I have arrived home from the NATS

[RC Storick]

After not being able to fly (shear disappointment) in my hotel room I was figuring out what changes to make so next year there will be no excuse. (1) More practice in the wind. (2) changes to the airplane I am currently flying. Listed as such. Smaller rudder bigger engine. I let Bob Lampione fly it and he said with ten flights he would be a killer with it.

I was standing three feet away when RO got his finger caught in the prop. It sounded bad. As stated on other boards he is OK.

The final flights were the best of the day. Brett burned one in and Ted had a few hop's. Windy's flights were not what the judges were looking for. smooth and big. Derek's on the rise he just was not as consistent as the rest.

[Steve Fitton]

Does this mean power trumps ultimate light weight???

[SQ8s]

SO the PA-61 is an underpowered engine?

Can't go with that Idea.

Maybe it's Drag...........................  

Anyway I hope that Richard Oliver is going to be OK. Prop Cuts can be nasty.
Con grats....Brett

[RC Storick]

SO the PA-61 is an underpowered engine?

Please read between the lines! They way I have it set up and the drag of the airplane make it tough in the wind.

[Doug Moon]

Build less, fly more......then there are no surpirses.

[Doug Moon]

Does this mean power trumps ultimate light weight???

Steve,

It sure can.  Light weight with a marginal motor and you cant fly in the wind worth a flip.

Heavier plane but strong motor and you can get right through it. 

In my book power and light both essintial.  But if I had to pick one I would I might just pick power.  I have had some real porkers that were unbeatable due to heavy duty power.   Then I have some light weights with worn motors that just wouldnt get it done.... 

Funny how once a motor goes over the hill the all out light straight airplane doesnt have it.

Too each his own.

[Randy Powell]

Design should also be considered. As Robert noted, the plane is quite draggy. A heavy, draggy plane with poor lift potential is a dog no matter what engine is in it. On the other hand, if the plane has a design with high lift potential and not as much drag, but heavy, power can overcome weight and the plane can fly quite well.