Well it looks like I will make the FCM at AMA August 26, 2011. Flew the LA-5 this morning. WOW! what a sweet flying airplane. Also Electric power is wounderfull. It was a short flight - about 20 laps. Take off was: Bring up the throttle slowly and she went airborne at 1/2 throttle. Flew several laps and landed. Did this 3 times. Never did get past 1/2 throttle. Started to rain so I packed and ran.
What I learned:
1) The Brodak LA-5 flies great even at 4-1/2 lb. Build it as a sport model at around 3 lb and this would be a fun to stunt scale ship.
2) Electric power is the only way to. Absolutely no hassle to set up. Bad motor runs will be a rare thing of the past. Don't get me wrong, eclectics can smoke causing a DNF but I have had 3 DNF's with wet engines and they were working well.
3) Ship was a little up-down sensitive. Need to reduce elevator throw and add a little noise weight.
4) Ship was clean when I landed - No SLIME!
5) I flew at 7 AM next to a bunch of houses - No NOISE - every body was happy.
Am going out of town for a couple of day. Will finish her up and post final pictures, setup, and lap times etc when I get back.
Ty I will give you a call when I return and yes I do want pictures! - It's great have a good flying scale ship!!