Anthem First Flights

The maiden flight of the Anthem was flawless.  After reading other build threads, I had concerns the incidence configuration would be an issue.  A lot of time was spent ensuring I achieved the designer's suggested configuration. I was skeptical of the minimal down thrust molded into the nose ring relative to the positive wing incidence which was unlike other 2m planes I have owned and flown. Like the Invitation and Epilogue, the stab is not adjustable so I start with jigging the airplane into a static position so the stab incidence is zero.  Using the provided template, along with the predrilled holes in the fuse for the wing retainer pins and adjusters worked out just right like it did for the Invitation and Epilogue. The BJ Craft designer enables anyone to properly set wing incidence with simple tools and methods.

I'm using the same radio program values and setup used for the invitation and Epilogue.  The CG is currently set in the middle of the recommended range. The initial flight was spent trimming straight and level flight at cruise speed, then checking track on vertical plus 45-degree lines, knife edge, and snaps.  Afterwards, I made small adjustments to expo and throttle-to-elevator mix for down lines. The initial Madien flight went so well that I decided the next two flights to fly the current Masters' sequence (P-25).  Besides a few more tweaks needed to expo, overall throws and some CG position testing for 45-degree lines. I see a very short path of being competitive with the Anthem as I am with the Invitation and Epilogue. Wonder what new design is on BJ's drawing board now?

Invitation G2   

Epilogue        Jetero Results_2023     Jetero Results_2024

Anthem Underconstruction_1    Anthem Underconstruction_2    Anthem Underconstruction_3

Anthem Equipment List:

• Futaba 32MZ
• 7108RX FASST Multi Mode
• S-Bus servos
• Hacker C54
• Budd Engineering Soft Mount/Rear Support
• D3 Controller
• Thunder Power 10S 5000mah Prolites
• APC 22x13 Carbon
• Falcon Spinner
• PT Landing Gear & Pants
• MPI Wheels
• Central Hobbies Titanium Axles
• DIY Custom Tail Wheel
• Wings West Paint / Monokote

Competition Update - Jetero 2024

This past weekend the Jetero RC club held its annual pattern event, on June 1 and 2, 2024. This a wonderful facility which is well suited for a pattern event. The turnout of 19 is lower than in past years, which is indicative of current times.  In my opinion, lower turnouts are due to the diversity of the RC hobby, and those interested in pattern are aging out. This event is always well-run and supported by the club members.  Jetero's longtime CD John Forestieri is relocating out of state, however, he informed us a replacement CD plans to continue holding future events.

Being the Lone-Wolf in my area competing with Hacker in-runners I always get comments from other competitors about my power system. Positive comments about performance, curious comments about the sound it generates. Nevertheless, Hacker geared in-runners have served me well over the years.  When I transitioned in 2010 from YS to Power, I tried outrunners and Plettenberg non-geared in-runner and decided the Hacker in-runner was the best fit for me.

Regardless of class, most now use contra systems that carry the perception of magic powers that will improve scores.  It is rewarding to achieve top honors in a competitive AMA class of Masters with a single prop system over contra-powered aircraft where 5 out of 10 Masters competitors used contras this past weekend.

Equipment used this past weekend:

• Hacker C54, APC 22x13 carbon prop, TP 10S pro-lites batteries
• Debowski D3 controller @7.5 degrees
• Futaba 32MZ
• BJ Craft Epilogue

Epilogue internal

Practice at Scobee

Practice at SPARKS

Morning Practice @ SPARKS

Epilogue and Invitation

Arrival and unpacking at Jetero Saturday morning

Jetero Final Results