Depth Perception

[Dewey H Lee]

RE: Depth Perception

Both hands up. My old trainer knows how to handle corn shucks now and keep on flying. Dropped it twice in the stalks this past year. Guess it wanted to taste the alcohol before the process. Them old nitro trainers have always been tough.
[hr]
I like you MrGrossman run my electrics out on the mains. There's just something about the plane tail coming up and continuing on the mains for a while before takeoff is mystical. I fly off of grass all the time and have never had a paved or concrete runway. Guys always wonder at that I push my luck as they say risking a nose over. Grass is not golf course short but nice and without a certain amount of flair and elevator control on landings a nose over is likely. But on takeoff. Steady throttle application and a little work with the rudder makes for a beautiful take off. I am proud to say in the 2 years back to flying (not quite one of that on electric) lve only broken one propeller on takeoff. I fly every weekend weather permitting. In the sandhills of NC that's pretty often. If it's to windy for the electrics I'll throw up a nitro. Carry at least 2 each to the field each week. I look forward to hearing more about everyone's styles and likes. Thanks for sharing.

[martmichals]

RE: Depth Perception

I've gotten my Flyzone Calypso into a tree due to misjudging my final approach, although nothing happen to plane except for a few scratches. I find that the bigger a model is the harder it is to judge depth, as the model may still look big in the air, while in reality it is quite far away from you.

[Konrad]

RE: Depth Perception

That is why I often prefer the UMX models as you can actually fly them in close to aid with visual orientation. And then those that are equipped with the AS3X system can actually fly better than their larger counterparts as they have active counter measures to wind upsets. The best of both worlds, in close flying and added stability to fly in more wind. On the ground not so much as the wind will blow them over.

I just last week landed 2 of my 2.6+ meter gliders on the fence just because of this depth perception issue combined with flying at a new field.

All the best,
Konrad

[F106DeltaDart]

RE: Depth Perception

I misjudged my distance on the maiden flight of my Freewing F-14. It is the largest airplane I own and I thought I was closer than I actually was. On final approach, I heard a cracking noise however the Tomcat continued flying normally to a smooth landing. When taxiing back, I noticed that the tail hook (normally glued in the up position) was down. Upon closer inspection, I noticed there was part of a leaf on the tail hook. I have been much more cautious on my approaches since then...

[Alpha]

RE: Depth Perception

Good story! I call them Unintentional Low Passes.

[martmichals]

RE: Depth Perception

That is why I often prefer the UMX models as you can actually fly them in close to aid with visual orientation. And then those that are equipped with the AS3X system can actually fly better than their larger counterparts as they have active counter measures to wind upsets.  The best of both worlds, in close flying and added stability to fly in more wind. On the ground not so much as the wind will blow them over.

I just last week landed 2 of my 2.6+ meter gliders on the fence just because of this depth perception issue combined with flying at a new field.

All the best,
Konrad

I would fly umx planes if they actually flew like larger aircraft, but for me, they don't. I love the way a large glider or balsa wood plane flies through the air, and umx planes, though easy to keep track of seem a bit like toys to me, just in my opinion.

[Konrad]

RE: Depth Perception

What makes them seem toy like compared to our glass slippers? Do they not obey the same laws of gravity and fluid flow?

I agree that the UMX heck any AS3X model has a weird feel in that there appears to be no inertia in the pitch and roll axis. Let go of the sticks and the movement just stops, more like a video game that an aircraft. But this is true for just about any model with fast servo and gyros regardless of size.

I fly a ParkZone Su-26 non AS3X that now puts many 50" acrobats to shame. The Beast 3D and AS3X both fly better than most 3 cell bipes I have (I actually like the non AS3X in low wind conditions better). I love the little UMX Pitts. I will tell you that the AS3X UMX planes come out, or stay out, for a lot longer in the wind than my larger ships. The just fly better in the wind and should they get pushed into the ground they often just bounce as there is so little mass associated with them.

Now the UMX Corsair F4-U has been a dog for me.

All the best,
Konrad

[pgiroma]

RE: Depth Perception

Our club runway requires completely different techniques landing one direction from the other. We fly off of one end of a private 3000' x 100' grass full scale runway. The easternmost end protrudes about 200' into open fields used as sod farms, so present no obstacles. The remaining 2800', however, is bordered on both sides by solid lines of 60' tall trees, right up to the runway. Takeoffs to the east are no sweat. To the west, we have to climb out of the "canyon" before turning, unless the a/c is very maneuverable. Landing is the opposite. Normal approach from the east allows us to touch down in the open area, but approach from the west means staying comfortably above the trees until over the "canyon", then power off to dive onto a final approach. Intimidating at first, but actually quite fun once you get the hang of it. If you don't get the "hang" of it, your plane ends up hanging in a tree.

[martmichals]

RE: Depth Perception

What makes them seem toy like compared to our glass slippers? Do they not obey the same laws of gravity and fluid flow?

I agree that the UMX heck any AS3X model has a weird feel in that there appears to be no inertia in the pitch and roll axis. Let go of the sticks and the movement just stops, more like a video game that an aircraft. But this is true for just about any model with fast servo and gyros regardless of size.

I fly a ParkZone Su-24 non AS3X that now puts many 50" acrobats to shame. The Beast 3D and AS3X both fly better than most 3 cell bipes I have (I actually like the non AS3X in low wind conditions better). I love the little UMX Pitts. I will tell you that the AS3X UMX planes come out, or stay out, for a lot longer in the wind than my larger ships. The just fly better in the wind and should they get pushed into the ground they often just bounce as there is so little mass associated with them.

Now the UMX Corsair F4-U has been a dog for me.

All the best,
Konrad

I guess that I'm just an old fashioned rc flyer, I may have been a bit harsh with the toy like description. To me, rc flight has always involved going on a drive to the local rc field and flying with a nice runway. I guess I can't get used to the idea of jumping out to the park to fly.

Plus, UMX planes, to me, just don't have a presence in the air. I really enjoy large models that you can still see and hear, even if far away. I agree that some UMX planes, like the corsair, which my friend has, fly nicely, but for me they don't have a presence.

I really think that this is just a matter of personal preference. I'd like to get to know you, so if you'd like, then pm me.

Regards,
Martin

[F106DeltaDart]

RE: Depth Perception

Good story! I call them Unintentional Low Passes.

We call it tree trimming.. :D

[Dewey H Lee]

RE: Depth Perception

Good story! I call them Unintentional Low Passes.

We call it tree trimming..  :D

Or corn shucking in the case of the field we have. :cool:
[hr]
Hey Mr Konrad
Do the umx really handle wind pretty good. I don't own one but have considered it but was worried about wind. Just wanted something I could throw up at a church yard down the street from the house when I don't have the time to make the 25 minutes drive to the club field.

[Konrad]

RE: Depth Perception

Yes, most do. I don't like how most of the flat (thin) foam sheet wings fly. The Beast is an exception to this rule. I like the molded wings like those found on the UMX Pitts. Go with the 2 cell UMX. I haven't seen a great single cell UMX since the SU-26 and then it took some rework to fly like it promised. (needed a different prop)
http://www.motionrc.com/e-flite-umx-beast-3d-with-as3x-375mm-14-7-wingspan-bnf/
http://www.motionrc.com/e-flite-umx-pitts-s-1s-basic-with-as3x-430mm-17-wingspan-bnf/
http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ3580


The UMX will handle a steady wind to about 8 mph no problem 10 mph hour can be an issue with the single cells. Gusts can be an issue but if you have any flying skills you should be able to handle the gusts.

Now what I like as my windy flyer is the next size up like the Viking.
http://www.motionrc.com/e-flite-viking-model-12-280-with-as3x-565mm-22-2-wingspan-bnf/

I don't like these. They really are close to TOYS-r-US type models.
http://www.motionrc.com/e-flite-umx-f4u-corsair-with-as3x-405mm-15-9-wingspan-bnf/
http://www.motionrc.com/e-flite-umx-spacewalker-418mm-16-5-wingspan-bnf/

What kind of winds are you thinking you might have to fly in?
And please no "Mr."

All the best,
Konrad

[Dewey H Lee]

RE: Depth Perception

Yes, most do. I don't like how most of the flat (thin) foam sheet wings fly. The Beast is an exception to this rule. I like the molded wings like those found on the UMX Pitts. Go with the 2 cell UMX. I haven't seen a great single cell UMX since the SU-26 and then it took some rework to fly like it promised. (needed a different prop)
http://www.motionrc.com/e-flite-umx-beast-3d-with-as3x-375mm-14-7-wingspan-bnf/
http://www.motionrc.com/e-flite-umx-pitts-s-1s-basic-with-as3x-430mm-17-wingspan-bnf/
http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ3580


The UMX will handle a steady wind to about 8 mph no problem 10 mph hour can be an issue with the single cells. Gusts can be an issue but if you have any flying skills you should be able to handle the gusts.

Now what I like as my windy flyer is the next size up like the Viking.
http://www.motionrc.com/e-flite-viking-model-12-280-with-as3x-565mm-22-2-wingspan-bnf/

I don't like these. They really are close to TOYS-r-US type models.
http://www.motionrc.com/e-flite-umx-f4u-corsair-with-as3x-405mm-15-9-wingspan-bnf/
http://www.motionrc.com/e-flite-umx-spacewalker-418mm-16-5-wingspan-bnf/

What kind of winds are you thinking you might have to fly in?
And please no "Mr."

All the best,
Konrad

Thank you Knorad
I meant no disrespect. No more than 10 mph if that. The area is bordered by tall trees all around and a 2 story church building at one side. Total clear flying area is close to 100 yards by 80 yards clear. Trees higher than the building. Feels calm there even on breezy days.

[Konrad]

RE: Depth Perception

Actually I thought you were giving me too much respect.

The trees might be an issue with turbulence more than any actual wind issues. For that the AS3X is great as it can respond faster to the upset than you can, usually you can fly through the turbulence without noticing it. I think any of the 2 cell UMX or that Viking would fly just fine in that area.

Give it a try. Now be warned that they are a lot more delicate than what you might be use to with the EPO foamies. But they are so light that they are surprisingly durable! My Pitts should have been totaled many times. But a little light weight spackle and red paint and she looks as good as new, maybe better.

[Konrad]

RE: Depth Perception

...
I really think that this is just a matter of personal preference. I'd like to get to know you, so if you'd like, then pm me.

Regards,
Martin

I do try to answer my PM's. But as the questions are often of general interest I usually like to keep the discussion in the public realm. It helps keep me from having to write the same response over and over again.

All the best,
Konrad

[Flygirl]

RE: Depth Perception

...
I really think that this is just a matter of personal preference. I'd like to get to know you, so if you'd like, then pm me.

Regards,
Martin

I do try to answer my PM's. But as the questions are often of general interest I usually like to keep the discussion in the public realm. It helps keep me from having to write the same response over and over again.

All the best,
Konrad

I had a UMX Carbon Cub and didn't like it so I gave it away but I bought the little Sport Cub and love that one. I can sit on the dock at our lake cabin in the evening and just relax, flying it off the water with floats or if I have the landing gear on, just fly it right back to me and catch it. It's also great to let a newbie try a little flying. Five of us in our club have them and we have done slow pylon races. VERY slow... LOL! Anyways, it's kinda fun if not exciting...

As for depth perception? I've never had a problem.... And my Corvalis isn't in a tree/bush here.... ;)