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.
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My YouTube RC videos:
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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
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.
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ITTD returns with the Flyin' Toaster and a sweet landing!
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Another day another beach mission
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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. 😜Comment
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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.Ha all true ;). I've applied CorrosionX but even CorrosionX may not save electrics in salt water, this is know for fact ;)
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Its hit or miss from my ocean crashes! My fav Su30 Alenka went in on LVC last year (was using high end SMC which has linear power output- I didnt know that at 3.51v the voltage falls off a cliff unlike the HRBs I was using which have a curved power output)- on impact the nose section with 6s Lipo broke off on impact with ocean, I didn't know this from shore- was waiting for the smoke and fire as she floated- never came a paddle boarder brought her in 20 mins later to see batt and fusi had broken off- and saved all electrics! Every electric survived, ESCs retracts servos all of em! was cuz the batt broke off and no current while submerged! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9HZUH86am8 I 3D designed new nose fusi section and the saga. continues- she fell a 2nd time from LVC on a Liperior 5000- same as SMC linear power output! this time batt stayed put but no fire! I did lose 2 servos still amazing ESCs survived again! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oSL7mghuQM. Amazing how some much of the electrics in this EF Su30 survived ocean water- I had the FMS 80mm F18 before this beauty FW 90mm, it fell in ocean from landing stall, NOTHING survived the ocean water, not a single servo retract servo ESC, nada- go figure! I used to fly at SEFSD which has the USA's worst AMA runway- red Martian dirt with sand pebbles and rocks! I made FOD screens for both my Su35s, screens on grey camo, doors on desert camo, this was 8 years ago - if I do it again I'll design a sweet FOD door on 3D and print them., If anyone thinks this F18 needs FOD Doors I'll be happy to make a set!!
Su35 FOD Screens Test in FLight
FOD Screens in action, after this flight they were linked to Gear so down with gear down up with gear up
Su35 FOD Doors Sneak Peek
Su35 FOD Doors in flight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBrrAex0_Yo
SEFSD dirt runway in action!!
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That is some serious sand action! Definitely FODng the EDF. Well I’m still very impressed with you flying off the beach. Awesome!
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Love the size of this model. Afterburner is on order. Can't wait for her flight. Hoping the family sees this eventually or anyone that knew Captain Jeff Kuss.Attached FilesComment
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Best, LB
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