Left handed line control?

[jeffanddawn]

Hi, I'm new to flying model planes and right now I'm building a Guillows kit to fly line control. The kit clearly says to build the plane to be flown right-handed, but I'm left handed. Should I reverse the bell crank and rudder/fin to fly left-handed, or leave it as is? Is there any advantage to flying right-handed even if you're a lefty? -Thanks

[davidchoate]

I never flew line control. But it seems to me if you just mirror image everything it would work. and I have seen guys put weights, and even make one wing longer, etc... there is all kinds of tricks for control line. Sorry thats about all I knw.

[BillParker]

I've never seen a u-control plane fly clockwise... Hummm... OH! The fuel pickup tube in your gas tank won't like it if you spin it the wrong way. You'll run out of gas too soon. My son is a lefty, and while it looks a bit funny, (the line angle is odd) he flies better than I do, and been doing it for 40+ years... Personally I wouldn't do anything different...

What an interesting question!

[Chris A.]

I'm also left handed and have flown U-Control for many years. I never thought anything odd flying counterclockwise. Like backhand in tennis. The fuel pickup comment is accurate, centripetal force pushes the fuel to the outside of the circle.

[rayd]

My opinion, especially if you are a newbie, consider flying like a righty ie, ccw circle. I had a cousin, decades back, he was a lefty and flew like a righty. Sure if you want to make mirror images, I guess cw would be ok...but be careful with helpers and friends in the area. If you're starting a traditional type gas engine by flipping a run of the mill prop, whoever is starting that motor may be at more risk...perhaps trip over control wires, maybe get confused, perhaps get hurt...who knows. If you decide on cw, it may also be good lefty acquaintances tag along. Make sure you do careful homework on various aspects, assembly, engine and starting, perhaps potential injury/liability, any rules. If you're new to this, maybe give ccw a try. FYI, decades back, my cousin didn't give it a second thought, he figured ccw mandatory. You'll also likely have more people for combat flying as you progress, Good luck...and do be careful if you go cw. Maybe if the kit maker suggests ccw, it might be wise to follow directions recommended. Ray