quique somenzini - horizon hobby - radio control r/c planes, rc

Flying, Driving or Boating, Horizon Hobby brands deliver RC excitement that’s second to none.

This is Serious Fun™.

Find them all at your favorite hobby store or go to www.horizonhobby.com/storelocatorview

to find a retailer near you.

Learn to Fly Quicker with Virtual Instructor

The Bind-N-Fly Possibilities

Quique SomenziniThe Pursuit of Precision

Cutting-EdgeBlade Team

Radio Control Passion and Lifestyle| FALL | 2012 |

ContentspegaSuS HobbieS

specializing in everything

We’re Listening. Let's taLk.

Send us your feedback at: [email protected]

Inside Attitude

Wow! 20,000! That’s how

many people showed up at

Sanford Seacoast Regional

Airport in Maine for our first Horizon

US Airmeet. Airmeet was conceived

four years ago by our colleagues at

Horizon Hobby Germany. Their idea was

to bring together the best RC pilots and

products with full-scale airshow acts in

a festival-like atmosphere the general

public could enjoy.

It worked. The annual event has quickly

grown into one of Europe’s premier RC

attractions. This year we decided to bring

Airmeet to the US, and judging by the

enthusiastic response from the public,

it’s destined to become a hit here as well.

Just check out the Airmeet wrap-up in

this issue. You’ll see exactly what I’m

talking about.

If you missed Airmeet, we hope you’ll have the

chance to come visit us at this year’s iHobby Expo in

Cleveland. We’ll have plenty of exciting new releases

on hand, and you’ll be able to see them all during the

consumer days of the show, October 13 and 14. Even

if you can’t make that, I’m sure there will be regular

posts on our Facebook page from the show floor, so

“like” us if you haven’t already.

It’s been a big year and the best is yet to come.

Between these events and all of the innovative new

products we have in the pipeline, the RC hobby is

building a lot of momentum. It’s going to be a fun

ride. Thanks for coming along.

Until next time,

Joe

Innovative electronics inside the Firebird

Stratos not only make teaching yourself to fly

fun and easy, it means that even during your

first solo flight you’re never alone.

04 - Virtual instructor

The exhilaration of driving a fast (eh-hem, I

mean really fast!) RC boat is addicting. Just

open the box and make a splash.

30 - make some Waves

The Blade helicopter team has the experience

to make big ideas fly off the bench. The result

is a bold blend of cutting-edge technology

and revolutionary performance.

12 - blade – expert

Just one Spektrum™ transmitter is like having

the keys to a hangar full of critically acclaimed

RC aircraft at your fingertips. Wherever you

want to fly, there’s a perfect BNF aircraft

for you.

36 - bnF – advantage

Tim Stadler uses the sky as his canvas to

make a big impression at air shows around

the world. Find out what makes his solo

and team performances brilliant.

34 - aerial – artist

“ it's been a big year and

the best is yet to come. ”

Quique Somenzini is an RC Aerobatics

World Champion who knows that really

great airplanes, no matter what the size, have

one thing in common.

10 - Pursuit – Precision

2 | Horizon Attitude | Fall 2012

04 10

12 30

34 36

Page 38

T he HobbyZone® Firebird Stratos™ air-

plane is beautiful and sophisticated

looking like it’s designed for an ex-

perienced RC pilot. Yet surprisingly it’s totally

meant for the person who’s never had any expe-

rience flying. Overflowing with innovative fea-

tures, what truly makes this trainer an achieve-

ment are the electronics developed that make

learning to fly remarkably easier and more fun.

It’s Now Easier than Ever to Become an RC Pilot

Virtual Instructor™ technology is a brand new concept in RC flight

electronics, and it’s a standard feature of the Firebird Stratos. It

works automatically, and even though the feature can’t talk like a

real expert RC instructor, what it does can be seen in the air and felt

by the pilot as if such a person were standing right next to you. And

just like a real instructor, it not only helps prevent a lot of the mistakes

common to beginners, at the same time it allows the pilot to learn

from those mistakes safely. It even helps fly the model in a steady

manner, which gives the pilot time to learn control and feel more

at ease resulting in a flight experience that’s more fun – not scary.

Overall, Virtual Instructor technology helps prevent a crash. But

it’s a benefit that makes it easier than ever to become an RC pilot. If

you’ve always dreamed of flight, then the HobbyZone Firebird Stratos

airplane and Virtual Instructor technology can get you flying fast.

MY FAVORITE FIREBIRD // STRATOS FEATURES

virtual virtues oF

instructor

STRATOShobbyzone Firebird

» Easy to learn how to fly because modern electronics help me take off, turn and land better

and safer even in difficult outdoor conditions.

» Long flying time on one battery charge even after multiple takeoffs and landings, so I can

concentrate on building my skills.

» A really tough airplane with durable design touches like its rubber nose and breakaway wing

that help my airplane survive multiple crashes.

» If I ever lose orientation, the auto wing leveling system helps return my wings to level

flight by simply letting go of the sticks.

Eric’s only experience flying used to be just daydreams and video games.

“sure i was nervous. but the shakes flew away almost instantly, and I just enjoyed the flight.”

visit HobbyZone.com for more information and to watch Eric’s first flight.

FligHt ASSiStAnCe

If you ever get disoriented

or encounter air turbulence

during flight, Virtual

Instructor technology

will help keep the

wings level.

1

tuRning ASSiStAnCe

To prevent tight turns and

steep dives, Virtual Instructor

technology helps keep the

aircraft stable while you

bank the wings.

2

lAnDing ASSiStAnCe

To make learning to land

more comfortable, Virtual

Instructor technology helps

keep your wings level and

your descent to

landing smooth.

3


ruLe the screen and the sky

aLWays cLear For takeoFFPhoenIx R/C PRo SImulatoR V4.0

The Phoenix Professional RC Flight Simulation 4 delivers

stunning graphics and incredibly realistic physics to your

home computer, so that you can grab some flight time

anytime. Its revolutionary InfinityScape 3D landscape

generator lets you fly beyond the horizon over beautiful,

ever-changing terrain that you create and control. There are

hundreds of aircraft to fly – including accurately modeled

aircraft from brands HobbyZone®, ParkZone®, e-flite®, Hangar

9®, Blade®, and JR® Heli brands. And the Phoenix virtual hangar

is constantly expanding with free aircraft, flying sites and

feature downloads. You also have the option of flying online

with friends and instructors or with three unique aI flying

buddies that demonstrate proper techniques while they

fly with you.

spektrum transmitters

If you want the best transmitter for your

aircraft, the Phoenix Professional RC Flight

Simulator V4.0 is available with a functional

Spektrum™ DSmx® Dx5e transmitter. You can

also get Phoenix V4.0 with just the software

and USB cable, which is compatible with a

number of transmitters such as Spektrum

Dx18 / Dx8 / Dx6i.

With ExcLusivE inFinityscApE 3D lanDSCaPe geneRatoR

Phoenix V4.0 sim is packaged two ways.

Try Phoenix V4.0 on your own computer.

visit: phoenix-sim.com

Phoenix is fully optimized so you don’t need a cutting-edge computer to enjoy all of the features and functionality.

Spektrum DX4e/DX6i/ DX7s/DX8/DX18

The following transmitters also

work directly without an adapter:

must-have items For your Flying eXperience PRODuCtSIn THE AIR


FREE DEMO

PARkZOnE HABU 2The ParkZone® habu 2 eDF jet is a full-throttle thriller that’s

a blast to fly at any speed. at the heart of its exhilarating

performance is the phenomenal power of an e-flite® Bl 15 DF

3200Kv brushless motor mated to an e-flite Delta-V® 15 ducted

fan. When it comes time to throttle back and enter the pattern,

the wide flight envelope and forgiving slow speed handling

of the habu 2 will reward anyone used to flying faster sport

planes with picture perfect landings. For the ultimate sport jet

experience, add the optional flaps and e-flite electric retracts

(eFlg110 - sold separately). the habu 2 has been designed to

make installing these options quick and easy, and its Spektrum™

aR600 receiver has all the channels you’ll need.

PARkZOnE CORSAIRFew fighters in the Pacific

theater of World War II were

as feared or loved as the

F4U Corsair. The ParkZone®

F4u-1a Corsair park flyer is a

fitting tribute to this warbird

icon that’s powered for spirited

aerobatics. You can customize the

look by applying the extra set of decals

and bolting on the drop tanks. For a

truly spectacular Corsair experience,

add the optional flaps and retracts.

thE GEntLE GiAnthangaR 9 PAWnEE This big, beautiful recreation of the famous

Piper ag workhorse may look imposing, but it’s

really a pushover. And, like the full-scale Pawnee,

it’s one of the tamest tail draggers you’ll ever

have the joy of flying. If you’ve always wanted

a giant-Scale plane but were daunted by the

complexity or performance, this easy-going

80cc aRF is for you.

you are air shoW

center

Easy ToAssemble

ICONIC

Warbird

no better Friend. no greater Foe.

must-have items For your Flying eXperience PRODuCtSIn THE AIR


“As my skills grew, the concept of precision became the soul foundation of my flying style. The rewards were that obvious. A well-built airplane with accurate controls and intelligent design helped me win, and gave me the freedom to explore untapped lev-els of performance that we know today as 3D. No matter what the airplane type, precision is how the airplane responds to pilot in-put. Response to pilot command that happens at the right time with the correct amount and in a clean way is what precision deliv-ers. A sloppy airplane just can’t offer anything close to the same level of satisfaction. “To get precision from every de-sign, every aspect of the aircraft matters. From the construction material to electronics, from the manufacturing processes to the finish, precision is linked to ev-erything you see on the surface to everything buried into the chip coding of the electronics. And when the right ’goodie‘ isn’t avail-able, I look back on my roots and design the right solution myself. It’s more work, but if I settle, the pi-lots can’t get the needed support they need to enhance their skill. “Simply put, precision offers the best flying experience, which makes flying more enjoyable!”

perf

orm

an

ce

mat

ters

A relentless pursuit of precision reaps rewards no matter what the scale

When inspiration strikes, the moment needs to be securely harnessed, amply supplied and properly caffeinated. Sure, a lot of ideas might look rough in the beginning, but when the mix is right, form follows function and the idea evolves into ballet, calligraphy and poetry all rolled into one. Some say it’s art, some say it’s a gift, while one person will tell you that the priority is to never let precision be compromised no matter the project.

Quique Somenzini is driven by the application of precision in everything he’s ever done with a model aircraft. His designs have taken him to championships around the globe and helped him bring home the gold from just about every RC aerobatic event ever invented. In fact, his creativity with model aircraft maneuverability has coined him the father of 3D aerobatics – which is the pinnacle form of extreme agility desired by anyone who wants high performance from an aircraft. Today, Horizon Hobby is proud to have Quique Somenzini as the Drector of New Product Development.

When we talked with Quique recently, it was exciting to learn that everything he has developed included the same diligence toward precision, from trainers and sport models to ultra micros and Giant-Scale airplanes.

HA: Your Hangar 9 Beast 100cc is an amazing airplane. What was your inspiration?

QS: “The Beast began as a col-laboration with Kevin Kimball and the impeccably built full-scale Pitts Model 12 he offered clients through Kimball Enter-prises. I’ve always been attracted to biplanes, and the Model 12 especially appealed to me for its aggressive looks, which in-cluded the right balance of both modern and classic style. Our first project, called the Python, got the attention of Bryan Jensen, who wanted to form a ‘Beauty and the Beast’ duo flight team with his girlfriend Christine ’CC‘ Gerner. Hence the name of the new biplane, which went on to set a new standard in per-formance at air shows around the country. After working with Kevin so closely, scaling down ‘The Beast’ for the 100cc gas RC engine was easy and only required minor enhancements. “I cannot think of a stronger inspiration for an RC designer than to work in full scale.”

HA: How does the much smaller E-flite UMX Beast 3D compare to the 100cc version of the famous aircraft?

QS: “The first generation E-flite UMX Beast (without AS3X) shook the hobby and was the first ultra micro to come stan-dard with a powerful brush-less motor system. It delivered everything an RC aerobatic pilot could want in a performance RC model. The reward of precision offered in this case is an airplane

that flies a lot like the Giant-Scale model, but is convenient for the local park or a quick flight after lunch. The UMX Beast 3D, with the Horizon Hobby-developed AS3X System, unleashed a whole new level of performance in the biplane design. Not only did the little biplane become more precise, it also expanded its maneuverability envelope, and at the same time made it more stable at slower speeds. And like the bigger Beast, it’s rock solid in mild wind. I think the combination of aircraft design and the AS3X System technology makes this ‘little’ airplane a real giant in the RC industry.”

HA: You must be working on some exciting new projects. Can you tell us anything?

QS: “Ha, ha. Nice try, but I really can’t share that secret with you. But I can say that the future looks great, and our team is re-ally excited. The designs coming next include levels of innovation like those we now enjoy because of the Beast project, so stay tuned. Our goal is to keep mov-ing the bar up and do our best to support our customers, so they can experience the precision that makes RC flight more fun.”

HA: Thank you for taking the time to share your expertise with us. Your model designs seem to be engineered with the goal of offering the greatest RC experience possible. What’s your secret?

QS: “There really is no secret! When competitive flying was my only interest, I did not want to share too many secrets, but things are different now that I’m working with Horizon Hobby. I want to share what I’ve learned so that more people can enjoy the passion for precision, which I believe is a very important concept of flight. “Experience and necessity have taught me to think outside of the box. In Argentina, I always flew scratch-built designs, and my dad built my very first plane. We flew a lot together, and he inspired me to fly at every aerobatic competition using my own scratch-built design. And building from scratch was really our only option – the ‘goodies’ available in the States weren’t available, and sometimes the challenges we faced were great. But the extra work forced us to think harder and develop skills I really appreciate today. The air-craft we built included unique solutions that I think surprised a lot of people, which was a reward in itself.

Quique Somenzini

Quique Somenzini

No matter what the airplane type, precision is how the airplane responds to pilot input.

pu

rs

ui

t

of

p

re

ci

si

oN

pu

rs

ui

t

of

p

re

ci

si

oN

Q

ui

Qu

e


The Expert EdgeTeamwork Is The BIg Idea

It’s no accident that the Blade® brand is the number one name in RC heli fun. Behind the development of every Blade helicopter is a team of RC heli experts with years of experience flying everything from ultra micro helicopters that fit in the palm of your hand to fully aerobatic, high-performance 3D thrill machines.

A big part of what makes Blade helis more fun is how naturally the team brings performance expected of larger helicopters to the small helicopter market with machines like the mCP X 2 and mQX. That’s an amazing achievement. Blade team engineer, Mikel Graham, stated in a recent interview, “A disturbance that might not do anything on a larger helicopter is very obvious on a machine that weighs 45 grams.” The lessons learned have earned the team a unique perspective, which helps them avoid

problems and incorporate inimitable refinements to efficiently deliver a better helicopter that offers a flight experience like no other can. Lead test pilot, James Haley, is a pusher with a helicopter. But when he takes to the sky, it’s obvious that he and the machine are talking the same language. “I like to see where the limits are,” is how James describes his approach to

flight testing. But when he and his heli disagree, it’s the machine that loses. The next time out, however, there’s no more argument and the project progresses at an astounding rate. Blade team CAD expert, Brian Reed, summed up the development process simply, “…everything works in harmony before we build.” The Blade team is expanding its line. Not only are the helicopters getting bigger, they’re incorporating innovation with a sense of style and performance that’s on course to make a big impression on you.

“if new technology is on the horizon, we’re on top of it.”

MiKEL GRAhAMAvid RC Heli PilotEngineering Degree from MITMaster’s Degree from Georgia Techspecialty: Rotary AerodynamicsLead Developer on the Blade 500 X

“i like to see where the limits are.”

JAMEs hALEyAvid RC Heli Pilot and World class 3d competitorBlade Team Test Pilotspecialties: Performance Testing and DesignLead Developer on the Blade 300 X

“i make sure everything works in harmony before we build.”

BRiAn REEDAvid RC Heli and Fixed-Wing PilotOver a Decade of Computer-Aided Design Experiencespecialties: Computer-Aided Design and MachiningLead Developer on the Blade mQX

“i like to bring upscale styles to blade designs.”

RAyMOn ROBinsOnAvid RC Heli Pilot and Racer Accessory and Parts Designerspecialty: StyleLead Developer on the Blade

500 Bell 222 Body Set

the Blade experts The Blade team is expanding its line. not only are the helicopters getting bigger, they’re incorporating innovation with a sense of style and performance that’s on course to make a big impression on you.

Meet the entire Blade team:www.bladehelis.com/experts

blade

T5

T8

T3

T7

T15

T13B5

B2

T14

B2

T13

T14

T15

T13

B2

B2

B5

T12 B1

B2

B2

T11

T10

T9B1

T11

T9 T9

T8

T16

T8

T6

T4

T1

M9

T17

T17 T17M10

T2

T5

T8

T3

T7

T15

T13B5

B2

T14

B2

T13

T14

T15

T13

B2

B2

B5

T12 B1

B2

B2

T11

T10

T9B1

T11

T9 T9

T8

T16

T8

T6

T4

T1

M9

T17

T17 T17M10

T2

M9

M9

M9

M2

M2

M3

M3M10

M10

M10

F17

F12

F16

F6 F14

B7

F2

F3

F8

B7

F7

M8

F17

F6F10

F9

F13

F4

F20

F19

F18

F15

F1

F11

F9

F6

F10H11

H3B6

B3H10

H10

H1

H4

H4H8

H11

H5

B1

H13B5

H3

H4B6

B3H11

H6H10

H10

H14

H15

H7

H18

H16H7

H9

H17

H16

H5

H12H2

H2

B3

H4 H8

H4

H1

B3

H7

H18

H16H7

H9

H17

H16

AnAtOmy OF tHe BlADe 500 X

– Belt-driven tail rotor– Weighted tail blade mounting hardware – tail rotor grips with thrust bearings

– Flight-tested Spektrum AR7200BX DSmX receiver with BeastX flybarless technology

– One-piece carbon fiber side frames– e-flite high-power,

brushless motor

– One-piece landing skids– Carbon tail boom support

– Aluminum tail boom

– E-flite high-power 6S li-Po battery

– 425mm carbon fiber main blades

– Flybarless rotor head– CnC-machined aluminum swashplate– CnC-machined aluminum head block– triple ball bearing supported, hardened steel main shaft

– Remote receiver for superior protection against signal fading and reflection

The Blade team has got big plans, and the amazing 500 X BNF heli is both a triumph and credit to the team’s mission of bringing high performance to a new level. At its heart is the amazing Spektrum™ AR7200BX flybarless control system. This groundbreaking innovation combines a 7-channel DSMX® receiver with the BeastX® system into a single, compact unit that weighs barely over half an ounce.

500 X– lightweight detailed canopy

– High-performance tail rotor

– Composite/metalflybarless rotor head

– Rigid carbon fiber main frames

– Heavy-duty main drive gears

– Spektrum digital cyclic servos

– Spektrum high-speed digital tail servo

– lightweight vertical stabilizer

blade

SHReD tHe AiRREvOLutiOn

Flawless 3D performance takes more than power. You need precision and balance too. Revolution® blades are constructed

of cross-woven carbon fiber that gives them the lateral and torsional strength necessary to translate your heli’s power

into the most aggressive response possible. And each set is weight-matched and balanced, so you experience a

sense of precision that’s second to none. Sizes range from 325mm all the way up to 710mm in both flybar

and flybarless versions.For the enthusiast who demands the best in quality

and performance, the Revolution brand is the leading name in RC helicopter tools, accessories and rotor

blades. Revolution products are designed and built with the expert in mind to perform flawlessly

and to the highest of standards.

HORiZOn AiRmeetCelebrAtion of rAdio Control

August is an

exciting time for

aviation fans in europe. the

summer weather is beautiful,

and it’s a time when a one-of-

a-kind event happens that in a

very short time has achieved

legendary status across the

continent. Airmeet excites the

senses and brings together a

collection of modelers who

understand how to do an air

show at a sky-scraping energy

level. On August 18 and 19 it

celebrated its four-year

anniversary with a show

that exceeded all expectations

for attendance and delivery. Video

and online chat about the 2012 event are

approaching viral status for good reason. Airmeet

is something special because of the top-level

aviation entertainment it brings through both

model and full-scale performances. Its energy

pace and schedule run constantly from dawn till

many hours after dark. And best of all it’s hosted

by the RC manufacturer considered the best in

the business.

The event is held on the

Donauwörth/Genderkingen

civil airfield and welcomes over

40,000 spectators during the

two-day event. Its creator, Joe

Schamuhn, told us, “It is the

only event in the world where

RC modelers are able to connect

with a manufacturer on an

emotional level.” Performers

at Airmeet are welcomed by

invitation only, and hundreds

of requests are reviewed on

an annual basis. There’s no

shortage of RC entertainment

with well over 70 pilots

performing non-stop with

helicopters, racers, sailplanes,

warbirds…you name it.

There’s no

shortage of RC

entertainment

with well over 70

pilots performing

non-stop with

helicopters,

racers, sailplanes,

warbirds…you

name it.

welComes oveR

40,000 spEctators

duRing The

Two- day evenT.

the atmosphere at airmeet is

charged with excitement. People

of all ages come to shake hands

with their heroes and connect

with each other. Many consider

the bonds formed to be like that

of a family. “It's about a lifestyle

people believe in,” Schamuhn

reflected. Although the show is

for the crowd and performers, as

friends they want to make Airmeet

the best event possible. And the

connection is broad. Red Bull

schedules a number of performers

for airmeet to entertain with both

full-scale and model talent.

Plans are already underway for the

five-year anniversary of Airmeet

in 2013. Next August, make a

connection to last a lifetime.

—dAir Schaf

it’s a LiFestyLe PeoPLebeLieVe in.

FROM LEFt tO RiGht:Marc Petrack, Michi Reitz , Andreas Ruppert and Tim Stadler

It’s not every day that a free event comes along offering

state-of-the-art RC entertainment. Especially one

with high-tech aircraft and cars where you can

ask, “Can I try that?” and get a gleeful response

such as, “Absolutely!” But that’s exactly what

Horizon Hobby, in partnership with Ray and

Robin’s Hobby Center, brought to beautiful New

England—a giant RC extravaganza loaded with

experts proud about the RC experience.

try it. driVe it. FLy it!

horizon US Airmeet is very much

connected to the spirit of the original

Horizon Airmeet that happens every

August in Germany. The four-day US event

took place September 6–9 at Sanford Seacoast

Regional Airport near the southern tip of Maine.

It was host to hundreds of pilots and drivers,

who welcomed nearly twenty thousand

spectators. Full-scale air show entertainment

was provided as well by internationally

recognized aerobatics pilots Matt Chapman

and Rob Holland.

The family friendly atmosphere delivered

top-notch quality performances non-stop,

including jets, helicopters, ultra micro

aircraft and off-road racing. But

unlike any event, it also invited

the public to join in the

fun. Several RC “Try Me”

areas were available

that featured ECX™ cars and

trucks, plus realistic Phoenix

RC flight simulators. And

those who wanted a more

thrilling RC adventure could

try the teach-yourself-to-

fly HobbyZone® Firebird

stratos™ trainer. Aerobatics

champion, Seth Arnold,

shared a comment

one spectator made,

“‘[airmeet] is better than

a full-scale air show. [It’s]

so much more up close and

personal.’”

a giant rc extraVaganza

fouR day evenT

the passion for RC seemed to unite everyone. lead event coordinator, Ray

labonte, appeared to have a constant smile on his face. “An event like this has

been a dream of mine.” labonte has hosted the successful maine model Jet

RallyforoverfiveyearsandwasthrilledatthechancetoteamupwithHorizon

Hobby and create a totally new spectator experience. “not only could so many

peopleofallageshavefunwithRCforthefirsttime—moreimportantlythey’d

have the chance to connect with friendly, fun loving hobbyists who really make

our passion something special.”

Stay tuned to Horizon Hobby for information about the next Airmeet.

—dair SchafHorizon Airmeet mascot, dAir Schaf, brought good luck to both events.

thermaL InteRaCtIVItY

inDOOR pREcisiOnumx SBaCh 342 3D BnF BaSIC

E-FlITE MYSTIqUE 2.9 mthe e-flite® Mystique™ 2.9 m ARF aircraft is an electric

sailplane inspired by F5J-class soaring competition

events popular around the globe. And like most

gliders focused on performance, the Mystique

2.9 m sailplane delivers an outstanding RC

soaring experience, even if all you’re looking

for is a glider to enjoy on a lazy afternoon. Its

size makes it great for visibility at high altitudes,

and its airfoil is specially designed to interact

with any lift activity it encounters. This full-house

sailplane can be assembled without an electric

power system for a pure sailplane experience

ideal for winch and Hi-Start launch methods

or soaring from a majestic countryside slope.

neWmust-haVe itemsThe Season’s Hot Products. Check them out here.

FLiP it out BlaDe nano CP x RtF/BnF Flip, funnel or roll in any room of your house

with the incredible Blade® nano CP X heli.

at just 29 grams (barely over an ounce), it’s

the lightest flybarless CP heli in its class.

It is unbelievably durable.

ziP it quickPRo Boat mISS geICo 17 RtR anD ImPulSe 17 RtRThe Pro Boat® 17” geICo Catamaran and

17” Impulse™ Deep-V represent the true

meaning of fun. Both ready-to-run models

include 2.4ghz radio technology and are

loaded with features typically found in larger,

higher priced radio control boats – the only

problem will be how to find more time to

spend on the water. The UMX™ Sbach® 342 3D BnF Basic is another great mike mcConville design

that amazingly provides an expertly-tuned, giant-Scale flight experience

small enough to fly in a space the size of a small gym. Integrated aS3x®

technology makes it possible to perform stunning 3D and scale aerobatics

with incredible precision.


InnovatIon that mEans morE fun

for you.


PLanetrcYour Guide

to rC eventS Around

the World

Global events allow you to network with your peers from around the world, connect to

experts from a variety of disciplines and create once-in-a-lifetime experiences that can

only be found through horizon hobby. these events offer unprecedented access to top

venues, drivers and pilots at activities in the most fascinating locations of the world.

Competition Delivers Air Show Excitement

every year, over 30 world or continental championships are listed on

the International Sports air Federation (FaI) calendar, and many other

sporting events such as grand Prix Cups. the national model Pylon

Racing Association just completed its second Electric Formula One

nationals, where the e-flite® Shoestring 15e proved to be an extremely

competitive racer.

check it out

October 2012

10.11-10.14 iHobby Expo10.18-10.21 Fuel On-Road Nationals10.19-10.20 2012 Seoul International Aeromodelling Festival10.21 Off-Road Wars Winter Championship Series10.24-10.28 USRA Race of Champions10.25-10.28 Monster Planes USA

november 201211.01-11.04 Faszination Modellbau 11.01-11.04 Dutch Open Indoor Challenge 11.02-11.04 JR Indoor Electric Festival 11.02-11.04 London Bridge Seaplane Classic 11.10-11.17 IFMAR World Championships 1/10 11.11 North Texas EF1 Pylon Race11.16-11.18 Tangerine Soaring Championship 11.24-11.25 Flight Show, NEC

December 2012

12.01-12.08 IFMAR World Championships; 1/8 Off-Road 12.01-02.12 F3P Competition, Bradford, UK 12.07-02.09 F3P Competition, Bradford, UK

Event calendar Join the RC Celebration

Ocala, Florida, usA JConcepts Indoor Nationals

The finale of a five-series, indoor off-road race championship expect-ing nearly 1000 drivers.

Friedrichshafen, GermanyFaszination Modellbau

Experience for yourself a unique show dedicated to the magical world of miniatures.

November 3-4

November 1-4

Middelburg, netherlands2012 Dutch Open Indoor Challenge

Open International, Non-World Cup event for the F3P category – RC Indoor aerobatics.

November 2-4

Bangkok, thailand IFMAR World Championships 1/10 IC Track

R.O.A.R. 10-scale fuel on-road 2012 World Team championship competition.

Novmber 10-17

Discover More Events And Meet Great People.

FuLL throttLe

action that’S eaSY FoR eVeRYone

Take The wheel.

As soon as the ECX™ brand broke onto the RC scene, the world

took notice. People can’t get enough of this bold line of

affordable, ready-to-run vehicles. ECX makes it easier than

ever to bring home a no-nonsense RC vehicle. Each model

comes with everything you need right in the box, from the

transmitter to the battery charger.

Once you charge one up, all that’s left to do is grip it and

rip it. The vehicles are easy to hop up with new bodies and

parts too. Choose ECX for durable cars and trucks that are

perfect for bashing and thrashing.

ecx

CiRCuit ™

1/10-SCAle StADium tRuCK

RuCKuS®

1/10-SCAle mOnSteR tRuCK

BOOSt™

1/10-SCAle Buggy

tORment™

1/10-SCAle SHORt COuRSe tRuCK

select vehicles now include

waterproof electronics, 2.4Ghz

radio systems and a one-hour

fast charger.

must-have items PRODuCtSOn THE SURFACE

NEW MUST-HAVE ITEMS PRODuCtSOn THE SURFACE

once you fire up an RC vehicle, a surge of adrenaline pulses

through you. Your senses heighten and you find yourself in

total control. The vehicle’s turf-shredding, pavement-roasting

capabilities are yours to command.

This is why we love RC. This is why we design vehicles for people

just like you, whether you’re new to RC or an experienced pro.

From the bulletproof chassis to the impressive Dynamite®

.21-size power system, the Revenge type n™ 1/8-scale buggy

has all the makings of an unstoppable warrior. And the high-

powered performance to match. When it comes to the terrain,

it has only two words in its vocabulary: destroy and conquer.

The unsToppable

warrior.

nitro & electricrEVENGE

DEstORy AnD cOnQuER

driVe For yourseLF

1/10th TEn-SCT nItRo 4WD RtR

Based on the performance-driven Team

losi Racing™ TEn-T™ platform and ROAR

national Champion, the TlR® 4WD ten-

SCT™ truck includes the same aluminum

chassis, race-tested suspension and superb

handling characteristics in a no-holds-

barred nitro version. Ready-to-Run, fire up

the engine with the push of a button on

the included Dx2l transmitter. go ahead

and get it dirty!

NEW MUST-HAVE ITEMS PRODuCtSOn THE SURFACE

1/10th 22SCT kITutilizing a similar design to the team losi

Racing 22™ buggy and 22T™ truck, the 22™SCT

model is a no-compromises truck, designed

to be the ultimate short course race machine.

And it’s topped off with the Team losi Racing

Hi-Performance SCT Body.

RaceDominator

Jeremy tWitchstenberg

Jeremy mcgrath

living lARgeR tHAn liFe

action sports icons Jeremy mcgrath and Jeremy “Twitch” Stenberg, of The Stronghold Motorsports short course off-road race team, also shred the course with losi® vehicles.


Fire up the enGine— then Go AheAd And Get dirtYthe

“With tons of horsepower at your fin-

gertips, the 5IVE-T is the closest you

can possibly get to being behind the

wheel of a 900-horse-powered short

course off-road race truck.”

– Jeremy McGrath

“The 5IVE-T is insanely fun! It’s just like

being behind the wheel of my real truck.

This is the best RC truck known to man!”

–Jeremy “twitch” stenberg

SpeedboatS that can

IntenSIfY any afternoon

holiday.

There’s nothing like taking a tranquil patch of open water and carving it straight down the center. With stainless steel rudders that dig deep and cut hard and powerful motors that unleash every amp for exceptional performance.

PRO BOAT® LINEUP 2012

For more info and to see the full Pro Boat lineup, visit proboatmodels.com

WAkE YOUR WORLD™


LivingThe

BoatLife

As a leader in RC boating,

the Pro Boat® brand makes

a small-scale version of

just about everything that

runs on the water. With a

commitment to quality that

goes far below the surface.

CHOOSE YOU R

CRUISEit takes a world-class team to build a world-class boat. And with the pro Boat brand, you’ll find that. in hulls designed by world champion rc racer Darin Jordan. And real-world racing partnerships that bring legends of the sport to the rc world. for boats that raise the bar each time they’re lowered into the water.

.

Miss GEICO 29 BL29-inch Catamaran 2.4 RTRBring home the excitement of the world’s premier open-water event

with the offically licensed Miss Geico 29 catamaran.

Impulse™ 3131-inch Brushed RTR Deep-Vperformance meets design in the race-engineered impulse 31

Deep-V, built to deliver superb handling and insane speeds.

ShockWave® 26 BL26-inch Brushless RTR Deep-Vshred the waves, not your budget, with a high-performance

Deep-V, built to deliver speed and stability.

ShockWave® 26 EP26-inch Brushed RTR Deep-Vperfect for the entry-level racer, the shockWave 26 ep Deep-V

offers the same look and feel of its brushless powered cousin.

Blackjack™ 2929-inch Brushless RTR Catamaran

if you like catamarans, you’ll love the Blackjack 29

model— a twin hull that’s built to haul.


A bright example of a person with that “go get it” attitude is steadfast in a 22-year-old fellow living in the Bavarian region of Germany, Tim Stadler. Friendly and personable, Tim is fulfilling his dream life, which includes living and breathing radio controlled airplanes. He loves to build and maintain his own aircraft. His performances contain the pinpoint precision of a pilot with decades of competition experience, yet the only proficiency judge he’s stood before has been a cheering crowd. And those are the moments that take Tim to the next level of air show brilliance. Not only is he an expert in the solo Giant-Scale performance circuit, he now travels the globe as a pilot member of a prestigious RC formation flight team – an honor that not only requires skill, but the trust of fellow formation pilots.

We checked in with Tim not long after he’d returned from a huge RC event in the States to get to know him a little more.

ha: When did you start in the hobby, and what is it that inspired you to become highly skilled?

ts: “My father has been flying RC models for most of his life and got me started when I was five years old. At the age of six is when I got my very own RC electric sailplane. Over the following years I flew many trainers. Then my father and I started travelling to as many model air shows as possible where we met a lot of very good pilots who were inspirational to me. My ambition progressively grew, and I practiced intensively every day. Back then, RC flight simulators weren’t available, so flying for real was the only way to get better.”

ha: What type of RC do you enjoy doing most and why?

ts: “Since the beginning I have had a great passion for biplanes, and five years ago I started building and flying really big biplanes such as the Ultimate and Pitts. Last year I started flying jets with the ‘Horizon Hobby Display Team Germany,’ doing a synchronized flight demonstration that includes three- to six-quarter-scale L-39 Albatros turbine powered jets together in perfect formation.”

ha: Who has been your biggest role model not in the hobby?

ts: “Actually I didn’t have any role models outside the RC hobby. My biggest role model is Robert Fuchs (a very famous German pilot who is also a member of the Horizon Hobby Team Germany). I admire him for his talent as a great builder of airplanes and skill as a pilot. He always supported me and gave me great advice.”

ha: Your flying style displays outstanding precision. Do you compete? Have you won any award titles?

ts: “Thank you. That’s what I always want to hear – outstanding precision. But I don’t compete, because it requires a single list of very specific maneuvers be flown per flight. The airplane is very specialized too. I want to fly what I want and with the airplane I choose. So I choose to only visit air shows where there’s public attendance. The crowd is always very appreciative, and I can do what comes naturally – having fun with a model airplane.”

ha: What has been the greatest reward that your pursuit of RC excellence has given you?

ts: “My greatest personal reward was when I won the 2006 3W Rookie Meet. That was a freestyle competition in Europe for young pilots, and the winner got a Giant-Scale Votec 322, complete with equipment and a contract to fly for the 3W company. I’ve really enjoyed their support. In 2011 I became a team member for Horizon Hobby, which is a lot of fun since many of the members are my friends and we travel to a number of air shows flying Horizon Hobby aircraft. I think we get better with every event and have become an amazing team!”

ha: What is it like to be on the Horizon Hobby Team?

ts: “First of all, Horizon Hobby has amazing products and is always innovating! The Horizon Hobby Team in Germany is like a big family and everybody helps out, assists and especially respects each other.”

ha: Your performance at the 2012 Joe Nall event in South Carolina was impressive. Is there anything you noticed different flying in the United States versus flying in Germany?

ts: “The Joe Nall is an impressive event, and the five days spent there are those I will never forget. What impressed me was how especially safe all the pilots were – and there were over 1200 of them – but they were also very friendly at the same time. Our American hosts had to be the friendliest people ever. We flew team demonstrations, we flew solo flights, and we flew for the fun of it. The crowd seemed very pleased. In short, it was a fantastic trip! A comparable event in Germany is not conceivable, because there are just too many rules and regulations.”

ha: What has been the biggest challenge to become the RC pilot you are today?

ts: “For me it was not really a challenge but rather a long journey. When I was young, I didn’t have the money to buy expensive airplanes that had superior flight characteristics. So I had to wait a long time and make small steps. Gradually, companies started to support the talent they saw in me, which allowed me to practice acrobatics and explore 3D capabilities. It’s been a lot of fun!”

ha: Do you have any advice for someone looking to get into the RC hobby?

ts: “My advice is buy the good stuff like a ParkZone Radian or something similar. The cheap products might look like a bargain, but they typically break easily or fail in flight. There’s no fun in that; plus, you waste time when you could be flying. Choose an airfield with people who can fly well. Just watching them will teach you good lessons. You’ll also get good advice that will help you gain skills faster. Last but not least, practice, practice, practice…and above all, have fun!”

Model airplanes are just like “real” airplanes, only smaller. It all depends on how you look at it. Dreams are no different,

and everyone wants their own version of a dream life. Getting there takes a lot of confidence and preparation.

The Aerial ArtistR C A i R S h o W P e R f o R m A n C e S W i T h

Tim Stadler

TimStadler

“My greatest personal reward was when I won the 2006

3W Rookie Meet.”

“My biggest role model is Robert Fuchs.”

Tim Stadler


You love the convenience of ready-to-fly aircraft, but

could do without the hassle of having to use different

transmitters to fly them. Bind-N-Fly® aircraft make it

possible to enjoy all kinds of ready-to-fly experiences

using a single Spektrum™ transmitter. Each one comes

out of the box with the power system, servos and a

DSM2®/DSMX® receiver installed. BNF aircraft are

also critically acclaimed by experts in the hobby

as the best resource for getting started in RC and

an easy way to stay active in the hobby when the

priorities of life limit your time to grab some blue

sky. Right now there are over 40 Bind-N-Fly airplanes

and helicopters for you to choose from by a team of

developers as passionate about the hobby as you are.

Evolutionary Bind-N-Fly Basic

aircraft deliver the same great

BNF experience, but in addition

you are given the ability to provide the charger and

battery of your choice. It’s practical, it’s economical

and it’s the smart way to enjoy RC flight.

40 BNF Products aNd couNtiNg

New aircraft are appearing all the time from Brands

ParkZone®, Hangar 9®, E-flite®, and Blade® brands — the

possibilities truly are endless.

Hangar 9TaylorcrafT 26cc

ParkzonespiTfire

e-Flitecarbon-Z scimiTar

BlademQX

Blade130 X

If you’re a one-radio pilot, this is ready-to-fly fun the way you always dreamt it could be.

EndlessPossibilities

To see all 40 BNF producTs visiT www.bindnfly.com


©2012 Horizon Hobby, Inc. AS3X,Bind-N-Fly, Blackjack, Blade, Boost, Carbon-Z, Circuit, Delta-V, DSM2, DSMX, Dynamite, ECX, Electrix RC, E-flite, Firebird Stratos, 5IVE-T, Hangar 9, HobbyZone, Impulse, JR, Losi, Team Losi, TLR, Mystique, ParkZone, Pro Boat, the Pro Boat logo, Revenge Type e, Revenge Type N, Revolution, Ruckus, Scimitar, ShockWave, TEN-SCT, TEN-T, Torment, 22, 22SCT, 22T, UMX, Virtual Instructor, Serious Fun, Wake Your World, Horizon Attitude and the Horizon Hobby logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Horizon Hobby, Inc.The Spektrum trademark is used with permission of Bachmann Industries, Inc.BeastX is a trademark of Markus Schaak and is used with permission. The Spektrum AR7200BX employs technology exclusively licensed to Horizon Hobby, Inc. from freakware GmbH. Bell and 222 are registered trademarks of Textron Innovations, Inc. and are used under license by Horizon Hobby, Inc.BEAST® and its design are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Kevin Kimball, used under license to Horizon Hobby, Inc. The trim scheme of the Beast was designed by Mirco Pecorari of Aircraft Studio Design.The outline and trim scheme of the Carbon-Z Scimitar were designed by Quique Somenzini in cooperation with Mirco Pecorari of Aircraft Studio Design. The wing airfoil of the Carbon-Z Scimitar was designed by Robert Vess.MODEL 12® is a registered trademark used by permission of Jim Kimball Enterprises, Inc.Sbach and its design are trademarks of STO Streicher GmbH & Co. KG registered in Germany and used with permission. Sbach and its design are trademarks of XtremeAir GmbH registered in the U.S. and used with permission.Stronghold Motorsports, Angry Bikes, KC, Toyo Tires, Lucas Oil, Supercross.com, Motive Gear, Makita, Go Pro, SignPros, Fox, ProAm, MSD, Eibach, Fiberwerx, Magnaflow, VP Racing Fuels, Famous, Loctite, Corona Motorhome Rental and K&N are property of their respective owners and are used with permission or license by Horizon Hobby, Inc.Gear One, K&N, KC, Mastercraft, Osiris, Slednecks and Yokahama are property of their respective owners and are used by permission or license by Horizon Hobby, Inc.Live Fast…Play Dirty Motorsports, LLC., Lucas Oil Products, Inc., King, Eibach, General Tire, E3 Spark Plugs, K&N, Racin’ Dirty, MSD, KMC Wheels, Miller Motorsports Park, Impact Racing, Suspension Connection, Ironclad, Tuff Country, Mastercraft and Magnaflow are property of their respective owners and are used by permission or license by Horizon Hobby, Inc.PhoenixRC and the PhoenixRC logo are registered trademarks of Runtime Games Ltd.All other trademarks, service marks and logos are property of their respective owners.

Pegasus Hobbies is regarded by many as the largest hobby shop in southern California. With over 21,000 square feet of space in a nearly-new, custom-designed, stand-alone building, they offer a full line of hobby products from fantasy gaming and science kits to trains and every category of radio control. The store was built in a prime location of Montclair on property that’s alongside Route 10, which statistically carries over 250,000 vehicles per day – many of which crawl by the store at walking pace during the rush hours.

Specializing in EverythingPegasus Hobbies

Partners Larry Thompson and Tom Macomber

have been in the hobby shop business for the

past 27 years. Business grew at a steady pace

until they finally just built a custom space to suit

their needs. Inside and out, Pegasus Hobbies is a

showplace. “The first impression everyone has

when they enter our store is wow.” Tom also

admitted that he wants the customer to have a

memorable experience each visit to the store. “I

want them to think that they’ve arrived at the

Disneyland of hobby stores.”

With over 20 members on staff, every hobby

department has a specialized manager ready

to offer support, so the customers not only find

the right activity for them but also the right

information about the activities discovered. With

multiple rows of product stretching 100 feet in

length, stacked to the ceiling, it’s unlikely that

one visit to Pegasus can catch all they have to

offer. Stock is rotated as often as possible to keep

things looking fresh; even the off-road track is

re-configured about every four weeks to keep

the weekly racing and practice sessions exciting

and fun for all. With the NHRA Motorsports

Museum, Auto Club Raceway at Pomona and

Auto Club Speedway only a few miles way,

Pegasus is located in what many consider to be

the heartland of full-scale and RC racing country

with numerous manufacturers and race teams

headquartered in the SoCal area. They support

over 150 club and up to six major RC races per

year, including the very popular Jimmy Babcock

Electric Race Series, and at least six RC model

airplane clubs locally. For an amazing hobby shop

experience, a trip to Pegasus is sure to excite.

Spotlight

“The first impression everyone has when they enter our store is wow.”


quique somenzini - horizon hobby - radio control r/c planes, rc

Documents