Slow Stick crash. I have a question.

DontTellTheWife · Feb 01, 2008, 08:50 PM

Had my first crash with my Slow Stick today. I had a very large school yard to myself just before sunset. I'm about 10 minutes into my flight when out of the corner of my eye I see someone ducking. The guy was an adult who decided to walk through my flight path instead of walking around me. I overreacted and pulled back on the stick too much. All my SS did was complete a loop and turn into a lawn dart.

The idiot was amused as he got to my plane before I did only to inform me, "Looks like a lot of damage there boss!" I almost replied, "Thanks for the information Captain Obvious," except for some reason he had a golf club in his hands so I decided to keep my mouth shut.

The only damage was to the first 4 inches of the fuse. I cut it off, reattached the motor/motor mount then shifted the components until I got the new COG correct.

Does anyone have any experience in shortening the fuse on a SS? I assume if I have the correct COG, loosing 4 inches of the fuse is no big deal.....correct?

Thanks,

Chuck

PGR · Feb 01, 2008, 08:57 PM

It won't hurt a thing, as long as you keep the CG in the ballpark. 'Bout the only noticable effect you might experience is it could be a little more responsive to elevator input. Planes with the tail feathers close to the wing are called close-coupled and they do that for more elevator control. Even missing 4 inches of the fuse won't make a Slow Stick close-coupled, though. Closer-coupled, perhaps, but not even close to close-coupled.

Pete

chalmrast · Feb 01, 2008, 09:49 PM

Been flying mine that way for a long time now......

<----- Can you tell in the Avatar?

DontTellTheWife · Feb 01, 2008, 10:43 PM

Excellent. Thanks for the input guys.

I'm all set to fly first thing in the morning as long as the wind cooperates.

Chuck

TommyB · Feb 01, 2008, 10:59 PM

Gotta tell ya, when flying in public places, EVERYONE else has the right of way. Least that's the way I see it. If nothing else, for self preservation. If one person complains about your flying, you'll be gone. Not to mention, the safety aspect, an being a goodwill ambassador for our hobby. My son has a problem with it, but we don't fly if we are going to infringe on someone elses right to use the park. If someone comes along, we either land, or fly in a different area if practical.

All it will take is one golfer, or soccer mom to report your activity and it will be all over.

People understand soccer and golf, they don't understand planes.

I don't mean to sound preachy, just informational. Seems your reaction to the golfer was a bit inappropriate.

Sir Raleigh · Feb 01, 2008, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyB

...

I don't mean to sound preachy, just informational. Seems your reaction to the golfer was a bit inappropriate.

I must be missing something.

What was inappropriate about Chuck's reaction?

GD5015 · Feb 02, 2008, 12:40 AM

I believe the attitude is what he's talking about. Yep, I'd be cranky too, if someone was to do that to me, but it's everyone's park You have to give them the right-of-way, always. Gotta agree with Tommy on this. But at least Donttell kept his thoughts to himself. Good job there. Sometimes my mouth jumps into gear before my brain is warmed up.

John

zabond · Feb 02, 2008, 02:35 AM

so Tommy whay your saying is if the golfer hits a ball and hits you your in the wrong but if I fly my plane into him I'm also in the wrong,
1. he shouldn't have walked into someones park space
2.you dont touch someone else's property
3.nuff said
Russ
ps. don't ya luv a good discution ?

no it wont hurt if you shorten the SS fuse,just check your COG

theboot · Feb 02, 2008, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zabond

so Tommy whay your saying is if the golfer hits a ball and hits you your in the wrong but if I fly my plane into him I'm also in the wrong,
1. he shouldn't have walked into someones park space
2.you dont touch someone else's property
3.nuff said
Russ
ps. don't ya luv a good discution ?

no it wont hurt if you shorten the SS fuse,just check your COG

I suppose from where hes coming from, if your on a golf course and you get hit by a golf ball its your fault. But a school oval isnt exactly a flying field, so if you hit someone with your plane there, then pretty much you cant whinge to that person that you crashed your plane because of him.

DontTellTheWife · Feb 02, 2008, 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TommyB

Gotta tell ya, when flying in public places, EVERYONE else has the right of way. Least that's the way I see it. If nothing else, for self preservation. If one person complains about your flying, you'll be gone. Not to mention, the safety aspect, an being a goodwill ambassador for our hobby. My son has a problem with it, but we don't fly if we are going to infringe on someone elses right to use the park. If someone comes along, we either land, or fly in a different area if practical.

All it will take is one golfer, or soccer mom to report your activity and it will be all over.

People understand soccer and golf, they don't understand planes.

I don't mean to sound preachy, just informational. Seems your reaction to the golfer was a bit inappropriate.

I get your point.

I fly if I'm the only one on the field. If not I keep on driving back home. I also am at the field as the sun rises. If I see someone I land. This guy snuck up on me.

But normally I don't take a chance.

Chuck

DontTellTheWife · Feb 02, 2008, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GD5015

I believe the attitude is what he's talking about. Yep, I'd be cranky too, if someone was to do that to me, but it's everyone's park You have to give them the right-of-way, always. Gotta agree with Tommy on this. But at least Donttell kept his thoughts to himself. Good job there. Sometimes my mouth jumps into gear before my brain is warmed up.

John

GD5015:

The part I didn't add into my story is that I think the guy did it on purpose. This guy had to walk clear across the field to get in my way. When he watched my plane crash he actually speed walked to my plane to get there first. Almost like he was amused with himself and what happened. A bit creepy now that I think about it.

In any event, I always think safety first. I don't put my plane up in the air unless the field is TOTALLY empty. I've also been practicing landing my SS at intervals so I can look around and see if anyone is nearby.

I do my best to be as safe as possible because from what I can tell the nearest club flying field is 25 miles away from my home, making this a great alternative.

Chuck

DontTellTheWife · Feb 02, 2008, 12:08 PM

As to the original question of shortening the fuse and will it fly?

As each of you stated, as long as you get the COG correct it shouldn't be a problem to shorten the fuse.

I was up at sunrise and had the field entirely to myself for an hour. My SS flew fantastic. Low, slow speed passes, loops, figure 8's and tight circles......I'm back in business.

BTW. I like the extended flying times my lipo and brushless combo offers. When I had my Cessna 182 and the NiCad battery setup, I'd get so frustrated at 5 minutes flying times. This morning my SS flew for approximately 35 minutes before the ESC shut the battery down at 9 volts. Cool!

The SS is a great way to learn about electrics and flying skills all at once.

u2builder · Feb 02, 2008, 12:13 PM

Hey Donttell, you probably already know this, but if you don't, you can pick up a Slope Version of the SS for about $19 bucks for spares and you can by the fuse itself for very little money on Ebay and at various hobby shops. I have a spare sitting in a box so I won't miss any flying days. Anyway, glad to hear you are flying again.

GD5015 · Feb 02, 2008, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonttelltTheWife

GD5015:

The part I didn't add into my story is that I think the guy did it on purpose. This guy had to walk clear across the field to get in my way. When he watched my plane crash he actually speed walked to my plane to get there first. Almost like he was amused with himself and what happened. A bit creepy now that I think about it.

In any event, I always think safety first. I don't put my plane up in the air unless the field is TOTALLY empty. I've also been practicing landing my SS at intervals so I can look around and see if anyone is nearby.

I do my best to be as safe as possible because from what I can tell the nearest club flying field is 25 miles away from my home, making this a great alternative.

Chuck

Chuck,

That's all we can do.

John

jasmine2501 · Feb 02, 2008, 02:03 PM

I've cut mine off at the front and it's all good. If you put a piece of hardwood inside there with some epoxy, it will be really strong and shouldn't break again.

Feb 01, 2008, 08:50 PM	#1
DontTellTheWife Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 237	Slow Stick crash. I have a question. Had my first crash with my Slow Stick today. I had a very large school yard to myself just before sunset. I'm about 10 minutes into my flight when out of the corner of my eye I see someone ducking. The guy was an adult who decided to walk through my flight path instead of walking around me. I overreacted and pulled back on the stick too much. All my SS did was complete a loop and turn into a lawn dart. The idiot was amused as he got to my plane before I did only to inform me, "Looks like a lot of damage there boss!" I almost replied, "Thanks for the information Captain Obvious," except for some reason he had a golf club in his hands so I decided to keep my mouth shut. The only damage was to the first 4 inches of the fuse. I cut it off, reattached the motor/motor mount then shifted the components until I got the new COG correct. Does anyone have any experience in shortening the fuse on a SS? I assume if I have the correct COG, loosing 4 inches of the fuse is no big deal.....correct? Thanks, Chuck

Feb 01, 2008, 09:49 PM	#3
chalmrast Gilbert, AZ Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gilbert, AZ Posts: 2,353	Been flying mine that way for a long time now...... <----- Can you tell in the Avatar? Attached Thumbnails 25.9 KB · Views: 128

Feb 02, 2008, 02:35 AM	#8
zabond old aussie Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: neerim east victoria australia Posts: 297	so Tommy whay your saying is if the golfer hits a ball and hits you your in the wrong but if I fly my plane into him I'm also in the wrong, 1. he shouldn't have walked into someones park space 2.you dont touch someone else's property 3.nuff said Russ ps. don't ya luv a good discution ? no it wont hurt if you shorten the SS fuse,just check your COG Last edited by zabond; Feb 02, 2008 at 02:38 AM. Reason: origanal topic

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Slow Stick Crash Video (kinda funny)	Shawn Davis	Parkflyers	29	Oct 22, 2006 03:39 PM
1 Cool Slow Stick Mod. Have a Look.	Tommy D	Parkflyers	3	Feb 27, 2004 12:11 AM
T-IFO or Slow Stick & Radio Question.	MrSpeed	Beginner Training Area (Aircraft-Electric)	12	Dec 13, 2003 07:57 PM
Slow Stick Fuse Cutting Question	ViperR	Parkflyers	8	Mar 27, 2003 09:21 AM
Slow Stick Rear Wheel Question	daveWCO	Parkflyers	4	Jan 19, 2003 08:15 PM

Feb 01, 2008, 08:57 PM	#2
PGR Low AltiDude Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Costa Mesa, Southern California, USA Posts: 5,873	It won't hurt a thing, as long as you keep the CG in the ballpark. 'Bout the only noticable effect you might experience is it could be a little more responsive to elevator input. Planes with the tail feathers close to the wing are called close-coupled and they do that for more elevator control. Even missing 4 inches of the fuse won't make a Slow Stick close-coupled, though. Closer-coupled, perhaps, but not even close to close-coupled. Pete

Feb 01, 2008, 10:43 PM	#4
DontTellTheWife Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 237	Excellent. Thanks for the input guys. I'm all set to fly first thing in the morning as long as the wind cooperates. Chuck

Feb 01, 2008, 10:59 PM	#5
TommyB Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Central PA Posts: 1,488	Gotta tell ya, when flying in public places, EVERYONE else has the right of way. Least that's the way I see it. If nothing else, for self preservation. If one person complains about your flying, you'll be gone. Not to mention, the safety aspect, an being a goodwill ambassador for our hobby. My son has a problem with it, but we don't fly if we are going to infringe on someone elses right to use the park. If someone comes along, we either land, or fly in a different area if practical. All it will take is one golfer, or soccer mom to report your activity and it will be all over. People understand soccer and golf, they don't understand planes. I don't mean to sound preachy, just informational. Seems your reaction to the golfer was a bit inappropriate.

Feb 02, 2008, 12:40 AM	#7
GD5015 Watch out for that TREE! Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 1,454	I believe the attitude is what he's talking about. Yep, I'd be cranky too, if someone was to do that to me, but it's everyone's park You have to give them the right-of-way, always. Gotta agree with Tommy on this. But at least Donttell kept his thoughts to himself. Good job there. Sometimes my mouth jumps into gear before my brain is warmed up. John

Feb 02, 2008, 12:08 PM	#12
DontTellTheWife Registered User Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 237	As to the original question of shortening the fuse and will it fly? As each of you stated, as long as you get the COG correct it shouldn't be a problem to shorten the fuse. I was up at sunrise and had the field entirely to myself for an hour. My SS flew fantastic. Low, slow speed passes, loops, figure 8's and tight circles......I'm back in business. BTW. I like the extended flying times my lipo and brushless combo offers. When I had my Cessna 182 and the NiCad battery setup, I'd get so frustrated at 5 minutes flying times. This morning my SS flew for approximately 35 minutes before the ESC shut the battery down at 9 volts. Cool! The SS is a great way to learn about electrics and flying skills all at once.

Feb 02, 2008, 12:13 PM	#13
u2builder Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Alstead, NH Posts: 2,169	Hey Donttell, you probably already know this, but if you don't, you can pick up a Slope Version of the SS for about $19 bucks for spares and you can by the fuse itself for very little money on Ebay and at various hobby shops. I have a spare sitting in a box so I won't miss any flying days. Anyway, glad to hear you are flying again.

Feb 02, 2008, 02:03 PM	#15
jasmine2501 Electric: Less Filling Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Lakewood, CO Posts: 9,709	I've cut mine off at the front and it's all good. If you put a piece of hardwood inside there with some epoxy, it will be really strong and shouldn't break again.