because aerodynamic efficiency increases with increased size. To achieve similar performance as a larger airplane (of similar design), a small airplane needs to have a lighter wing loading to overcome the aerodynamic efficiency loss
Vapor flies slower than the Arrow V.6—primarily because of the light wing loading and the undercambered airfoil. The undercambered airfoil is biased for flying upright, but is inefficient when inverted and therefore not suitable for
organization) can be flown in large indoor spaces. In smaller spaces, such
as a small middle school gymnasium, skilled pilots can fly airplanes such as the UMX Yak 54. However, the UMX Yak 54 rapidly moves from one end to the other, and looping maneuvers require 80% to 90% of the available height—leaving little margin for error. An airplane such as
an Arrow V.6 can easily complete knife-edge loops and vertical Figure Eights in a small gym, and leaves a substantial margin for error on basic maneuvers. Regardless of the airplane
being flown indoors, the smaller the space, the more critical the wing loading. Reducing the weight and the wing loading on a 7-ounce airplane by 10% allows the
Above: The UMX Yak 54 is better suited for large indoor venues or outdoor flying because of its high wing loading.
Right: The author’s well-used Vapor is an excellent “trainer” for indoor flying.
associated with the smaller airplane. To further illustrate that
the ability of an airplane to fly slowly is largely controlled by wing loading, the popular E-flite Vapor, the similar Night Vapor, and the Mini Vapor all fly slower than the Arrow V.6, primarily because of the light wing loading. Although it’s more difficult to calculate the area of the rounded wing shape, the original Vapor’s wing loading is approximately 1 ounce per square foot—less than a third of the Arrow V.6’s wing loading. Without question, the
indoor or large outdoor spaces. Many pilots experience
a substantial learning curve when flying indoors. Gauging the proximity to the back wall, side walls, and ceiling takes practice. With its slow flight speed and durable carbon-fiber airframe, airplanes such as the Vapor are often great for learning how to fly in new spaces. When multiple airplanes
are flying in a small space, maintaining awareness of the other airplanes (to avoid midairs) is difficult. Collisions can be frequent for inexperienced indoor pilots, especially when flying in crowded venues. Because they are lightweight with low intertia, most indoor airplanes are durable, crashes are minor, and the damage is easily repaired. The most durable indoor airplanes are made from EPP foam. A variety of good EPP aerobatic airplanes are produced by Fancyfoam (fancyfoam-com.3dcartstores. com), West Michigan Park Flyers (wmparkflyers. com), and Twisted Hobbys (
twistedhobbys.com), among others.
Compared with other aerobatic aircraft.
I am often asked what aerobatic airplane is best for flying indoors. If the space is a large hangar or a golf dome, the options are plentiful. Virtually any aerobatic aircraft weighing less than 10 ounces (or less than the weight limits for the flying facility, club, or
airplane to fly slower and be more maneuverable. These benefits will be increasingly noticeable in smaller spaces. Many kits include recommendations for “lightweight” (lower power) or “heavier weight” (high power) setups. These options are intended to tailor the flight characteristics for small
types of foam, EPP is more flexible and resilient. Crashes often result in no damage, or simple repairs such as gluing a tear in the foam or regluing carbon-fiber reinforcements. The downside to EPP airplanes is that they are not quite as rigid, so the control response is softer, especially at high speeds. Regardless of your skill
level, there is likely a suitable airplane for any space. When the weather is not conducive to outdoor flying, indoor flying is a viable alternative. I find it more enjoyable than flying with a simulator.
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