Transporting models

[Dennis Toth]

Am looking at possibly going to some contests outside of FL. I have frequent flyer miles so could fly to some of these contests easily, but getting the model and stuff there is the question. I have take-a-part models that fit in a box that would meet airline size requirements, they are electric. Since the Hound stopped doing transport services how do we get ships to reasonably close locations near the contest city?

Best,   DennisT

[Dave_Trible]

In many cases you'd have to find someone else willing to transport your stuff.  The last I checked airline box requirements on most airlines is a maximum tallied dimension of 62".  Thats height + width + depth sum of 62".  At that you will most likely need two boxes for a normal stunt airplane and you'll pay a charge to haul EACH box.  I can't remember which but I think I found one airline which allowed a little more size-for a charge.  Not sure but I think you'd still have to ship your batteries UPS or something ahead of time to someone on the other end.  This is a similar issue with IC fuel.  If you have the time you are better off driving in terms of cost, even with hotel stays.

Dave

[Dennis Toth]

Well here the thing, I have lots of frequent flyer miles to use so the airfare is not the issue. I can't help but think we should be able to ship on airlines just like people send golf clubs, bikes, skies and other stuff in light weight containers. How do hunters going to say North Dakota ship there rifles? The ship I'm looking to send is a take-a-part electric that should fit is a box that an ARF ships in. No one out there in stunt land travels with their ships anymore?

Best,   DennisT

[jose modesto]

I travel nationally and internationally with my models. Dave is correct about the box size 62” cumulative dimensions
You can carry 6. Batteries in your carry on
Wen traveling I like to use a quad charger that has and internal power source
 NO issues traveling with my model
Yatsenko and my own models
Our F2b team travels internationally with electric models with no issues
AMA can provide a letter pertaining to batt air travel
Jose modesto

[Dennis Toth]

Jose,
Thanks for the information. Could you post the size of your box that you transport the models in, thanks again.

Best,   DennisT

[Joseph Daly]

Hi Dennis,
Here is what the boxes usually look like. Each airline has a very detailed baggage requirements, check before you book!

Hope that helps,
Joe

[Dennis Toth]

Joe,
Thanks for the information. Could you post the dimensions of your box and the weight and materials of construction.

Thanks,    DennisT

[Peter in Fairfax, VA]

Start with the basics:  to/from zip codes, LWH, weight.  Then go to Pirateship.com and get an estimate.  UPS looks good.  Just was estimating a Strega ARF (64x14x8, 11 pounds) and was getting $50 / $75 via UPS.

[Peter in Fairfax, VA]

In my other life, I ride bicycles, sometimes flying with a bike case.  Southwest charges $75 to Jamaica, 47" x 30.5" x 10.5" and 55 pounds.  The 62" dimension is a thing, but larger cases can still ship.  I like Southwest as they only fly the 737, which has a good cargo hold.  A classic comment at the airport counter is "bringing therapy equipment."

[Howard Rush]

I've flown with airplane boxes.  I have three boxes which meet the 62" requirement.  Here are some pictures of the first one.  The fuselage had to go in diagonally.  It's easier if the fuselage comes apart somewhere in the middle.  Wings go in the hot-wired foam piece on top.  The green ribbons allow lifting of the wing holder.  The box for my new dog has layers of 2" or 3" foam the width and length of the box with cutouts for the stuff.  That works better.  Don't forget the lifting straps. 

Airlines worry more about space than weight.  I figured I could have made my box out of .2" aluminum and met the weight limit.  I used 5mm plywood with Kevlar on the inside.  Airlines still did some damage to the corners, but not the airplanes. Traian Morosanu went to Europe twice last summer with a modular aluminum box. I forgot where he got the parts to make the box, but they look pretty cool. 

My new box is 34" x 11.2" x 15.7".  The old box is longer and not as deep, so's to accommodate the fuselage length and meet the 62" total.

Box has to be openable by TSA for inspection.  Use a TSA lock.  They can open it, but the general public can't.  Inspection varies from place to place.  The authorities have always let me be present when they inspected my box.  In Seattle, they just swab the edges to check for explosives.  In Chicago, the TSA guy took all the pieces out and wouldn't let me touch anything while he was doing it.  I had a bunch of pictures and instructions on the lid, but he didn't look at them.  Inspectors in Europe either X-rayed the box without opening it or let me take the pieces out to show them.  In general, try to check your box through to your destination and avoid having it transfer between airplanes along the way.

Batteries have to go as carry-on.  Here are the FAA rules: https://www.faa.gov/hazmat/packsafe/more_info/?hazmat=7 .  Tape the connectors.  Taking batteries has never been a problem in the US.  Igor had his batteries confiscated somewhere in the Middle East on the way to Australia.

Please come to the West Coast.  We'll show you a good time.  Big contests are the Northwest Regionals Memorial Day weekend in Roseburg, Oregon, http://flyinglines.org/23.reg.flyer.pdf ; the Golden State stunt contest in October, probably near Sacramento; and the Las Vegas contest in November.