Abstract: A vertical landing of an aircraft is performed using the first battery where the aircraft is unoccupied when the vertical landing is performed, the unoccupied aircraft includes the first battery, and the unoccupied aircraft excludes a second, removable battery. In response to detecting that the second, removable battery is detachably coupled to the aircraft, a power source for the aircraft is switched from the first battery to the second, removable battery. After switching the switch power source, a vertical takeoff of the aircraft is performed using the second, removable battery, wherein the aircraft is occupied when the vertical takeoff is performed.

Abstract: A light-weight toy is attached to a player via a near-invisible fixed-length tether, typically using a low-tack adhesive at the ends of the tether. In especially preferred embodiments, the toy has a mechanism that creates an appearance of plausible possibility of flight without actually providing sufficient lift and/or propulsion for flight. Imaginary flight is achieved by manual lifting and moving the toy via the tether. Thus, the tether forms an integral part of the imaginary play for the player and is not used as an implement of a ‘magic trick’ for an audience.

Abstract: One or more ready-to-use near-invisible fixed-length tethers are provided on a carrier such that each tether can be removed from and reattached to the carrier without tangling. Most typically, such attachment is facilitated by modifying the ends of the tethers with a low tack adhesive and by winding the tether around a spool portion. Especially preferred low-tack adhesives provide adhesion of the tether ends to a user, the carrier, and the toy. In particularly preferred aspects, the tether is attached such that one end is removable while the other end remains attached such that the tether can be unwound from the spool by inverting the carrier.

Abstract: An electrically powered model aircraft is disclosed in which an on-board electric motor is powered from a ground based electric storage battery. Flight attitude of the aircraft is controlled by torsion control system in which a torsion member is attached at one end to the aircraft and a tubular shaft is disposed about the torsion member, with one end of the tubular shaft being nonrotatably attached to the torsion member at a point spaced from the aircraft and the other end of the tubular shaft being nonrotatably attached to a control device on the aircraft adapted to be operated by rotation of the tubular shaft, to control operation of a control surface of the aircraft. A combination electrical connector and torsion control line extends between, and is releasably mechanically and electrically connected to, the aircraft and to a control handle carried by the airplane operator.

Abstract: A novel instrument for demonstrating flight principles is disclosed wherein a simulated aircraft is mounted to the end of a tube member by an arrangement wherein finger tip linear and rotational manipulation of a single control enables tail and wing control surfaces respectively, to move in coordinated response to demonstrate aircraft maneuver response to control surface movement.

Abstract: A toy aircraft electrically powered through control lines attached to a control handle held by a ground controller is improved by provision of a break resistant connection of electrical transmission wires which also function as elevator control cables to a bellcrank arrangement on the airframe, by use of knife disconnect connectors for mechanically and electrically interconnecting the handle, the control wires and the airframe, by use of fatigue resistant flexible steel cable segment coupling the handle to the control wires, and scrape protecting skid elements on the wing for also holding the lines wrapped on the wing for storage.

Abstract: A control apparatus for model airplanes is presented which includes a remote radio transmitter which communicates with a rotatably mounted receiver positioned on a fixed pylon. The receiver has a control handle joined thereto whereby control lines are actuated for controlling the upward and downward movement of the elevators of the model airplane as the plane encircles the pylon.

Abstract: A horn for attachment to a control surface of a model aircraft. The horn includes a spine to pass through the structure, a shoulder to bear against one face of the structure, and a unidirectional abutment body applicable to the spine to bear against the other side of the control surface. A horn projection extends from the spine to receive a push-pull actuator to establish the position of the control surface.