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May 21, 2012, 03:12:38 PM

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[tpallas]

Hello,

I am new to the board and plan to join the club soon. I built a PT-20 in college but never had time to fly it, took it with be through 6 years of Army and grad school, and am now settled down in Alexandria. I would like to take it out and learn how to fly. I'm sure it needs an inspection and probably some new batteries, as well as breaking in the engine.

How do I get started doing this? As I mentioned I will be mailing in a membership application, and am a current AMA member.

Thanks!

Tom

[tclaridge]

Tom,
Welcome aboard!  We can get you started right.  We will be starting Saturday training soon, or you can always just coordinate with a member to meet you at the field.  I am not a gasser, otherwise I would volunteer to see you at the field.

In a couple of weeks there should be more flying activity.  If you don't get "scheduled" with a member by the end of April to help, just post a note.  I will also bring up training at the April meeting at the Fairfax Fire Dept.  If you want to come, you could bring your plane.  We would be happy to give it a good look over.
Happy Landings,
--Tony

[insalacosm]

Hello Tom - welcome!  We have a bunch of members that can help you out.  As you mentioned, the first thing we'll want to do is to inspect your plane visually, run up the engine, do a range check, and then we can start some flight training.  I'm glad to hear that you are working to get your AMA membership, that's the right first step.  Once our field dries out a little more we can arrange for someone to meet you at the field.

A couple questions for you: have you replaced your flight and transmitter batteries?  How old is your transmitter (I just want to make sure it is in line with the current standards)?  Let me know if you have any question.

Thanks
Steve
insalacos@saic.com

[tpallas]

Thanks for your responses guys. Steve, the transmitter is a Futaba Skysport 6 channel. I bought it in 2002 or 2003. The battereis for both the receiver and transmitter are from that time, so I suspect they need to be replaced.

[insalacosm]

Regarding the batteries, you have two options: 1. Buy new, or 2. You can fully charge them and then decharge them using a battery analyzer to see how much capacity they hold.  If they better than 80% of their rated capacity they should still be okay.  Do you have a cycler?  If not, I or someone else can test them for you.

Steve

[tpallas]

Unfortunately I do not have a cycler - in fact, there is a fair amount of field gear that I do not own yet. It sounds like the best way would be to test them first to see if replacement is required?

Thanks!

Tom

[mark franke]

Tom,
welcome. You'll find plenty of help club members. The folks at Hobby Hanger are also great to deal with.
Our April "meeting" is at the Air and Space Museum near Dulles airport. We will not have a formal club meeting in April. You're more than welcome to join us.
Mark Franke
feel free to contact me
mfranke@cox.net

[tpallas]

Sounds good! What is the date of the meeting?

Thanks,

Tom

[insalacosm]

Tom - It's going to be on the 18th at 11am.  http://www.1nvrc.org/index.php/topic,28.0.html
Feel free to bring your plane and ask someone to take a look at it.  I plan to be there and would be happy to check it over (we will not be able to start it up though).  Steve

[tclaridge]

Tom,
If you bring your Tx and Rx batteries to the April tour/meeting, I would be happy to cycle them for you and see if they can still hold a charge.
--Tony

[tpallas]

Thanks guys. I will try to make it - shouldnt be a problem. My membership application and fees are in the mail.

Another question - what flying/field supplies do I need?

Thanks!

Tom

[tpallas]

Also, does anyone have directions to the meeting?

Thanks

[tclaridge]

Directions are on the web for Udvar-Hazy, or we will meet at 10:15 at the Hobby Hangar in Chantilly (also on the web) to carpool.

Events

Friday, May 25th, 2012

 FARM Pattern Contest

 War Birds over Fredericksburg

Saturday, May 26th, 2012

 FARM Pattern Contest

 War Birds over Fredericksburg

Sunday, May 27th, 2012

 FARM Pattern Contest

 War Birds over Fredericksburg

Saturday, Jun 9th, 2012

 Spring Open House

Saturday, Jun 16th, 2012

 Become a pilot day

Sunday, Jun 17th, 2012

 Winery Fly In

Thursday, Jun 21st, 2012

 NVRC Meeting

Holidays

Monday, May 28th, 2012 - Memorial Day

Wednesday, Jun 6th, 2012 - D-Day

Thursday, Jun 14th, 2012 - Flag Day

Sunday, Jun 17th, 2012 - Father's Day

Wednesday, Jun 20th, 2012 - Summer Solstice

 FARM Pattern Contest

 War Birds over Fredericksburg

 FARM Pattern Contest

 War Birds over Fredericksburg

 FARM Pattern Contest

 War Birds over Fredericksburg

 Spring Open House

 Become a pilot day

 Winery Fly In

 NVRC Meeting

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