Confused by Flite Test’s direction

[Spitfire76]

I just saw the video for the new FT Tutor, and I went onto the store and bought it. Then it occurred to me that there is not a build video yet. Does anyone know if FT will still be doing these? I'm pretty sure I can build the tutor without a video, as I've done several SBK's before and even 2 that I built from the plans. But I do like those videos.

On their latest podcast (#216) they did mention a Tutor community build to take place next month so maybe they will use that as the build video. They also mentioned that the plans will be released in December to FTCA members with a paid subscription so looks like I'll have to wait a bit for my FT Tutor as I prefer to scratch build.

 

[leaded50]

its quite typical for shops selling stuff, if are in this hobby, or any other products to "cry out" over the contest they need take against pricetags on web-sellers. and contenders have. Instead of taking necessary steps more in what they can do, to attract customers. Shops do need too think it over, do necessary changes to develope in their "own niche". And ideas mentioned in here is quite good to do it..

That FT needed try go other routes, wasnt any surprise. Free stuff is great for a consumer, and to build customers.... but to a cost. Sometimes heavy. Specially this days when info flows at the web on "warp-speed". And when you know FT did maked a niche with its products, others would try earn on it. The way now, with the subscribtion with a small fee on the FTCA, who gives you access to free stuff, and also to help the hobby promoting, aaand can be more controlled on "stealers" , is one way that functions. Anyone can still steal, but easier to get scammers stopped by laws. And anyway many falls off, just when they know they need pay a fee, and will be registered.

Why the cry for missing free stuff, as also the newer J.O master build planes? Still, free stuff is to get by FT, and its hundreds, even thousands of buildplans out there. Yeah, perhaps more for balsabuilds than foam, but its just to learn how to build, how to change plans to fit use of foam. In fact its more about dare to try do it, and not be afraid if misses, anyway its just a few buck of foam that get scrapped.
J.O´s masterbuilds seems not gonna be free plans on, well, thats his choice, and i suppose he does what he needs to cut his costs on investments to develope his builds, that anyone ells would done too. Its a big difference in having fun hobbywise build a few planes now and then, and to make a proffesional setup with "industrial" capability eg.
He have shared great build for free through FT, he have shown community of foambuilders a way to get a more realistic shaped planes by Master-Build technique, thats something to applaud, and gonna stay there for everyone to enjoy and trigger their own creativity..... not something to "cry over".
By building a little, eg. of the masterbuild style planes, its possible to make any plane in same ways, if try to understand also how and why parts are made like that. Same by the FT easier builds types. We can see it on the forum close to everyday on how members develope their ideas, and share them. Look a little past just a ready plan.

 

[SP0NZ]

I just saw the video for the new FT Tutor, and I went onto the store and bought it. Then it occurred to me that there is not a build video yet. Does anyone know if FT will still be doing these? I'm pretty sure I can build the tutor without a video, as I've done several SBK's before and even 2 that I built from the plans. But I do like those videos.

The FT Tutor build video should be dropping on the Tech channel very soon. I believe they are putting the finishing touches on the edit now. It should be available by the time people start receiving the shipped kits from the store.

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

Well my biggest take on molded foam name brand vs FT / Jon Overstreet is The FT team will cut you a kit at any times. With the molded foam once they get done to run and the spares sell out the corporate run guys will be like too bad so sad buy one of our new models that will be obsolete as well in two years. then you factor in shipping spares when you crash as well as wait time to get back in the air when an FT part can be cut and replaced in under an hour or two depending on what model and how bad the damage is. THAT is where the cost savings is biggest.

Sorry but must disagree with you on this one, I have repaired several foam models even fabricated my own parts by laminating foamboard (minus the paper). One example was my Hobby King AXN floater which ripped most of my fuselage to pieces when the motor came loose. I also repaired the wing where it caught a wire fence. Cowls and canopies can be fabricated to from plastic soda bottles or even thin plywood, 3D printing has also helped with those awkward components.
I had to repair my son's Bixler 3 on several occasions due to a faulty ESC that kept failing mid flight (it took a few flights to trace the fault), at least 3 of the crashes where from over 200ft up, but its back in one piece and flies great. Hot water and steam work wonders on crinkled foam. Yes I know it may take a bit longer than repairing an FT plane, lets face it they are pretty basic after all.
You should check out some of the repairs Bill carries out on crashed foam models, on the Xjet channel (You tube). He rebuilds foam models that some people would just strip for parts and throw the rest in the bin.
In the old days we only had balsa and you had to build your own models, so you quickly became good at repairs too. Working with foam isn't bad its just another medium. Lets face it, if you spend £100 or more on a foam plane that's crashed your going to repair it. It just takes a little time, patience and the right adhesives .

 

[PsyBorg]

Sorry but must disagree with you on this one, I have repaired several foam models even fabricated my own parts by laminating foamboard (minus the paper). One example was my Hobby King AXN floater which ripped most of my fuselage to pieces when the motor came loose. I also repaired the wing where it caught a wire fence. Cowls and canopies can be fabricated to from plastic soda bottles or even thin plywood, 3D printing has also helped with those awkward components.
I had to repair my son's Bixler 3 on several occasions due to a faulty ESC that kept failing mid flight (it took a few flights to trace the fault), at least 3 of the crashes where from over 200ft up, but its back in one piece and flies great. Hot water and steam work wonders on crinkled foam. Yes I know it may take a bit longer than repairing an FT plane, lets face it they are pretty basic after all.
You should check out some of the repairs Bill carries out on crashed foam models, on the Xjet channel (You tube). He rebuilds foam models that some people would just strip for parts and throw the rest in the bin.
In the old days we only had balsa and you had to build your own models, so you quickly became good at repairs too. Working with foam isn't bad its just another medium. Lets face it, if you spend £100 or more on a foam plane that's crashed your going to repair it. It just takes a little time, patience and the right adhesives .

Yes thats great if you have decades of experience in the hobby.. the ones complaining about price and "Free" in most cases have not. Their experience or ability to repair stuff is limited. They weren't raised like us old timers having to actually take care of our things and learn how to be jack of all trades type people to keep it all in working order.

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

I can't help but see a comment like this and recognize it for the ignorance that it is.

And by ignorance, I am hoping that it is only because you are speaking without the benefit of knowledge.

Here's what I mean by ignorance.

You're on a forum that costs money, and yet you're getting to use it for free.

You watch a show that costs money to create, and you get it for free.

The forum still hosts all the original plans that are the result of employees designing, prototyping, and drawing plans, which equals hours of paid labor, which is available to you for free.

The online store which I am guessing people do want, costs money to maintain.

The staff required to build, package, and ship the products aren't working for free.

The buildings, and equipment, weren't donated, the utilities need to be paid, all of this is an expense, and without any of it, there would be no show. Again, a show you get to watch for free.

Flite Test formed the FTCA to fight for our rights to fly, and whether you join or not, they're still working to protect the hobby, so you get that benefit for free.

Flite Test is working with STEM programs to get the hobby into schools, to get more people into the hobby, and with that, increasing the power of our voice in Washington. In addition to that, the more people flying, the more people buying products, the more incentive there is for businesses to create new products for us (and yes, this is commercialism)... and you're getting all of that for free.


Hell yeah they need to make money to pay wages. You have this giant wealth of resources available to you for free. And because so much of it has been given to you for free, it's easy for you to be ungrateful, and tell us how you think Josh Bixler, and the rest of the Flite Test team is all about commercialism. Don't tell us that you're "grateful" then spit in the face of the people who have worked so hard to provide you for what you take for granted.


But other than that, I have no strong feelings on the subject.

I don't want to get into one of those debates again, so I will just say a few words and leave it at that.
I am pretty sure I started my post by saying that I was very grateful to Flite Test for getting me back into the hobby. I have nothing but praise for what they have done for myself and others by promoting the hobby and giving us born again RC geeks a new lease of life with foamboard.
I am certainly not ignorant of the fact that companies need to make money, I am not that naïve and the larger they grow the bigger the overheads etc
My only sadness is that the original Flite Test format that I use to watch on You Tube has changed, that was my comment. Whether that is due to commercial impacts, marketing strategies or purely down to financial constraints.

The only people who benefit from STEM programs are kids in the USA and the FTCA does not fight for our rights around the rest of the world, only those impacted by Washington's legislation again no benefit.

I am very grateful for the free plans I have gained over the years. I made a point of saying that in my posting. I also enjoy the use of the forum although it costs to run a forum I have never been charged for being on one, but I will show humility and say thanks Flite Test for letting me use it for free.

AS Forest Gump use to quote: That's all I have to say about that !

 

[leaded50]

Yes thats great if you have decades of experience in the hobby.. the ones complaining about price and "Free" in most cases have not. Their experience or ability to repair stuff is limited. They weren't raised like us old timers having to actually take care of our things and learn how to be jack of all trades type people to keep it all in working order.

...or tried learn how to fix. Or take time doing it..
;-)
Most "inexperienced" builders also dont "see the whole thing" and are afraid somethings get wrong, and wanna just follow fully guidelines, to ensure in hope it gets correct. If doing scratch, perhaps it gets "ruined" in the mind...
Many today dont/ have not learned how to cope with a problem, to find solutions. (older, or young)

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

I wouldn’t say that was “SOOOO off the mark”. He hit it pretty close to be in center in fact. You’re right that FTCA members (like myself) will occasionally get free plans, but none of them will be the master series plans since they belong to John. And @TheFlyingBrit is by no means one of those “free plans” guys, he’s one of the more reasonable guys on here and most of what he said was very true.

Thank you sir I appreciate the comment

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

Yes thats great if you have decades of experience in the hobby.. the ones complaining about price and "Free" in most cases have not. Their experience or ability to repair stuff is limited. They weren't raised like us old timers having to actually take care of our things and learn how to be jack of all trades type people to keep it all in working order.

Well my good man I have at least 6 decades of experience to look back on and if I can impart any advice to anyone from that wealth of sorry knowledge I am more than happy to oblige.

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

Found the images of my repair to the AXN floater.

I can't find the last picture with the finished repair and paint touch up but you get the idea. The repair was carried out with sections of scrap 5mm foamboard with the paper removed, using a foam safe adhesive. I got the shape back by simply sanding it to the required shape.

 

[rcbigtirepilot]

In the old days we only had balsa and you had to build your own models, so you quickly became good at repairs too.

thats why I'm going to try out balsa for a while, they're built to last

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

Found the AXN wing repair photos too. I was coming in too tight on one of my landings and hit a wire on a fence which dug into the wing, sorry no picture of the damaged wing before the section was removed.
1. Damaged wing section cut out

2. repair section made from laminating scrap foam to make a block.

3. repair section glued in place.

4. sand back to the profile of the wing.

5. paint to cover up the repair replace image on the opposite wing to give symmetry to the design.

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

A good tip here place fiber reinforced tape on your leading edge of foam models, it avoids damage like this.

 

[PsyBorg]

The only people who benefit from STEM programs are kids in the USA and the FTCA does not fight for our rights around the rest of the world, only those impacted by Washington's legislation again no benefit.

Bruh... Come on.. yer diggin a hole here...

Who do you think the rest of the world is basing their regulations on? FTCA is open to ANYONE around the world to promote the same benefits for everyone. I agree that it is mainly in the US but everything has to start somewhere and grow from that base. Most countries are going with the USA lead regarding our hobby and regulation. You can not honestly say there is no benefit outside the US.

As far as STEM I am pretty sure ANYONE in any country could apply for and take advantage of the FT STEM program. STEM is not by any means exclusive to the US. Certain countries will have regulations on outsiders involvement in their education system but that's on them. STEM is based on everyone's education to further aviation in general as these kids grow up and hopefully migrate to jobs in aviation.

Take some time and look into the things you are speaking about. It would cause far less drama for everyone.

 

[leaded50]

US is not exactly a lead, Europa have got its legalization rules implemented in most countrys, but yes, pretty much many similaritys as US

 

[Rhaps]

US is not exactly a lead, Europa have got its legalization rules implemented in most countrys, but yes, pretty much many similaritys as US

It seems to be more or less international effort: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulation_of_unmanned_aerial_vehicles
From the article you can could make an argument that rest of the world is basing their drone regulation on France

 

[TheFlyingBrit]

I swore I wouldn't get drawn into one of these again, so I will try to keep the reply factual.
We became regulated 2 years ago in the UK, so I am no stranger to the controls imposed on our hobby by the government. I am required to take and pass an on-line test every 3 years and pay a registration fee each year for the priviledge. This gives me ID's to be carried with me and attached to all my model's over 25grams. Every 3 yrs I am required to re-take the test through the civil aviation authorities (CAA) web site and register.
I am also required by law to carry my Operator's ID and Flyer ID with me whenever I fly, if challenged by the police I am expected to produce these ID's to prove I am legally entitle to fly.
On top of this, my club requires as part of my membership that I join the British Model Flying Association (BMFA), who provide me with insurance and further registration which costs me £38 a year. Combined with my club fees which where £85 last year it starts to get expensive just to fly.
So as you see we are all ready experiencing increased controls measures here, which I might add was brought about by criminals operating drones in restricted air space (ie airports) and around prisons, delivering contraband to inmates. As usual its too much trouble to target the offenders, instead they bring in a blanket control measure incorporating everyone who fly's model aircraft, with the exception of sub 250 gram models (toys) and control line planes.
Regards STEM unfortunately both my kids are grown up so couldn't ask them, so asked my grand kids if they had heard of STEM. One asked if it was to do with biological study of genetic stem cells (smart kid), the other hadn't a clue what I was on about. I am sure if schools in the UK where aware that they are eligible to join the Flite Test STEM program and benefit kids education they would jump at the opportunity to further kids knowledge of aviation. However, I think you will find my friend that in reality the program ends at the shores of the Atlantic .

As for digging holes I leave that to my wife, she's the gardener and my son's dog, she digs a mean hole.

 

[PsyBorg]

It seems to be more or less international effort: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regulation_of_unmanned_aerial_vehicles
From the article you can could make an argument that rest of the world is basing their drone regulation on France

Might wanna reread that article mate...

The start was in 2011 in the United Nations. The regulation started out based on guidelines that the AMA promotes since their inception and the RC flight hobby has self imposed and enforced since the what like the 1940's? So yeah France was ONE of the first to adopt policy regarding "Drones" (I so hate that word attached to what we do) but far from the first or even relevant in many of the adopted guidelines mutated into laws. Most of the countries didn't get on the regulation bus until after the Grubment gave the F.A.A. authorization to restructure everything. THAT is when most countries jumped on the bus adopting many of the rules here. heck some of you haven't even had an altitude limit imposed until recent years ALL based off AMA 400 ft rule.

As far as STEM some of you must be living under a rock. It was started in the US but adopted by MANY countries all over the world. Heck we are not even the highest ranked (7th highest) for use of the programs with the UK actually rated significantly higher (6th world wide) for percentage of STEM based graduates.

 

[FlyingMonkey]

I don't want to get into one of those debates again, so I will just say a few words and leave it at that.

Awesome, that means I can make a reply, and you won't argue it.

I am pretty sure I started my post by saying that I was very grateful to Flite Test for getting me back into the hobby.

Yup, I can agree with you that you did. And you followed it with an impressively ungrateful sounding comment. So unfortunately it was like someone saying "no offense" and following it with something offensive, and then getting upset if the person was offended, because how dare they, you used the "no offense" clause.

I am certainly not ignorant of the fact that companies need to make money, I am not that naïve and the larger they grow the bigger the overheads etc

Except, that's not what you expressed. You said...

However, I can sympathise with you as your right Flite Test have changed direction, sadly that's part of commercialisation. Its all about making money, paying wages and keeping sponsors happy.

You're saying that the only thing FT cares about is the money side of things, which is clearly not the case. I can't think of a much more disrespectful way to tell Josh and the gang that you "are grateful" than with a comment like the one you made.

My only sadness is that the original Flite Test format that I use to watch on You Tube has changed, that was my comment. Whether that is due to commercial impacts, marketing strategies or purely down to financial constraints.

This falls into the "well duh" category. Just like with any media, when the person who writes and directs leaves, the show is going to change. There's been plenty of shows that I enjoyed several seasons of, then either there was a staff change, or creative brownout caused the show to take a direction that lost my interest because it wasn't the show I got interested in. It's just something that happens.

Yeah, Flite Test the show has seen some major changes in format. It's a matter of creative differences. Chad Kapper is a director. And as such he created a show that was, if not scripted, very plotted. Not only that, the original show was all about marketing and sponsorship. So when people try claiming that FT "went commercial" or "sold out" I have to laugh. They started out commercial! Chad created a marketing tool, filled with product placement and went almost immediately to being a full time Hobby King advertiser. I've been part of this long enough to watch the pendulum of complaints about "selling out" make several cycles.

I'm not sure who is in charge of creative direction now, but whoever it is, they have taken the direction of big projects, group participation, and showing that the participants are having lots of fun.

The only people who benefit from STEM programs are kids in the USA and the FTCA does not fight for our rights around the rest of the world, only those impacted by Washington's legislation again no benefit.

Let's pretend I agree with this, I don't, I very much don't. But if I did, I'd follow it with, so what? How dare FT be so selfish as to only put together a program that can merely benefits children across the entire country? That is helping to ensure that the hobby will have another generation, and one bigger than the ones before it? Darn them!

And you and I both know that often what legislation the US puts into place, other countries are likely to follow. So, the better the FTCA does in fighting regulations here in the USA, the better you stand in your own country. So, you get all that benefit, without the price of FTCA membership. You're welcome.

I am very grateful for the free plans I have gained over the years. I made a point of saying that in my posting. I also enjoy the use of the forum although it costs to run a forum I have never been charged for being on one, but I will show humility and say thanks Flite Test for letting me use it for free.

AS Forest Gump use to quote: That's all I have to say about that !

Recognition of the benefits we receive from Flite Test at much cost to them, and little to no cost to us seems like a good place to conclude this.

 

[Monte.C]

Dude, as staff/administration, part of your job is to specifically not fuel controversy or maintain arguments, at least not in public. You're here to help make this forum a better place, not dirty it. Please do your job.