As the RC hobby gets along in age, it is getting easier and easier to learn to fly. There are sites like Flite Test and retailers with great customer support structures like Motion RC. There are buddy box cables, and SAFE technology. At this point we have to ask ourselves the question, is it too easy to learn to fly? Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact the SAFE protects your first plane, but in the long run, is it worth it?
SAFE- Sensor assisted flight envelope. In planes with SAFE, there are three flight modes. The two easier ones limit bank angle and, in general just make an RC plane easier to fly. In my opinion, these are great tools so that a beginner has something to lean on when learning. The thing that may hurt in the long run is the panic button. That, in case you didn’t know, automatically rights the plane for the hobbyist flying it, and this is the feature that some people starting in the hobby rely on too much.
Planes with SAFE are usually much easier to fly because of their flight modes, and some people use this in a bad way. The use it to do low altitude aerobatics, and then rely on SAFE to pull them out of a nasty situation, not learning anything in the process. This is only applicable to those that lean on the technology too much. It gives them scary freedom to fly wherever and do whatever, and then rely on technology to pull out. Most folks fly carefully, as they want to have a good time, but don’t want to ruin their plane. SAFE eliminates that fear, and for some beginners that really want to push the boundaries, SAFE empowers them to be reckless and inconsiderate of the safety of others.
I saw someone come down to our flying field with their new E-flite Apprentice and start to do loops and rolls right above the stands, where spectators were sitting, and then pull out with the quick snap to position that only SAFE can provide. Needless to say, he acted recklessly, and I know that most beginners with SAFE don't fly that way. SAFE is great, but when a hobbyist starts to rely on it too much, those results are painfully obvious when they get a plane without SAFE features. The system is a great pair of training wheels, but in the long run, those wheels have to come off, and when they do the difference between a person that only leaned on the SAFE system, and the person that relied on it become evident.
Point being, that everything is good in moderation, and if you lean on SAFE too much, you may not learn all the skills needed to fly without an assist.
What are your opinions on the SAFE system? Post stories if you have them, and experience with SAFE if you have flown and then switched to a non-assisted aircraft.
SAFE- Sensor assisted flight envelope. In planes with SAFE, there are three flight modes. The two easier ones limit bank angle and, in general just make an RC plane easier to fly. In my opinion, these are great tools so that a beginner has something to lean on when learning. The thing that may hurt in the long run is the panic button. That, in case you didn’t know, automatically rights the plane for the hobbyist flying it, and this is the feature that some people starting in the hobby rely on too much.
Planes with SAFE are usually much easier to fly because of their flight modes, and some people use this in a bad way. The use it to do low altitude aerobatics, and then rely on SAFE to pull them out of a nasty situation, not learning anything in the process. This is only applicable to those that lean on the technology too much. It gives them scary freedom to fly wherever and do whatever, and then rely on technology to pull out. Most folks fly carefully, as they want to have a good time, but don’t want to ruin their plane. SAFE eliminates that fear, and for some beginners that really want to push the boundaries, SAFE empowers them to be reckless and inconsiderate of the safety of others.
I saw someone come down to our flying field with their new E-flite Apprentice and start to do loops and rolls right above the stands, where spectators were sitting, and then pull out with the quick snap to position that only SAFE can provide. Needless to say, he acted recklessly, and I know that most beginners with SAFE don't fly that way. SAFE is great, but when a hobbyist starts to rely on it too much, those results are painfully obvious when they get a plane without SAFE features. The system is a great pair of training wheels, but in the long run, those wheels have to come off, and when they do the difference between a person that only leaned on the SAFE system, and the person that relied on it become evident.
Point being, that everything is good in moderation, and if you lean on SAFE too much, you may not learn all the skills needed to fly without an assist.
What are your opinions on the SAFE system? Post stories if you have them, and experience with SAFE if you have flown and then switched to a non-assisted aircraft.
Comment