Back swinging my arms about again.

[Jef Ott]

After a little break, maybe 7 years or so, I have, today, returned to discus launching.

Being averse to the way the BMFA dealt with things "drone" related, I refused to be a member. This act cost me a lot of enjoyment, because despite hardly ever flying, my clubs (I was a member of 4 flying clubs, all affiliated) and BARCS wouldn't allow me to remain as a non-flying member, even if I vowed to never fly.

I was relegated to flying slope soarers on public access land until the 250g limit was enforced. So I have a fleet of lovely planes that I'll probably never fly again. I still love them all and have only summoned the strength to sell one of them after more than 5 years without using it. I know it's irrational, but I am a hoarder.

Recently a very good friend sent me a HobbyKing Mini Pro DLG. I made a power system for it, and fitted a tiny 4ch receiver. This receiver only works with my old Royal EVO Pro, which hasn't been used for at least 6 years. After cycling the Tx battery at 300mA charge and discharge, for a few days, it is now good again!

The diminutive DLG has an AUW of 190g and despite having its CG forward of the "recommended" position, test flying today proved it needed a couple of grams of putty in its snout. 

Had some flights of up to a minute today, and was surprised at how easily I became comfortable discus launching again. Remembering little tweaks in the technique that I used to deploy "back in the day", I think they call it muscle memory, but I forget!

[PeteMitchell]

2 hours ago, Jef Ott said:

and BARCS wouldn't allow me to remain as a non-flying member, even if I vowed to never fly

 

BARCS has never had a 'non flying' membership category as far as I know. Certainly not during my term as membership sec.

As a BMFA specialist body, all BARCS members have to be current BMFA members.

Non flying members are accommodated within 'family' membership using the 'flying' members number.

Glad your back flying, another few oz. and you will need to get insurance again

[Jef Ott]

13 minutes ago, PeteMitchell said:

 

BARCS has never had a 'non flying' membership category as far as I know. Certainly not during my term as membership sec.

As a BMFA specialist body, all BARCS members have to be current BMFA members.

Non flying members are accommodated within 'family' membership using the 'flying' members number.

Glad your back flying, another few oz. and you will need to get insurance again

No, but some time before, maybe 20 years ago, I was a member of BARCS when you didn't need to be in the BMFA, to be in BARCS. The point I was making was that getting the hump with the BMFA cost me a lot of fun. I cut my nose off to spite my face, Pete. 

It'll take a few repairs before the weight makes it illegal for me to fly mate. 

Thanks for the welcome back to flying, it's only 17 months since I was flying my Calypso Contest legally, so I haven't completely lost the co-ordination. Hoping to take the toy to Isle of Wight soon, might have to make up a 50g ballast pack!

 

[Neil Harrison]

Hey Jef

Great to hear that you are back flying. 

Let's hope you get the bug back so we can meet up on a flying field somewhere soon.

[Jef Ott]

1 hour ago, Neil Harrison said:

Hey Jef

Great to hear that you are back flying. 

Let's hope you get the bug back so we can meet up on a flying field somewhere soon.

Where you living now Neil?

 

[Neil Harrison]

23 hours ago, Jef Ott said:

Where you living now Neil?

 

Up Norf lol

A place called Hazel Grove, just South of Stockport.....

[Marc RC pilot]

On 30/04/2021 at 21:01, Jef Ott said:

 The point I was making was that getting the hump with the BMFA cost me a lot of fun. I cut my nose off to spite my face,

Takes guts to own up to that Jef. Well done sir and happy flying again m8