Winter Training

[Naomi Macklem]

I am trying to learn the beginner stunt pattern, and I made huge progress last summer but our Canadian winter is way too long and every spring I struggle with trying to get back into flying again.  Len & I came up with this idea for winter stunt training.  We taped a laser pointer (the kind you use to play with your cat) to the top of a control line handle and use a clothespin to hold the power button on while I turn in circles and fly in my living room using all the same moves I would use if I were flying with my model outside.  The laser shows me if I am doing it right or not, and Len is my Judge providing instant feedback on whether I am doing my stunts right and how to improve them.  It is an excellent learning tool, and I am hoping it will translate into me finally being able to complete a successful beginner pattern this spring.  Right after I do, I will start trying to learn the full stunt pattern.  We used small Post it notes on the wall in our living room to mark the outline of where to do my turns for the square loops.

[Gerald Arana]

I think that's a great idea! I'd also try to turn a 5.4 second lap and use that speed for all my manovers.

Thanks for sharing that idea, Jerry

[Tim Wescott]

Then there's this, if you can find a spot:

[Tim Wescott]

Nice idea but if you track the pointer around the maneuver you're not getting the real handle movement needed to deflect the control surfaces.

I contend that it's still good practice -- certainly better than nothing.

[Phil Spillman]

Hi Naomi and Len, Sorry for those Canadian winters! Are you playing the Video Flying The Patterns? That together with your pointer should help you to get right to it! Of course without those long winters none of us would be able to enjoy Ice Hockey EH?!!!

Phil Spillman

ps: I've flown 52 patterns so far this year!

[goozgog]

Brilliant idea Naomi !

  When I was learning the pattern I used
the " Control line Tai chi" method,  slowly
turning , waving my arm in the air, staring out
at an imaginary a plane.
I worked great but my wife would get upset
when I did it on the front lawn.

Cheers! - K.

[Dan McEntee]

  If you haven't checked  out the section called, "At The Handle" on this site, there are several threads that may be able to help you. The first one is this, https://stunthanger.com/smf/at-the-handle/how-come-52173/  and a couple of others. There is a technique called "dry flying" where you close your eyes and visualize yourself flying a model and doing a pattern. You see full scale acro pilots do this at competitions and even some R/C pattern guys do this while preparing for a flight. It helps you get a "vision" for what to look for when you actually make the flight.  Watching some videos of the pattern being flown properly will help you "get your mind right!"
  Type at you later,
  Dan McEntee

[Naomi Macklem]

Thanks for the suggestions.  So far I dont have any models with electric motors suitable for flying indoors.  Glow fuel and 60 foot lines tend to cause issues with indoor sites....

[Steve Helmick]

  If you haven't checked  out the section called, "At The Handle" on this site, there are several threads that may be able to help you. The first one is this, https://stunthanger.com/smf/at-the-handle/how-come-52173/  and a couple of others. There is a technique called "dry flying" where you close your eyes and visualize yourself flying a model and doing a pattern. You see full scale acro pilots do this at competitions and even some R/C pattern guys do this while preparing for a flight. It helps you get a "vision" for what to look for when you actually make the flight.  Watching some videos of the pattern being flown properly will help you "get your mind right!"
  Type at you later,
  Dan McEntee

Jeez, I've been doing "dry flying" all wrong...with my eyes open. Hmmmm. Thinking about this further, I don't think it's a good idea to close your eyes. This needs to be done on your feet, turning circles, looking for 45 degrees, AND figuring out how to place your feet for each trick. Can't imagine doing all that with your eyes closed. Foot placement is very important, and the position basically static except for shuffling upwind in still conditions (to avoid wake turbulence) and downwind (to reduce model speed from wind energy) when the wind increases. Maybe not a good idea to practice shuffling in the house.  Steve

[Naomi Macklem]

I know it is not the same as flying an actual model (no feel for how your model reacts to your hand motions, no line tension, etc.) but for me it is also about getting used to the body motions of turning in circles and planting correctly to set up for each stunt.  It is also about learning the pattern so that I don't have to try to think about what I am supposed to do next.  I am so focused on each stunt trying to execute the correct motions that I often can't immediately remember what comes next.  Two laps is not a lot to get ready for whatever you need to do next, especially if you need to climb to 45 degrees on your second lap to prepare for outside squares or the clover leaf.  I am still practicing the beginner pattern (as I have not successfully completed one yet with an actual model), but I am also starting to try to go through the full stunt pattern with my laser pointer just to get used to the sequence of stunts required.