What It’s All About

cameron saegaert flying my 1905 wright flyer at seff 2013
Cameron Saegaert flying my 1905 Wright Flyer at SEFF 2013
We had a terrific time at SEFF 2013. This photo represents the finest moment. On Friday evening, walking down the flight line, I noticed a young man. I had taken 3 or 4 steps past him, then turned around and asked, “Hey, do you fly RC?” He replied “yes”. I asked, have you ever flown a Wright Flyer? He said “no”. I said, “Well then, why don’t you come out and help me fly this one? He said “OK” then I just headed on up to the flight line as I could hear him asking his dad for permission to go with me. Sure enough, when I got the model ready to go, there he was with his father. After getting the model safely into the air and up to altitude, I passed the transmitter to Cameron and he had a go at it. A few simple instructions and he was off doing a fine job. And, all the while flying the model with care and respect. His father, Dan Saegaert shot this photo of the moment. As you can see, I was having a great time! Dan told me later that his son is 10 years old and had been flying since the age of 5. Now there is some dedication and a super flying buddy as the result.

Dave Flint Reading to Launch The 1905 at SEFF 2013

Over the years, I’ve learned what a valuable gift it is to trust somebody with a model. There is a confidence transforming effect unmatched by any other experience when for the first time a young pilot is trusted with somebody else’s model. Do you remember your first time? I encourage you to snap up similar opportunities, it’s a barrel of fun.

Share

$400 Flash Bulb Seen At SEFF 2012, Cool Video

Tanken By WildBill at SEFF 2012. Get a load of how big this event is and the 5 flight lines. A large portion of the field was locked out due to Mac leveling the grade of the runway and building the pond. Still plenty of room for 5 flight lines. Will there be 6 next year? Yikes! Oh yea, did I say carbon is conductive?

And the Aftermath Video includes a closer shot of the perps:

Share

SEFF 2012

What a great time it was! I’m always quite exhausted with show responsibilities having to go to SEFF only 1 week after returning from Toledo. I have to say however, the salve of SEFF hath soothed my fatigue. A few days into it I was feeling more rested and looking forward to flying. We arrived Monday evening. It was quite windy with substantial flying only in the evening with night flyers, By Thursday it was much better and improving hour by hour. The last 2 days were perfect flying weather. Got to fly the 1905 Wright Flyer in a big space for the first time. I really enjoyed it and look forward to another opportunity. We met and renewed friendships with many. The field now has a lake for float flying and it was active. A large portion of the field was off limits due to containing all the soil removed from the lake being used to bring it up to grade improving the runway. By next year the grass will be in and it will all be usable. Even with this project in mid stream, there was plenty of room for 5 flight lines. Can’t wait to see it and attend again next year. If your thinking of attending SEFF let me warn you up front. It will become a yearly trip for you. It’s nothing but fun from sunrise until you give up each evening night flying. thanks to Mac Hodges for hosting SEFF again at his phenominal flying sight again this year. Thanks to all the Feyetteville Flyers and other volunteers that make the event possible. See you there next year!

Share

Radical RC to Visit SEFF Again In 2012

SEFF Logo
SEFF Logo

We’ll be at SEFF (Southeast Electric Flight Festival) held each year at Hodges Hobbies and flying field outside Americus Georgia.  SEFF is one of the premier RC Flying events in the country.  One of my favorite events to attend.  Hodges Hobbies is on the field.  This is place is RC Heaven.  You won’t believe how beautiful it is.   The photo below is a bit outdated, there is now a lake to fly from to go along with the golf green quality runway.   This place is BIG.  I’ve seen a full size Pitts come in and out of this field.   The hospitality here is outstanding.  Lots of good vendors and one of the best hobbyshops you’ll ever see is on the field.  See the SEFF website for information about the show, camping, hotels and any other questions you may have.   This event and location are “bucket list” quality.  If you’ve never been, won’t you come this year?   You wont’ be sorry!

SEFF View From Sky
SEFF View From Aircraft
 
 
 
 I look forward to flying my 1905 Wright Flyer many times at the event.  We finished it about 2 weeks before Toledo.  We needed it for display at the show and didn’t have time to complete another with all the show prep.  So, after only 3 trim and balance flights, we had to pack it in for safe keeping. 
Radical RC 1905 Wright Flyer
Radical RC 1905 Wright Flyer

When you see me on the flight line with the 1905, come on up.  You can have a wiggle on the sticks.  To me there is nothing more fun than sharing the a Wright Flyer.  It flys like a big trainer except that you need to be comfortable flying with your left hand.  She likes the rudder.  I’ll see you at SEFF.

Find videos of SEFF’s at: Higher Plane and SKS Video.

PS: The home brew beer for the BBQ this year is an IPA.

Share