'The Fallen' - KO’d on Boxing Day! - 26/12/07

Having realised my lifetime dream and received a Radio Controlled Spitfire from Santa (aka my girlfriend). I managed to resist the temptation to fly on Christmas Day under the influence and waited instead until noon Boxing Day when calm winds and a morning spent reading the manual 2 or 3 times assured me I was ready.

With the missus in tow, we ventured out to the launch field whilst I advised her that my flying lesson last year and recent Hurricane experience on the Nintendo Wii would serve me well!!

By the time we arrived some younger kids flying those little RC Mosquito things were hogging the wide open low ground. Waiting patiently for 15 minutes I spent my time polishing my Ray Bans, remembering the tip about sunlight.

Finally it was my turn. I decided to launch from the higher ground (up wind) nearer some trees but facing towards the open lower ground. The wind was a breeze here but the ribbon test assured me all was well. With the throttle on full the launch went well but the speed of the Spit surprised me as it dived down towards the sprogs and their parents. I pitched up and round and was pleased to see the Spit react perfectly making a terrific sound as it banked to the left over their heads quickly rising to 100ft.

At least you have the good half of the wing – the one with the Servo!

Now with an audience of dog walkers and buzzing with adrenalin I turned in a complete circle but began to panic a little as the Spit continued to rise reaching some 150ft in front of me. As it came round a second time I pitched down but didn't like the angle and remembered the manual said to use throttle to control height so I levelled out and dropped the throttle. However, by now the Spit was almost level with me rather than in front and as I swivelled to the left to keep it in view a very large tree came into view - I reacted quickly to pitch up and attempt to fly over the tree.

The Spit did its best but some 100ft up connected with the top branch to my horror (and the observers' delight no doubt) coming initially to a dead stop before cartwheeling down through the branches and breaking into many pieces like confetti. One half of the wing remains at the top of the tree as a permanent mocking reminder of my disastrous and short lived maiden flight.

The missus turned up after the crash and wasn't too impressed when I opened the boot and revealed the new arrangement of her hard earned cash!!

I love the website, it's really good and The Fallen is very funny. I was really pleased to see how many others had had less success and I'm feeling much happier today.

P.S. The prop didn't survive - I've already put the spare on!

Cheers
Phil Green

A poignant reminder