Ha all true ;). I've applied CorrosionX but even CorrosionX may not save electrics in salt water, this is know for fact ;)
If you have the unfortunate luck and end up in the water your electronics are done for. My most immediate concern would be the EDF/ESC. My F-18 sucked in a 1/2” diameter rock and tore up the fan, brand new 12 bladed one so I know it’s is sucking in a tremendous amount of air. I know from morning ops off my property’s grass strip the dew gets all inside the gear and intake area thus the EDF. It is the main reason why I’ve switched to flying out at the local airport where the runway is flat and no rocks and or water. My F-4 and A-10 are the only ones that don’t ingest FOD. BTW I hated FOD walk downs on the carrier.
Flying off the beach, novel idea. Smooth and you can put it in the water if needed. I’d implement a corrosion control program though. Remember, you’ve only got one good turn in the F-18 and don’t go vertical to chase your opponent. 😜
Ha all true ;). I've applied CorrosionX but even CorrosionX may not save electrics in salt water, this is know for fact ;)
Flying off the beach, novel idea. Smooth and you can put it in the water if needed. I’d implement a corrosion control program though. Remember, you’ve only got one good turn in the F-18 and don’t go vertical to chase your opponent. 😜
I would agree Hugh. I have been flying everything from micros to giant scale for 30+ years now. And as is well known, I am on to number 8 with this particular model. Some of it indeed was the gremlin/servo issues, but some was Dumb Thumbs too. There's just something about this model you have to be on your toes about. I can't even quantify it. I for one concur, this would be FAR FROM my first EDF jet recommendation. The Avanti is much more tame and predictable throughout the entire flight envelope. Just my two pennies.
Ha thats so true!! I was warned about this Jet but seeing as how my Russian fleet is sanctioned and grounded still the F18 is a real beauty and a challenge to fly and land!
Great tribute Juan!! Hope I'm not sticking my big nose in where it definitely doesn't belong, but I'm wondering if the F-18 is the best "candidate" for your first jet. What have you been flying up till now? The F-18 can be a little tricky at times, especially, like most aircraft, landing may be quite different from what you are used to. My first jet was a Stinger 90, extremely easy to fly and land, and I have to say it was a real handful for me the first time out. I was used to prop warbirds/BiPlanes/Sport props like Edge & Extra and when I first flew the jet, the speed compared to the others was almost frightening. Half way through the flight and almost crashing several times from over correcting, loosing orientation every 5 seconds and flying to fast, I threw my TX to a friend who knew what he was doing (who had made the comment at least twice during my flight that I could "Kiss that Baby Goodbe") and told him to land the damn thing! After 5 years and having a host of military jets, I'm still not sure I'm a whole lot better. I know a lot of guys recommend the Avanti for a first jet, which is a great idea (have one also), but just not sure I'd start out with the F-18. Anybody out there, please weigh in on this as I don't want to scare him off this, but a bad experience at the beginning isn't that much fun either.
Haha I've goobered 3 landings in a row- in hindsight I know my errors- I have to dead stick this F18 in otherwise it will float forever- my 1st 18 flights I nailed the final with -AoA and flared near touchdown worked great- last 3 I just didn't get a nice descent with nose down, I came in almost +AoA nearly stalled 3 times dropped R wing twice next time I'll hopefully NOT make that error again! 1st EDF!? Might be challenging but hey live and learn
I would agree Hugh. I have been flying everything from micros to giant scale for 30+ years now. And as is well known, I am on to number 8 with this particular model. Some of it indeed was the gremlin/servo issues, but some was Dumb Thumbs too. There's just something about this model you have to be on your toes about. I can't even quantify it. I for one concur, this would be FAR FROM my first EDF jet recommendation. The Avanti is much more tame and predictable throughout the entire flight envelope. Just my two pennies.
Greetings to all,
I just received my first jet this past Saturday and am looking forward to learning from you all. My goal is to have this tribute build (#6 CPT Jeff "Kooch" Kuss) ready by next summer. Thank you!
Great tribute Juan!! Hope I'm not sticking my big nose in where it definitely doesn't belong, but I'm wondering if the F-18 is the best "candidate" for your first jet. What have you been flying up till now? The F-18 can be a little tricky at times, especially, like most aircraft, landing may be quite different from what you are used to. My first jet was a Stinger 90, extremely easy to fly and land, and I have to say it was a real handful for me the first time out. I was used to prop warbirds/BiPlanes/Sport props like Edge & Extra and when I first flew the jet, the speed compared to the others was almost frightening. Half way through the flight and almost crashing several times from over correcting, loosing orientation every 5 seconds and flying to fast, I threw my TX to a friend who knew what he was doing (who had made the comment at least twice during my flight that I could "Kiss that Baby Goodbe") and told him to land the damn thing! After 5 years and having a host of military jets, I'm still not sure I'm a whole lot better. I know a lot of guys recommend the Avanti for a first jet, which is a great idea (have one also), but just not sure I'd start out with the F-18. Anybody out there, please weigh in on this as I don't want to scare him off this, but a bad experience at the beginning isn't that much fun either.
Greetings to all,I just received my first jet this past Saturday and am looking forward to learning from you all. My goal is to have this tribute build (#6 CPT Jeff "Kooch" Kuss) ready by next summer. Thank you!
Juan, Welcome to Hobby Squawk. Glad to have you onboard, Sir. Great tribute livery you've chosen. There are many good tips and great ideas in the F-18C Hornet thread. Just be patient going through the posts. And ask questions, there lots of great help here, as well. Looking forward to watching your progress, so post pictures when you are able. Best, LB
Leave a comment: