Getting Started the Right Way: P-51 Mustang Mk II 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, this plane 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 may 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 a similar interest in RC flight, 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 accredited instructor
to help you when it is time to finally get off the ground. 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:
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| The P-51 Mustang Mk II PTS is
equipped with a 2.4GHz radio so you have no need to worry about frequency
interference. |
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. Unlike
electric park flyers that many pilots may use as their entry into the
flying arena, the P-51 Mustang PTS features an Evolution Trainer Power
System that is capable of propelling it to much higher top speeds. These
higher speeds plus its larger scale and heavier weight require 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 nearby clubs. Club flying fields have large flying areas with
few obstructions. They also offer runways of sufficient length and width
for takeoffs and landings and designated stations for you to stand while
at the controls. The club may require the use of pin for each spot to
control the number of pilots flying at any one time. But unlike your
fellow fliers using 72Mhz radios you won't have to wait for an open
frequency thanks to the Spektrum DX6i DSM2 2.4 GHz radio that comes with
your plane.
Learning to Fly:
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| 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) trainer. It
has been designed to grow as your abilities grow. A training cable that
is available for the DX6i enables you to connect a "trainer box" directly
into your transmitter and allow your instructor to take the controls at any
point should you get in trouble. Knowing there is always a more experienced
pilot just the length of the training cable away will give you the peace
of mind to relax and enjoy your learning experience . If you're ever
uncomfortable once in the air or have problems on takeoff or landing,
your instructor can take the controls for you until you're ready to try
again. Even after you have been cleared for solo flight make those first
few flights with your instructor. And keep safety first by always flying
at a designated flying 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 easy, too. As you progress,
you can make the P-51 Mustang PTS a more advanced machine by neutralizing
the flaps. This will 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 well as sport aerobatics.
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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 to the exceptional Evolution Trainer
Power System and Spektrum radio system, the P-51 Mustang PTS should be
high on any aspiring pilot's want list. The clever design will grow with
you as your piloting skills progress. Make sure you visit your
local hobby store for more information.
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