October Indoor a “Balls-Up” (Table Tennis Balls, that is)

A disappointing night was ahead for all those dedicated indoor fliers who turned up for our October Indoor meeting for the air was filled with, rather than model aeroplanes – balls! Yes, ETSA Park was hosting a round of the Masters Games Table Tennis Championships and, as far as the eye could see, every square inch of the floor space was occupied by a table tennis table. Many of our regulars arrived expecting to fly, only to be turned away at the door.

It was disappointing for Mike and The Phoenix because these activities have been proceeding for a couple of weeks, or more and, even though we had pre-booked the stadium for the third Thursday of each month, throughout the year, no one at ETSA had seen fit to advise us of the cancellation. Peter, from Naracoorte had been in Model Flight’s retail shop at 130 Goodwood Road and, hearing of the indoor meet that night, had delayed his return home to join us. He was one of many who were turned away.

We have always maintained that the Indoor Movement is the “poor cousin” when speaking of booking contracts with ETSA Park and that Netball S.A. always has first option and we religiously respect that but, THIS WAS NOT NETBALL!

Even though we are a comparatively small group of people who are involved in our indoor flying sport, we were treated in a fairly callous manner in not being advised of the cancellation. Mike and I apologise to all those who came along on this unfortunate night and we can only hope that there is not a repeat performance.

Hang in there dear friends – sincerely – “The Phoenix.”

What is AS3X?

AS3X™ System delivers breakthrough performance for UMX™ airplanes and the freedom a pilot can use to experience RC flight that’s more enjoyable than ever dreamed possible. The Horizon Hobby world-class team of RC pilots developed the AS3X System exclusively for airplanes based on the successful use of AS3X with ultra micro flybarless helicopters.

An industry-first, AS3X technology in UMX airplanes is exciting because it helps the pilot focus more on the thrill of being the pilot of an expertly tuned airplane, rather than working to stay in smooth control. No longer will you have to deal intensely with flight complications such as turbulence, torque and tip stalls. All you feel is ultra-smooth control — even outdoors in moderate wind — so that you’re allowed to naturally experience exhilarating aircraft agility that will allow you to quickly build skills as an RC pilot.

E-flite introduces the radical AS3X System with three acclaimed airplanes that demonstrate the inspiring potential of this exclusive technology. Enhanced with the AS3X System the Beast 3D®, Hyper Taxi™, and Gee Bee® R2 UMX models are the friendliest airplanes ever offered in their class, yet are more capable and fun to fly than ever dreamed possible. Each is painstakingly tuned so that you enjoy that best flight, every flight.

AS3X will innovate the way you’ll want to fly now and in the future.

Indoor at ETSA Park – September 29th.

This was a special night, for we of the Indoor Flying Movement became an integral part of the famous Bay to Birdwood Motor Rally. With over 1800 Entries it has become the largest event of its type in the world and, for the first time in its history, we were one of their subsidiary events, known as “Cruising Classics.” We wanted this to be a night to remember and with the main highlight of our programme being Hamish Scott and his Blade 450 helicopter with a fascinating programme of full-on aerobatics, it was just that for nearly 90 people who had not witnessed this type of flying, either indoor or outside, before. Hamish wowed them in the aisles.  To watch Hamish in action you can view the video here:

Special homage and appreciation was paid to the O’Reilly family for their dedication to indoor flying, beginning many years ago with rubber-powered models to ultra modern fixed-wing and helicopters of composite materials and the infamous 2 Ghz frequency of today.

My first picture shows a family group engrossed in every movement of the two micro helicopters that were being put through their paces so expertly by both Hamish Scott and Matthew Waye – they tried hard not to miss a single manoeuvre and, with the manner in which these two pilots were flying, that was nigh impossible. The concentration by both Hamish and Matty is depicted in my next picture.


When the Whiteline 3-1/2 metre long Road Train’s 48 wheels had come to a stop, and its one thousand dollar surreal sound system had rested, Hamish demonstrated his superb control of the Blade 450 by making a delightful landing on the roof of the road train’s refrigerator trailer. An act that met with much applause from the most grateful audience, both young and old.

By this time in the evening, the younger set were as excited as though they were awaiting the arrival of Father Christmas on December 25. Through the generosity of Model Flight with the donation of a radio-controlled Mini Cooper as a Door Prize, it was nearly time for the draw. Our good friend, Simon Morris had issued all people with a ticket in this prize on their arrival at the Netball Stadium, later confirming that he had greeted 73 people with a ticket. It was most fitting that the prize should be a Mini Cooper, for the favoured make of car in the large rally this year was, in fact, the Mini Cooper as it was the 50th Anniversary of their release to the World. My final picture is that of the winners, Geoff and Cynthia Chase of Colonel Light Gardens and, although it was disappointing for the keen youngsters who had hoped for a win, Geoff and Cynthia had entered and competed in each of the 11 Special Events, as well as the actual B to B Rally.

The 20-plus fliers who turned up on the night have my sincere thanks for their efforts on the night, for we truly gave the non-flying mob a night to remember. Maybe we can do it again in two years time for the next Classic Bay to Birdwood Motor Rally and its followers.

A huge thank you from – The Phoenix.

Announcing the New Losi 1/14 Mini 8IGHT RC buggy!

When it comes to 1/8-scale off-road buggies, few cars have had the success of the Team Losi Racing™ 8IGHT™ buggy. We've seen the 8IGHT-platform re-imaged as the 1/10-scale TEN-T, TEN-SCTE and 810, and blown up in size for the 1/5-scale 5IVE-T, but there's one scale that the 8IGHT has never been adapted to—the sub-1/10-scale. That is, until now. Losi has taken the 8IGHT-platform and seemingly hit it with a shrink ray to create what could possibly be the best-handling, best-performing mini ever produced—the Losi® Mini-8IGHT.

Combining the exceptional suspension geometry of the 8IGHT with an all-new electric-specific drive train layout that has been optimized for brushless motors means there's a lot of new development and design that has gone into the Mini-8IGHT. The Mini-8IGHT features super-thick, threaded body, aluminum, oil-filled shocks, a slipper clutch-equipped driveline, aluminum front and rear shock towers, a powerful 4500Kv brushless motor and a refined brushless ESC to make this one super performer. You may recognize Keith Whisler as the man behind such vehicles as the XXX-SCB and Mini SCT. He's back again, this time taking on the 1/14-scale Mini-8IGHT. We quizzed Keith on the ins and outs of the Mini-8IGHT, how it handles and how it will perform on-track.

You can also watch this awesome little buggy in action here:

Introducing the NEW E-flite F-4 Phantom DF 32 RC Jet

The E-flite Platinum Series F-4 Phantom 32 DF brings the breathtaking military aviation triumph to life as an impressive electric sport jet that’s got big-dog performance and innovative features that will have you “calling the ball” with confidence, and cruising the blue skies on a regular mission schedule.

When you equip your F-4 Phantom 32 DF RC Jet with the high-performance E-flite Delta-V 32 fan power system, you’ll experience top-level performance without sacrificing sport convenience. So you’ll be out flying like a jet-jock more often and spending less time struggling at the workbench.

Features:

• Bolt-in easy E-flite electric 15–25 retract option
• Functional flaps
• Prepainted fiberglass fuselage
• Bifurcated intake and exhaust engineered for best performance
• Fully-sheeted removable wings with carbon blade spars
• Large front and rear magnetic access hatches
• Authentic looking six-color scale USN Sundowner trim scheme
• Full-flying stabilators with hidden internal linkages
• Wings and stabilizers covered in genuine UltraCote Covering
• Cockpit deck included for optional interior detail

Read more at www.modelflight.com.au and check out this video of a test flight in the US:

Welcome to the 4WD Big Leagues - NEW Losi 5IVE-T 1/5-scale SCT

Bigger. Faster. Stronger. The 1/5-scale Losi® 5IVE-T™ 4WD Off-Road Racing Truck is the closest thing to a full-size vehicle in realism, performance and experience. It features a 4WD drivetrain based on the racing-winning, award winning 8IGHT platfrom, Spektrum™ telemetry receiver, installed sensors, and 1/4-scale servos. And since it's a Bind-N-Drive™ vehicle, you complete it with the DSM® transmitter of your choice. There's really nothing like driving an RC truck as big as this. Come take it for a spin in all its 4WD glory.

Find out more at www.modelflight.com.au and check out this video from our test drive in the US:

A Half-Ounce Powerhouse; The Blade Scout CX Beginner RC Helicopter

"A Half-Ounce Powerhouse"  

Engineered by experts in RC heli performance. The amazing Blade Scout CX RC Helicopter may only weigh a little over half an ounce (17 grams) but it will have you flying circles around other helis like it! State-of-the-art 2.4GHz radio control with advanced Blade helicopter engineering and electronics make it all possible. And it’s so easy to fly, you’ll be able to do it even if you’ve never flown before.

Visit our Website for more information on this exciting little rc helicopter