Getting Started the Right Way: F-22 Raptor PTS
In January 2007, Hangar 9 introduced a second PTS model, the
F-22 Raptor*. Following in the footsteps of the P-51 Mustang PTS, this first-ever
jet-like trainer brings more fun to learning to fly with a new updated model
representative of the latest military fighter aircraft—the F-22 Raptor. This model offers all
of the important features of the Progressive Trainer System (PTS) in a
surprising new beginners´ model.
Hangar 9 builds on the strength of the P-51 Mustang PTS with
the new F-22 Raptor PTS. The F-22 Raptor has more wing area to improve slow
flight and landing speeds, and it also has tricycle landing gear providing more
great ground handling stability. The flap system is similar to the P-51 Mustang
in that the flaps are ground adjustable to provide slow flight stability during
the initial training phase, and then can be raised to provide more aerobatic
performance as the pilot progresses. The NACA droop wing extensions that are
part of the F-22 Raptor are similar to the P-51 Mustang, but on the F-22 Raptor
they also extend the wingspan.
The Evolution Trainer Power System is the same
as in the P-51 Mustang. The JR SPORT™ SX600 6-channel radio system comes
completely installed. It offers advanced features-like 10-model memory
and exponential rate-that will take you well beyond the training stage, so you
won't have to immediately upgrade once your piloting skills improve. Extra
channels let you add functional flaps once you have mastered the basics. The F-22
Raptor also includes FS One Solo Flight Simulator and
Trainerlink cable, which will enhance your progress as you learn to fly.
Like the P-51 Mustang, the F-22 Raptor makes provisions, as
the pilot progresses, for removing the NACA droops, converting the basic
trainer F-22 Raptor into a more aggressive flying machine capable of highly
aerobatic performance. The F-22 Raptor PTS joins in formation with the P-51
Mustang PTS, making "learning to fly" more fun than ever and helping you get
started the right way.
Getting Started the Right Way: P-51 Mustang PTS
The innovative and revolutionary P-51 Mustang PTS (Progressive Trainer System) from Hangar 9 is the perfect trainer plane, not just for seasoned pilots, but for the first-timer as well. While learning to fly can be an intimidating and harrowing experience, the P-51 Mustang PTS certainly can make entering the world of scale flight and modeling easier than ever. Whether you're a seasoned aerobatic specialist or just a WWII aficionado, the warbird design of the P-51 Mustang PTS inspires a number of different emotions. But before you tear open the box and hit the flying fields, you need to step back, take a deep breath, and realize that the P-51 Mustang PTS is not a park flyer. While perfect for pilots of all skill levels, the P-51 Mustang PTS has been designed to make it as easy as possible for first-time pilots to get flying with the aid of an instructor.
The AMA:
Before you take off at a club's flying field, you'll have to pay a membership fee to join the club as well as become a member of the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). By joining the flying club, you'll have the opportunity to meet people who have similar interests, hobbies, share your passion for flying, and of course make some new friends. The AMA sanctions a number of National and World Championship-caliber events and also offers flyers another important resource: insurance. The AMA provides Liability Coverage for all their members, whether they are operating model planes, cars, boats, or even model rockets.
Additionally, the AMA's website lists its member clubs and flying fields,
making it a snap to search for a field in any state. Besides finding a flying
field, the AMA's site also has information on finding an instructor to help
you when it is time to finally get off the ground. You will need to meet
with an accredited instructor and set up a time when they can meet you at
the field to help get you flying. With the levels of
liability coverage that the AMA provides, flight instructor programs, and
other programs that they offer, it simply doesn't make sense not to join
the AMA. If you have any questions on the AMA or need to find a flying field
and instructor in your area, please visit their website at www.modelaircraft.org.
Flying Fields:
 |
| Anytime you have your radio powered on, you absolutely must use a frequency clip to indicate which frequency you are on. |
Unlike electric park flyers that many pilots may use as their entry into the flying arena, it needs to be understood that the P-51 Mustang PTS is not a park flyer. The Evolution Engines Trainer Power System that is included with the P-51 Mustang PTS trainer is capable of propelling the P-51 Mustang PTS to higher top speeds and because of the larger scale and heavier weight, it requires a larger flying area. When you visit your local hobby store to pick up your P-51 Mustang PTS, be sure to inquire as to where other local pilots are flying similar large-scale planes in your area. Some hobby stores will even have handouts for the various clubs close by. Planes such as the P-51 Mustang PTS need to be flown in a dedicated flying field; your backyard or the local park just won't suffice. When you first arrive at the field, you will notice that it is large and wide open with very few visual obstructions around the area, has a sufficiently long and wide runway area for takeoffs and landings, offers a designated spot for you to stand while at the controls, and has a place for frequency clips. You must always verify that no one else is using the same frequency that you would like to use before you turn on your transmitter. If you don't check and someone is flying on the same frequency, the results could be catastrophic.
Learning to Fly:
 |
| When you are first starting out, it is important to have an instructor nearby. The instructor can always take over if needed. |
The P-51 Mustang PTS is not just an ordinary RTF (Ready-To-Fly) plane. It has been designed to grow as your abilities grow. The Trainerlink Cable that is included with the P-51 Mustang PTS enables your instructor to connect his radio directly into your JR trainer port, found on the back of the casing. Once plugged into your JR SPORT SX600, your instructor can take over the controls at any point with his own radio. This peace of mind will give you the confidence to know that if you get in over your head or can't pull the P-51 Mustang PTS out of a particular situation, there is always a more experienced pilot just the length of the Trainerlink Cable away who can take over at a moment's notice. Even if you are comfortable once in the air but have problems on takeoff and landing, your instructor can once again take the controls for you until you feel confident that you can take over. It is important to always fly with an instructor until you are cleared for solo flight. Even if you have been cleared for solo flight, keep safety in mind and remember that the P-51 Mustang PTS must still be flown only at a designated flying field.
Honing Your Flying Skills:
 |
| The FS One Solo Precision RC Flight Simulator Software and Trainerlink cable make practicing your flying skills on your home PC easy and fun. |
Wouldn't it be nice to be able to practice flying your plane whenever you
want, even in less than ideal conditions? Well now you can do just that
with FS One Solo Precision RC Flight Simulator Software. This software can
accurately simulate many flying conditions and
situations, along with one of the most important steps in flying: getting
acclimated to your radio and its features. To use the trainer, simply install
the software on your PC, connect the included cable to the back of your
PC and insert the other end into your JR SPORT SX600 and you're ready to take
off. The FS One Solo Software will help you refine your skills, making you a better
pilot every time you take off from the field.
Room to Grow:
Unlike other trainer aircraft that seem to suffer from "designed obsolescence," the P-51 Mustang PTS (Progressive Trainer System) makes taking those next steps not only logical but also easy. The P-51 Mustang PTS has several removable features to help the beginner pilot transition from first plane through third plane. When your instructor feels you are ready for a faster plane, the air-brake system in the P-51 Mustang PTS's landing gear can be removed. The next step in making the P-51 Mustang PTS a more aggressive machine is to neutralize the flaps. This will also make takeoffs and landings more challenging. Finally, the NACA droops can be removed, converting the P-51 Mustang PTS into an aggressive flying machine, capable of a much wider variety of bank-and-yank maneuvers.
 |
As it comes out of the box, each landing gear has an air brake zip-tied
to it. The increased surface area and wind resistance decreases the
top speed that the P-51 Mustang PTS can reach.
These clear airfoils, called NACA Droops, are attached to the leading
edges of both wings. The contour of the NACA Droops redirects the
airflow around the wings, making the P-51 Mustang PTS easier to control.
They can be removed for more aggressive flight characteristics. |
From its impressive warbird design, which is a first for a trainer aircraft,
to the exceptional TPS Evolution Engine, JR Radio system, and included
FS One Solo Flight Simulator, the P-51 Mustang PTS should be high on
any aspiring pilot's want list. The clever design continually adds speed
and maneuverability to the P-51 Mustang PTS and will grow with you as
your piloting skills progress. The Hangar 9 P-51 Mustang PTS is truly
one of the most versatile planes on the market today. Make sure you visit
your local hobby store for more
information and to pick up a P-51 Mustang PTS for yourself.
|