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The long winter is over , well almost there are islands of snow in between dead grass wet patches and snow run off.
Your latest build is looking to get out of the hanger. You have checked the tail incidence, added lead, CG correct or slightly forward and verified that all control surfaces move in the right direction.
What if it’s a scratch build, or your not sure that the indicated tail incidence on the plans is what you have in your build.
Tail incidence is simply the difference of the angles between the wing and the horizontal tail. This difference affects the stability of the model, how it handles and flies
Fast maneuverable models usually have low incidence, while lower speed sailplanes have higher incidence.
Running with the Puppy
Look at the fuselage, set the stab (horizontal tail) just about parallel with a tail between the wing and the tail.
If you have an incidence gauge, then aim for 1 1/2 to 2 Degrees incidence between the wing and the tail. Set the tail level and then use the gauge to read this angle. Wing leading edge high or stab (tail) leading edge low
Not sure, go to the flying field transmitter in hand plane above head and pointed into the wind.
Hold the model gentle so you can feel it wanting to pitch up or down, run into the wind. A bit of a breeze is nice for this as you won’t have to run as fast.
The more airspeed the easier it is to get the model to fly and notice any off trim. Don’t actually throw it though
How does it feel, does it seem to pitch up or want to roll. Correct these apparent incorrect tendencies before you toss it. You can even let go of the plane if you have the correct airspeed, be prepared to grab it if something doesn’t seem right.
Seems OK
You can try to fly it
Give it a hand toss, remember though you won’t have much height , be prepared for a long across the field flight and no where your planning on landing. Keep the model level, watch for nose pitch up and keep the airspeed up and land.
Next, I would recommend a winch because if you get into trouble you can shut off the winch. With a hi start your committed and you plane is along for the ride until the line leaves the tow hook.
Be prepared for lots of up or down elevator, throw the plane with a wing level toss and use only slight pressure with the winch / hi start line.
If there’s an experienced helper present , have them throw the plane remember level and a swift toss. The plane needs to fly immediately. Heavier planes require a firmer toss. On the ride up, keep the wings level and correct any excessive yaw conditions with the rudder.
The helper will allow you to have both hands on the transmitter and concentrate on the winch and plane
Elevation is your friend. 🙂
