explains how the bank angle effects all of the above and more.
@2143795:Your assignment is to find out how bank angle affects flying speed and much more.
!Stick 'n Rudder
I'm a firm believer that most soaring pilots don't use the rudder enough or correctly. I was one of those people. I took up pattern flying a few years ago to teach myself how to incorporate the rudder into every aspect of my flying. This section will explain the proper use of mixing rudder with aileron throws, when to use a little mix and when to use a lot and when to use the rudder separately. You'll learn to see adverse yaw and how it effects the plane’s position in a thermal too.
@2143802:Slipping and sliding can be both good and bad. Stick 'n Rudder explains when to slip and slide and when not to.
This is probably my favorite assignment. Learning how to use the rudder properly will allow you to stay up longer because the rudder causes less drag than using the ailerons. Less drag means less sink. Learn to use the rudder to keep the plane circling in a thermal and to control the plane up the winch or hi start line. Also, in this lesson you get to practice slipping and sliding.
!Go Farther, Faster
Ballast is something new pilots sometimes have a hard time understanding. It seems completely crazy to add lead to a sailplane. However, sometimes it's recommended and maybe even necessary. Knowing when to ballast and how much to ballast will change from plane to plane. Paul recommends adding 10% as a start. I've found that most of us can't tell the difference unless you raise the wing loading by 2 ounce/ft/^2. This will require you to know the wing loading of the particular glider you are using and, as you can see, adding say two ounces to a 2M plane isn't the same as adding two ounce to a 4M plane.
@2143794:Ballast is an often misunderstood subject. This section will give you the basics of how, why and when to use ballast.
This time your assignment it to experiment with ballast and see how it affects your particular plane. Each plane will be different so you'll need to perform this experiment on each plane you fly.
Now comes the real fun!
!Thermal Soaring with 2-time F3J World Champion David Hobby
@2143793:2-time F3J World Champion David Hobby shares his time and talents.
I've had the pleasure of flying with and against two former World Champions, and I found them both to be extremely knowledgeable about reading air, and if asked, they were more than happy to answer any questions asked of them.
Now you get to spend some one-on-one flying time with 2-time World Champion David Hobby! David explains virtually every subject reviewed above and explains his strategy and techniques while you watch his plane respond to the air. David is low-key and very clear in his explanations. Watching how the sailplane react to thermals, sink, no-lift, minimum sink, cruise, and speed speeds is a great benefit for viewers serious about becoming a better soaring pilot.
David uses a visual aid, a little handmade sailplane that Paul designed. It represents the Pike sailplane, and it's used to explain how the air and surface input affect the plane in flight. Unfortunately, they are not available for purchase. This visual aid is used to explain certain aspects of flying that are more difficult to see when the aircraft is flying. Actual bank angle and fuselage alignment with the ground and the air are difficult to measure if the airplane is some distance from the pilot. The visual aid solves that problem.
@dave hobby plane.jpg:David uses a tiny "Pike" as a visual aid to help explain some things that would be difficult to see while flying. Paul Naton designed and assembled the plane from balsa and paper.
While everything else makes the DVD worth its price, watching David fly, seeing the plane react to the air and his explanation of what to look for, make this DVD a must-have if you want to become a better soaring pilot.
!Extras
Don't forget to look at the "Extras!" In this section, Paul describes in visual detail how he sets up his personal glider. You will find that David and Paul do some things differently, and that's perfectly OK! No two people set up their planes exactly the same. What matters is that you know your own setup, and you can fly the plane like it's an extension of your body and mind. This takes a lot of experimenting and a lot of flying.
Once you get a plane "dialed in," and you understand the conditions around you, all that keeps you from the winner’s circle is the choices you make when it's your turn to fly. The Radio Carbon Art "How- To" series can help you get dialed in faster and help you make better choices in finding lift and staying in the lift you've found.
!!Is This For a Beginner?
The information contained in this particular DVD is directed to someone who has already learned to thermal soar, and some of the information will be over the head of the day-one beginner. This doesn't mean a beginner won't learn from the presented information, but they won't use much of this information until they are comfortable with basic flight and can find and stay in lift.
For the intermediate or the expert, there is plenty of information to absorb in this DVD, and it's entertaining too.
!Flight Video/Photo Gallery
*
*<a href=http://homepage.mac.com/pnaton/iMovieTheater42.html> QuickTime Trailer</a>
*<a href=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FUZaynkfds>YouTube Trailer</a>
*<a href=http://homepage.mac.com/pnaton/FileSharing17.html>WMV Download Page</a>
*<a href=http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=pnaton&p=r>YouTube trailer w/short clip of David discussing proper CG placement</a>
*<a href=http://glidefast.typepad.com/glidefast/2008/09/the-david-hobby-interview-podcast.html>25 minute podcast up which contains a interview with Dave on the last F3J worlds</a>
!Conclusion
By watching, studying and most importantly, applying and practicing these methods, you can become an expert soaring pilot. Applying the information in Radio Carbon Art's How-To series is like getting a PhD. in thermal soaring!
I highly recommend this DVD.
*Pluses:
*Excellent information concerning aircraft setup
*Information applies to most high performance sailplanes used today
*Educational and informative yet entertaining.
*About the ONLY source available where you get world class instruction in setup and thermal soaring
*Minuses:
*Not a program for the total beginner, DVD assumes you have some basic thermal soaring knowledge
*The information on trailing edge control doesn't apply to 2-channel or Rudder/Elevator/Spoiler sailplanes