BJ Craft Anthem ARC_paint part 1

Texas winter weather is in effect.  Even though it's not cold compared to other parts of the country recent temps have been prohibitive for painting.  This past Saturday temps were in the 70s but windy so instead of flying I elected to spend the afternoon finishing the paint prep and shooting the Anthem's first color.

Every time I paint I learn more about the do's and don'ts.  This time the plan is to try reducing the wet sanding effort by reducing orange peel through better gun technique.  The gun I'm using is the HVLP Central Pneumatic sold by Habor Freight.  After a few test passes on cardboard and tweaking the gun's air and paint flow adjustments I got a pattern I was pleased with.  In addition, I held the gun a little further from the surface than before, like 10 inches vs. 6.  I'm very pleased with the results.  Now I wait for another 65-70-degree day to shoot red.  

I prefer simple schemes for visibility reasons plus they're easier to mask and paint.  Anthem Wings/Stabs

F3A Accessories for sale

PT 20x13 3bld – used like new $115 SOLD
Gator 82mm 3bld flow thru spinner – used like new $55 SOLD
PT 22x12 carbon – used like new $50
RSA 21x16 articulating 2bld – used like new $50 SOLD
Zoar 21x14 wood 2bld – new $25

(2) CA Models 82mm carbon uncut, lite back plate spinners – new $25 ea

Buyer pays shipping...reach out to rcprecision@gmail.com for more details

Epic Evolution For Sale

 $2700.00 +shipping ready-to-fly less RX and batteries - Sold, packed, and shipped to the new owner...

The Evolution is 3rd in the series of Jason Shulman's Epic design, produced by CA Models.  Even though I took delivery in the summer of 2019 the first flight didn't occur until the fall of 2020.  The plane is in excellent condition fully capable and competitive flying the 2024-2025 AMA or FAI sequences.  The original painted rudder has been replaced with a built-up film-covered version for CG reasons.  Due to a quick-release hatch mechanism failure, the original grey-painted canopy has been replaced with a new one painted black. See the pictures below.

Equipment list:

• Motor: Hacker C54 2Y L
• Budd Engineering soft mount
• ESC: Debowski D3
• Spinner: Falcon
• Prop: APC carbon 22x13
• Radio: Futaba 32MZ, HV servos
• Landing gear: Falcon gear and pants, MPI wheels
• RTF weight: ~4756gr (TP-10s 5000mah Prolites)

Custom features:

• Removable lightweight rudder
• Removable motor battery/ESC tray
• Durable fully serviceable tail wheel assembly
• Color scheme

Willing to sell airframe only. For more details, I can be reached by email @ rcprecision@gmail.com.  

The plane is ready to fly. If you're in the Houston area a demo/test flight is doable.

Links to more info:

Maiden 10/27/2020

Epic Evo Update

Epic Evo's First Contest

D3 Controller Installation 

 

 

Precision Aero Products PCK

Since switching from Glo to ePower in 2010 I've mainly used Hacker inrunners motors and APC propellers.  Hackers have served me well, their torquey power, reliability, lightweight, and efficiency made it a logical choice. However, I want a change. Switching to using the D3 controller was a very welcome change that enhanced speed control of the C50s and C54s I use today but I seek more.  Contra systems have become the go-to power systems not just for FAI but also AMA-level competitors.  Their ability to eliminate/minimize the P-factor and their braking ability makes them attractive.  Although personally, the thrust output seems challenging to manage. Diligent throttle delivery and throttle curve configuration are required to manage.  From what I have witnessed rapid acceleration and deceleration occur.

Here in SE Texas, we have been very fortunate to have forward-thinking users and designers of F3A aircraft and equipment. This past weekend Bryan Herbert owner of CK Aero attended the 2nd annual pattern event held at the famous Bomberfield in Monaville, TX.  He competed with his design the Alchemy Pro outfitted with Precision Aero Products' latest widget the PCK 4-blade power system.  This system checks all the boxes for me.  The most appealing trait was speed control.  In the 2000s I used 4-blades on YS motors with success.  The PCK on Bryan's plane immediately appealed to me so I am on the waiting list.  I am looking forward to learning more and taking delivery.

2007 National Masters Champion / Futaba Flight Achiemnent Award

• Aircraft -- ZNLINE Twister
• Engine -- YS 160DZ w/apc15X11 4 blade prop
• Fuel -- Morgan Fuels CoolPower 30% heli blend
• Radio -- Futaba 14MZ, digital servos all controls

BJ Craft Anthem ARC

The Anthem is my third ARC kit version by BJ Craft purchased from F3A Unlimited.  Like the Invitation and Epilogue, the overall quality is outstanding.  Everything fits as it should and the balsa comes pre-sanded only needing minimal preparation before covering. I highly recommend BJ's ARC kits if you prefer a personalized color scheme.

Progress is slow and steady.  Here are a few pics of the wings and stabs.  Just a few small things to do on them before adding servos and linkage hardware.  Then onto painting the fuse.

Bomberfield's 2nd Annual Pattern Event Nov. 4th-5th

 Bomberfield USA

Monaville, Texas

FAA FRIA and Remote ID

Over the years the RC hobby has undergone many changes. Such as gold sticker radio equipment, the introduction of 2.4gHz, and the popularity of electric power to name a few. Now the FAA is taking action to have remote ID technology-equipped drones to enable the FAA to track them during flight.

FAA Final Rule on Remote ID

What is a Drone?  According to the dictionary, a Drone is an unmanned aircraft.  This definition is too broad because it includes RC aircraft of all types whether they are flown "line of sight", FPV, or autonomously.  AMA has done a good job lobbying the FAA to create approval for "line of sight" RC aircraft to be flown at approved FRIA (Federal Recognized Identification Aera). This is a geographic area where drones are allowed to fly without having to use Remote ID technology. FRIA goes into effect on 9/16/2023. Currently, I belong to 3 RC clubs, as of today one has FRIA approval, one has been denied due to its location to a small private airport, the other I am waiting to hear if they are approved or not.  The club with the denial plans to appeal the decision. However, AMA has announced FAA is extending the remote ID tracking requirement until 3/16/2024.

Extension details

The overall issue as I see it is traditional RC model aircraft flown by "line of sight" are being grouped with FPV and autonomously flown RC model aircraft.  The FAA requirement for remote ID for so-called "drones" should apply to FPV and autonomously flown RC model aircraft. The other issue is the term drone also applies to "line of sight" flown RC model aircraft because they're unmanned. We need another term to enable separation. 

A summary of FAA's final FRIA and remote ID requirements

F3A 2023 Worlds Championship

Information

Event Website

Team USA

Team USA daily blog 

Videos

Misc activities before the event

Opening Ceremony

Day 1 Video

Day 2 Video 

Day 3 Video

Day 4 Video

Day 5 Video

Day 6 Video

A Jesky unkown2

Onda F23

J Shulman P23

Lassi P23

Lassi F23 

CPLR P23 

Semi-Final Results

USA has 3 pilots in the top ten

• A Jesky 2nd 
  
• J Shulman 5th 
• P Collison 9th 
• J SZCZUR 14th (junior defender) 
  
  

           

 Finals Results

Team results

1. USA
2. France
3. Japan 

 

Individual results

1. Lassi Nurila (Fin)
2. Andrew Jesky (USA)
3. Jason Shulman (USA)

Juniors

 

CA Model, Thank You

 A couple of weeks ago I was practicing alone at my primary club field with my EPIC Evo. On the vertical downline after the spin I noticed the canopy was missing.  The plane seemed to handle normally thru the sequence so I had no idea when it may have come dislodged.  The canopy was fastened with a quick-release latch which I strongly dislike using. My other 2M planes are configured with a single 4-40 bolt to secure their canopies. We fly over a cow/horse pasture that has greenery 2-3ft tall.  I walked the fenceline separating the runway from the pasture looking for the canopy with no luck.

That evening I messaged Marcelo of CA Model about my lost canopy and if a replacement was possible.  He replied yes and had one made and shipped to me within a week.  The replacement was raw requiring it to be fitted to fuse and painted. This time I replaced the quick-release latch with my preferred configuration of a single screw in the front, dowel pins in the rear with 1/64 plywood donuts to help with alignment to the fuse sides.  

The Evo is ready to fly again.  Many thanks to CA Model for the quick turnaround on the replacement canopy.  I also would like to thank Wings West RC for providing the paint. I've used their products on past projects. They offer paint in Monokote or Ultracote matching colors in small quantities that come ready to spray either in a rattle can or from a spray system.

Replacement canopy in black...I like this updated version better.  Should provide additional visibility

Original canopy in gray

Jetero Pattern Contest 2023

Unfortunately, due to a family commitment, I missed the 2023 inaugural D6 pattern event hosted by my home club (Space City RC) held April 29th-30th.  The event had challenging weather conditions, as I understand there was a 30mph gusting crosswind Saturday. The pilots voted not to fly Saturday. However, 17 pilots, 10 of which were Masters stuck around to fly 3 rounds on Sunday.

The second event of the season was held by the Jetero RC club in Huffman Tx. which is ~45 miles from my house.  The 99 toll road makes the drive very easy by having only 1 stop light and 1 stop sign between my home and Jetero with a 70MPH speed limit most of the way. Keeping a close eye on the weather forecast the week leading up to the event, it appeared there would be a North wind during the event which means flying a right-to-left sequence. The winds were blowing from the NE and the West the days before the event. Fortunately, I belong to multiple RC Clubs with different runway orientations in NW Houston which enables me to take advantage of the different wind directions for practicing right-to-left sequences prior to the event. Feeling confident with the week's practice I charged batteries and packed the 2008 Honda Odyssey van Friday evening.

I arrived at Jetero at 9:30am set up camp and assembled the Hacker C54-powered BJ Craft Epilogue.  As a backup, I brought my Hacker C50-powered BJ Craft Invitation. Both planes are equipped with the D3 controller and Futaba 32MZ radio.  I shared my space with Mark Medonca and his beautiful CK Aero Allure.  We both enjoy building and finishing our models with custom color schemes.

The first round kicked off around 10:30am which is commonplace due to the sun's position. Four rounds were flown on Saturday in 10-12mph NE quartering winds.  I was successful in winning all four rounds.  The CD planned to fly just a single round on Sunday. Since two flight lines were being used,  combined with a close encounter with another pilot on Saturday,  I elected not to fly on Sunday and judge a round of FAI F and be a caller for fellow competitors.

Jetero 2023 Scores

The Epilogue continues to feel locked and performs flawlessly.  It handled the conditions with precision.  The smaller Canilsier wing I'm using has really tamed the rudder response down making top rudder application and line corrections more manageable and consistent.  I have a BJ Craft Anthem currently under construction. Based on reviews from several Antham owners it should perform equally as well if not better than the Epilogue.

Winter Practice

Caught a break in the weather today, and logged a few practice flights on the Epilogue plus a few on the Epic + at Bomberfield. The Epic was brought out after sitting in storage for many months cause it's been promised for sale to a good friend. Due to his busy schedule, we’ve not been able to get together. Today we met at Bomberfield, Monaville Tx to fly it to ensure it meets his expectations.

The Epic is equipped with digital Futaba gear, a Hacker C50 Comp 14xl in-runner, and a D3 controller spinning an APC Carbon 21x13.5.  This power configuration is outstanding and hard to beat in my opinion.  Throttle management and braking are easy due to the C50’s torque and the D3's responsiveness. The last 2m my buddy owned/flew was a Vanquish with a Hi-max outrunner with a Castle HV80. My buddy was very impressed with Epic’s overall flight performance compared to Vanquish. The flight characteristics and capabilities exceeded his expectations.

Hacker US

D3 motors

Canalizer Test Update (Epilogue)

The second smaller Canalizer purchased from AJ Aircraft for the 2m Acuity was configured and fitted to the Epilogue. I’ve logged 9 flights since last Saturday and like the Invitation tests, I am very pleased with the results. Unlike the Invitation, the Epilogue had no mix for knife-edge, the smaller canalizer did not impact knife-edge other than requiring a bit more thruput to sustain level horizontal knife-edge flight. But like the Invitation, it did improve input controllability of point and half rolls on 45-degree lines as well as the reverse knife-edge maneuver. Like the Invitation, there is a noticeable change for the better in elevator control when pulling/pushing radii.

Following the canalizer test with the Invitation, I reached out to BJ for his thoughts and input. He confirmed my results that a smaller canalizer reduces the rudder's overall effectiveness. BJ also commented his goal is to produce a design to meet the global demands of the F3A F and unknown sequences where rudder authority is needed. My test proved to me for AMA as well as FAI P-Sequence the smaller canalizer tames the rudder authority down but is still more than capable of performing rollers that have crept into AMA Masters as well as FAI P-sequences.

Epilogue Before

Epilogue After