ORIGINAL: my05monte

Make sure you have the throws and expo set right. When I maidened my Saratoga last year I was all over the sky. My instructor was there at the field and saw me having trouble but let me ''learn''. I have the 60 size Escapade that I'll hopefully maiden next week and the one thing I know is.... Throws and expo, set them low

ORIGINAL: biam

You did not mention if it is glow or electic, if it is glow, is it a new engine? If so is it broken in properly? This is another factor that should be considered, I fly glow, so if it is a new engine it gets broken in before going up, dont know your skill level but even when you have flown for years you can get a case of the nerves, so it is a good idea like previously mentioned to have someone stand next to you that is a proficient flyer to hand the transmitter to in case the shaking gets too bad! other than that, go out with a bucket load of confidence and fly that plane like its been in the air for years, good luck too! I have a .60 size escapade that needs to be put together also, new home for the .91 magnum f.s. I had sitting around. Let us know how it goes!

ORIGINAL: GaryHarris

Take four 2x4's about 24'' long depending on your inseam measurement, and a roll of duct tape. Before you take off, duct tape those 2x4's to the inside and outside on your legs centered at the knees.

That should help with that ''Leg Shake''.

ORIGINAL: thebest_102

I would say to take that trainer out and get acquainted to flying again. When I maidened my second escapade a few weeks ago I put a similar designed plane up. This helped two fold. I got some more stick time right before the maiden with a plane I am comfortable with. It also helped me to remeber what an escapade should feel like. I also have a friend or 3 stand near me and be there just incase I am fighting for level they can hit the trims. It is all about the preflight though. I always go over every detail 20 million times prior to the flight. I would hate to lose a brand new airframe due to a stupid goof up in setup. I also have taken to going over others airplanes before I fly them. I have been asked to maiden others planes and done it but I check and recheck every surface and weak point I can find. The escapade is a great plane. I have owned 2 first was a glow this new one is electric. I have also taught 2 people to fly off their own escapades. If set up right they are docile and easy to fly.

ORIGINAL: tness


That is great idea! Maybe I'll use rebar sections instead...they won't break as easily

ORIGINAL: lopflyers

I have a great idea. I will assure you 100% you are not going to crash this plane.

ORIGINAL: tness

Hello everyone.

I'm getting ready this weekend to maiden my Escapade. I have it balanced, everything checked out, all of the throws correct, etc. I have to say, I crashed my Kaos do to equipment malfunction the last time I flew, so I'm a bit gun shy here. I bought my Kaos from someone else at the club, so it had already been flown many times before I started flying it a year and a half ago. This will be the first time I maidened an aircraft(save for the foamy park fliers I've flown in the past), and coming off of my first major crash, I'm a bit nervous.

Anyone have any tips, ideas, etc. for me to do to have a successful maiden flight? I know the obvious; just take it up and fly it gently until you get used to it, etc. One of the old guys in our club who doesn't fly anymore for health reasons(he's the one who taught me to fly) used to say put a little up elevator trim in it because you can always take that out easier than when you have to put it in to keep it in the air. Just curious as to what you all do to have successful maiden flights.

Thanks.

Tarry.

ORIGINAL: RealFly

I am training a person now who started on a NextStar and he now flies as Escapade, still in training mode. With that said, the Escapade is a bit quicker than most high wing planes. It is best flown on low rates (as stated in the manual) when you are new to the plane. I would also put in about 40% expo. I do this with all my planes until I am comfortable with them.

Remember Expo makes the sticks less sensitive so if you are nervous it could help a lot. it will also make the plane feel more docile. Last, but not least go out and do what you normally do with a flight plan in mind. It might be as simple as going up following the pattern for a five minute flight and doing a few approaches, then landing. I always keep my first flight short on a new plane and purposely leave much fuel for go arounds.

Once you land, take some time to go over the plane and make sure everything is still tight and where it should be. Then you can adjust rates, add more or less expo and make any other changes required. Last, check your batteries before and after each flight. That simple ritual has saved many a plane.

Good luck - however its more about preparation than luck!

Best,
Len

ORIGINAL: tness





I shall take heed to your information! I do plan on going over everything tomorrow evening to check and double check. I even borrowed a friend's 12V to 110V convertor for in my car on Saturday so that after flying the trainer, if batteries aren't looking up to par, I'll put a charge on them. I lost my Kaos when I went to the field the last weekend in April. It was cold and damp, and I was cooking, etc. for our fun fly, and my equipment sat from 7 until 1 in the cold and damp, when I decided I had time to fly. The batteries showed good, but when they were in the air for about 5 mins, they died a quick death. They were kind of old. Not taking any chances any more...I loved that Kaos.