Indoor RC!

Last year, I was re-introduced to the world of Radio Controlled technology by a friend (who is an R/C genious and has been doing this for 30 years). Previously, I played a bit with R/C cars, and quickly found myself lacking the excitement to stay interested. But it's different now. I'm now dabbling with R/C aircraft.

I've always been interested in aviation, so much so that I got my private pilot's license about 6 years ago. Flying real airplanes is a joy that I will always cherish and be thankful that I have the opportunity to do. But it's expensive, time consuming, and doesn't happen as much as I'd like. Radio controlled aircraft is a refreshing substitute.

Last year, I got my first R/C aircraft. It's an EZ Star by Multiplex, and is pretty much a big powered glider. I recommend it for anyone who is looking to get into the hobby. Docile, easy to fly, very flexible, and easy to maintain. But it's meant for park flying. So what happens when winter comes?

Indoor flying. They call the foamies, and tonight, I flew my first foamie in a huge, empty warehouse. It's called a Sobre (pictured), and is made by E-Flite. My R/C genious friend Darin put it together, and it flies solid. (Not that I have much to compare with). It's really amazing to see how far battery, motor and radio technology has come. These indoor planes are powered by tiny, powerful motors, thin, light Li-PO battery packs, and tiny servos and receivers. This Sobre is a full 3D airplane, meaning you can do all the normal aerobatics that the big planes do....I'm happy to just fly it in square circuits and keep it in the air.

....I'm also happy to report, my plane came back in one piece. :-)

I can see where this hobby can get extremely addictive. So many planes to build. So many motors to choose from...so much to learn....