Flying Naked?

[larkshead]

OK, so I'm a complete newbie and Lawn-Darted my Christmas Super Cub in the first 10 seconds...

My only salvation was that I hadn't gained enough altitude to destroy it. The motor and transmission assembly look, feel and sound OK under power. However, the firewall was cracked and partly caved in, moving the motor beyond its normal tilt.

Since there was slight, but probably acceptable wrinkling of the cabin area, I picked up a new fuselage w/ firewall, which leads me to the title question: would I be in breach of any international protocols if I did not apply new or transferred decals until I develop a steadier hand? I anticipate that this may not be the last fuselage for me.

Also - is that rear compartment bottom-cover necessary for flight characteristics?

BTW - I have no one to blame but myself for this one. I had read enough warnings here that I pulled the ACT plugs before the initial flight.

Thanks for any comments,
-Peter

[kenninny]

There is no law that says you have to have decals on your cub, but it makes the plane more scale looking. I bought a new fuse & wings for the upcoming flying season, but I like to paint mines. just use the right paint ( foam safe) also that bottom depron cover is not a nessisity fo flight

[renard80]

Been there, done that, on my own maiden catastrophe - but with considerably more damage than yours! ;D

From the sound of it, there was probably no need to buy a new fuselage. "Slight wrinkling of the cabin area" is nothing! Perhaps you could have got away with buying just a new firewall.

That lump of foam is going to suffer a lot more punishment as you learn. It's amazing how much she will take yet keep flying. Buying new fuselages, with all the hassle of moving everything over, is a pain. So far as possible, repair instead!

As for protocol - go ahead and fly your fuselage in all its pristine nudity or with whatever design takes your fancy. Those "identification" numerals on your original purchase are identical on thousands of other HZ SC's.

"Rear compartment bottom-cover" - if you mean that area of thin foam with holes in it, leave it alone. It helps to keep things cool inside.

Good luck with your future flying, Peter. Remain philosophical about the other crashes you will inevitably suffer. One of the best things at this stage is to find an experienced flyer to "hold your hand" for a while.

[kenninny]

kenninny here again. I didn't mention that my firewall was crack also I just use some 5 muinte epoxy on the crack to stop the vibration

[larkshead]

Yes, I have a friend who is a competent pilot. I felt bad about putting his planes in jeopardy which was my primary impetus for getting my own. Unfortunately, we live at opposite ends of the state. There appear to be several local clubs that I need to check out.

Thanks for the help everyone.

-Peter

[ginginho]

Peter, welcome to the club! In response to your opening post, others have stated that the decals are not necessary however I would suggest applying something to the new one so that it'll be more visible from a distance, especially against a cloudy sky, perhaps you have some coloured tape that would do. As for the bottom cover, it doesn't do a great deal apart from allowing airflow through the fuse. Removal wouldn't cause any problems although it's probably best not to block the holes if you keep it in place.

I'd recommend that if you do pay a visit to a local club that you do that fully clothed. You may get a strange reception if you were to introduce yourself "au naturel".