Hi Gang! Today I wanted to share with you my experiences flying control line models. I've flown quite a few of them,including the larger ones, but by far and away the most excitement I got for my dollar was the Cox.049 planes!

 Cox "Thimble Drome" .049 planes came in quite a few varieties. The PT-19 trainer, the stuka dive bomber, the Corsair,the P-51 Mustang, the P-40 War Hawk, and the list goes on and on.

The most forgiving for first timers is the Cox PT-19. The reason being is the plane is put together with rubber bands and is designed to break apart on impact. This saves the planes parts from breakage. As long as you have a good supply of rubber bands, you can put her back together and keep flying.

 This works rather well, unless you had a really really bad crash,then some of the smaller parts would break off.

 Hopefully, I can give you a few pointers so that wont happen. First off, the wind is super important when control line flying. Try to plan a flying session on a windless,warm sunny day. The reason is you are flying in a circle and want to avoid having your model subject to cross winds that can blow your model into you, therby slacking your control lines. If you get slack in your control lines,you are in trouble. When you are flying, keep your lines tight. Whip your model around if you have to. Keep your airspeed up. Remember, with airspeed,you can get your plane out of trouble. With tight lines,you are in control of that plane! Always fly with a buddy. That way if something happens, your buddy can help you or go get help. Plus, it's more fun. Do not smoke,use drugs, or eat while on a control line flying outing. You shouldnt smoke or use drugs ever anyways. But, if you are smoking or drinking or using drugs, you could get disorientated and hurt someone with your model. Also, if you are eating food or drinking a coke or pepsi, you could get model glow fuel in your mouth. It's a poison and should be treated as such. Always use caution when starting your model plane. Keep your hands and fingers and feet away from that spinning propellor. It's spinning at over 10,000 rpms and the blade is SHARP! When you are the pilot,your buddy will start and relase your plane. YOU WILL FLY IT. Take turns. When you have flown,it is your buddie's turn to fly next and your turn to start and relase the aircraft. This is how even the large R/C aircraft are flown using the buddy system. READ the instructions that came with your model. They were written by modeling experts! Many have gone on to win contests and trophys. Some are even in the modeling magazines and are somewhat famous. Talk with other flyers. Get to know your hobby. It always helps to have a good understanding of what you are doing BEFORE you do it. Get help. Your Dad or Mom can help you, or maybe knows someone with some experience in flying these models. It is great fun, and you learn alot about engines and aircraft with these models. One other thing that is helpful, find a smoothe area to fly your control liners on. A play ground at a nearby school works really well. Asphalt or concrete makes the best surface. Allow plenty od room to fly your model in .Walk around the circle with your plane hooked up to see if you have a good circle with no obstructions. Tie your line tightly to your bellcrank. Make sure the lines are even and that you have the same amount of up control as you do down control. With your control line handle centered, you should have your elevator tail surface in the middle also. Make sure you bring rags to the field so you can wipe down your model when excess fuel gets on it. Keep your starting area clean and free of unwanted trash or debris. Your fuel can,tools and fuel blulb as your battery and glow clip should be well out of the way when you fly your model. At least three feet out of the circle. Always start down wind and take off upwind. Make a full circle on the ground first before you lift off. This will give you some airspeed. When the model quits you will glide your model down gently for a landing and set her down with a three point landing. this is the two front wheels and the tail wheel. Good Luck flying and stay safe! Mike Daniels