First time flyer

[jkstraw]

Howdy folks,

Glad I found this message board! I just picked up my first R/C anything last Thursday....the Super Cub.

I swear I tried to be patient!! I didn't even open the box for 4 days - waiting for an experienced flyer to help me on my first few flights.....then the winds died down this evening ;D

So as any good newbie I went out this evening to a nearby location of a new subdivision...ya gravel is way softer than grass right?? I did mention over anxious right?

So I am looking forward to getting your input on repairs etc.!

I was able to get my first 3 flights in this evening - landings were a challenge to say the least!

So I guess my first intro question to the group - I have a few bumps and scratches now, things like the prop is a bit chewed (high RPM meets gravel), a little crease in the rudder (still true though) and the wing tips are a bit banged up. Do most people just fly these until damages a) impact flight performance or b) have the potential for an in-flight disaster? How do I know when I need to replace a part like the prop?

Again really glad this board exists - I am still grinnin' ear to ear!

jk

[gagallagher04401]

Get yourself some 5-mix epoxy (you will need it) and get your self some clear packing tape.
Tape along the wings edges all around the whole wing bottom and top, also the middle on top and bottom where it is rubber banded to the plane.
Wrap a little tape around the cowling of the place (very brittle plastic, and this will strengthen it up.
On my plane I then ran a couple strips long ways the length of the wing (helps stiffen the wing up)
I also put a little tape near the tail end ahead of the rudder support (common snap in half spot)

When your prop is all dinged up and parts missing I would change it up, I clean up some of mine with a exacto knife, still work fine, will use them for need be spares. (Many prop options out there also)

I added 2.5" wheel on my plane, looks better, takes off and lands better, also added 1" wheel in the rear. Helps the most in non smooth take off and landing area's.

I bought my father a SC he has snapped the rear in half(mentioned above about taping) and the complete front of the plane just be hind the motor mount. Torn the battery box completely out. Some epoxy, and tape and he is back in the air, they are very strong planes, and very repairable. My fathers plane has spent more time crashing then flying and it is still in good shape.

Have fun!

George

[patmatgal]

Congratulations jkstraw on your successful maiden flight. Glad you waited for the winds to die down before flying. The SC does not like it much when the winds go over 5 mph, gets kicked around too much to be fun. Packing tape and glue go hand in hand with the Super Cub, repair, fly, repair, fly and on and on. If you make decent repairs you can fly the plane until... (well, for a long, long time) SC can take a boat load of abuse. As long as the base of the prop or end of the blade isn't damaged you'll be OK, minor nicks on the blades are just a fact of life but cracks or big dings aren't. Read in the Super Cub Workshop and Specific Modifications categories to get an idea of what to reinforce and how to do it. Theres a whole ton of valuable info in there.
Again, congrats on the maiden.