8 thoughts on “Surfimp’s VTPR Aerobatics Clinic”

1. Wow, that is one heck of a cool video I really enjoyed it a lot learned a lot hope to go back and replay so I can figure out the different types of moves like the Cuban others but there’re several I’ve never seen actually categorized that way I don’t fly often with other slopers so I’m not quite that familiar with all of these vTPR terms but the videos great at clarifying that. Is it really possible ti build a 17 oz LeFish from a LEG kit? I fly Weasle and Alulas a lot and would really really like to get a highly maneuverable plane like this. Thanks again for the excellent intro video. Great Stuff more later..

2. Yes Jim, it’s quite possible to build a sub-20oz Le Fish from the LEG kit, but you’ll need to make sure to request the ultralight version when ordering. Then check the How to Build a Swiss Fish thread on RCGroups for full details.

   Based on feedback received from this video, I’ll be doing more instructional pieces in the future. Thanks!

3. Hi Steve
   I loved the clinic video. I would love to see a video on setup and programming.
   I don’t know what a snap flap is?? But regardless of a that your passion and great flying have inspired me. I have ordered an FSD kit. I’m going to follow your advice that … “if I dont start. I won’t learn”. I have some slopes in mind already that I think will work for this type of flying. Thanks for all you do for the slope community.
   You inspire us all,
   Rubio

4. Aww shucks Rubio, thanks man! Snapflap means that, when you move the elevator, the ailerons move – together – either down (if you are pulling “up” elevator) or up (if you are pushing “down” elevator). What this does is increases the camber of the wing in the direction you are asking it to generate lift – which in turn, creates more lift, so long as you don’t use too much deflection.

   It’s safe to start with maybe 6-8mm of deflection and then increase/decrease from there. You kind of have to fiddle with it – if your plane starts going slow when you apply elevator (i.e. in a loop pull-up or banked turn), then you’ve got too much, but when you’ve got it “just right”, you’ll see it start to crank through turns and possibly even accelerate (the Wasabi can do this, for example).

   In the context of a dedicated aerobatics glider, you also need to do this, ideally, with an airfoil designed for snapflaps like the MG05, TP42, or (although not designed for them per se) the SB96V/VS combo.

   And yes, aerobatics is absolutely one of the very best ways to improve your flying in as fast a manner as possible. That’s why they were invented after all!! Partly to show off, sure, but mostly to teach pilots how to have total control of their airplane in any attitude.

   It is my pleasure and honor to participate in this wonderful hobby & sport. Thanks!

5. Hello Steve,
   Very interesting demonstration of VTPR, only problem: I can not understand everything in the commentary, you are too talkative! 😀
   All the initiatives that you can take to help apprentices VTPR are welcome.
   Cordialement, Gérard

6. Hi Steve,

   I’ve devoured everything I can find on the various Les Feesh and variants and I love watching the aerobatic flying. It would be good to see more clinic-type videos and I would also be interested in various different construction methods and materials.
   I am in the process of building a Fish out of corflute and depron. The fuse has a central 6mm corflute layer laminated with 2 x 6mm depron on either side. Stab and rudder are 6mm depron and the wing will be built up 3mm depron sheeting over 3mm depron ribs with a central 6mm depron spar. It will all be covered with laminating film. Who knows if it will fly, but I’m having fun with the construction!
   Keep up the good work, you are an inspiration!
   Geoff

7. Hi Geoff-

   Thank you for the nice words! I myself was inspired by the example of French pilots like Pierre Rondel, Benoit Paysant-Le Roux, Rémi Le Besque, Eric Poulain, François Cahour and many others, who took the time not only to make videos of their flying, but also to publish their plans as well as information about construction, setup and flying technique.

   Thanks to websites like Planet-Soaring, run by Pierre Rondel, and Jivaro-Models, run by Laurent Berlivet, and assisted by the aerodynamic research and resulting airfoils published by Serge Barth, Marcel Guwang and Thierry Platon, the worldwide slope aerobatics community now gets to reap the benefits of years of design and evolution!

   I try to do my own small part to help share the joy of this kind of flying, and make my own contribution to ensuring the next generation of designs and flying will be even more fun than today 🙂

   Anyways: your suggestion is good, and I have been thinking a fair amount about doing more of these types of instructional videos. Everyone has their own style, and way of doing things, but by sharing this information, we can really help newcomers get on their feet – and therefore, start contributing to moving our passion forward – more quickly. And of course that means we all get to benefit, ultimately!

   Good luck with your build, I hope it’s fun! Make a video and I’ll be stoked to watch it 🙂

   Steve

8. YES, yes, and yes. I’m really hoping to get some more tips on set up. Both for correct flying 4-axis, and installing servos/throw, etc. I know building is a kind of art, so any tips would be great here. Starting to read up on the lefish thread, lots of folks are so inventive, etc… Can you see this going as far as fast as it is without the internet to spread this info… awesome. And thanks for the website and wiki.