What better way to celebrate Independence Day (and a day off) than a day with your father, building and flying your new R/C models? I can't think of anything.

 First, the GWS Slow Stick. Coming together in about 3 hours, the Slow Stick is quite a steal, being that the kit was only 20 bucks, and the rest of the parts couldn't have totaled more than $30. After some tweaking of a warped wing, and discovering that it really, really doesn't like any wind at all, the Slow Stick was a pleasure to fly. It basically floats through the air like a cotton ball with a prop, and though surprisingly tricky to control, is a blast. Should be great fun tomorrow, and I hope to grab some good video.

The Honey Bee (a helicopter) was a much different story, however. Let's say this much - in about 3 minutes of flight total, I had about 17 crashes, three which required minor repairs.

Nothing, absolutely nothing, can prepare you for the devilish challenge that is flying your first R/C helicopter. Neither carefully constructed practice sessions on a simulator nor prayer to the diety or dieties you worship, or even just plain begging for mercy can rescue you from the inevitable crash and burn, that painful thwup-thwupping of the rotor blades eating grass as they wreak unpredictable havok on the plastic parts within. Remember - chop your throttle when (yes, when) you hit the dirt. All that being said, I managed a few successful - precarious - hovers and since she lives to see another day (as none of the crashes were "fatal") I'm looking forward to the next nervewracking liftoff. I'll try to get some video when I can actually keep it airborne for more than 5 seconds.
 
I'm also greatly anticipating tomorrow's festivities - got my fingers crossed that the weather plays out.