In a message dated 1/29/08 8:43:41 PM Pacific Standard Time,
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
Why has every tree strike I've had end up with my prized glider coming
stalling straight down on a wing tip. Go figure.
Maybe 10 years ago, while flying an SC2 contest at El Dorado park in Long
Beach, a large (maybe 120 ft) Eucalyptus tree grabbed my Mako as it passed by
on the way home. The tree was located on the edge of an abandoned Navy
housing area, but was accessible through a nearby parking lot. As I remember
Arthur, Bren Lugo and I, armed with a sling shot, golf ball and some line
(donated
by someone whose name I cannot remember), made our way to the base of the
tree. The model was at least 90 feet in the tree, but was clearly visible.
We
each made numerous attempts with the slingshot to place the golf ball
(pulling the line) over the model. All to no avail. The model was too high
to
reach. We abandoned the effort.
The next day I revisited the site and saw that the model had "stepped"
down the tree by about 20 or so feet over night. I carefully laid out the
line to provide as little drag as possible, pulled the slingshot waaay back
and
launched a perfect strike. The ball, pulling the line, settled over the wing
root next to the fuse. A gentle tug released the model from the tree and it
started a vertical descent.
My first thought was to step into its path and catch it. My second
thought was to step out of the way to avoid being injured. The model
descended
rapidly accelerating as it traveled. Of course the battery was dead so I had
no control. At about 20 feet it pulled out of the dive, flew down the
abandoned street, over the first house on the right, made a left turn and was
headed directly back to me. I was mesmerized by the scene and could not move.
The model settled to the ground in the cul de sac and slid to the curb by my
feet!
A great end to a bad beginning, but who would believe the story? You?
The model flew again the next day.
Don Richmond
San Diego, CA
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
www.hilaunch.com
**************Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape.
http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489
