matchlessaero
Posts: 1288
Joined: 1/6/2002
From: Cordova, TN, USA
Status: offline
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Well, despite impending thunderstorms, I met Dickeybird, Spindr and another buddy at the field this morning.
The little Chipmunk ended up at just over 5.1oz's, and I was able to set it up with a slightly forward CG like I prefer for first flights on itzybitzy ones.
On the first flight, I set the engine a few clicks too rich and the little bird flew sputtering along. Launch was uneventful with Dickeybird giving it the old 'skyhawk heave'. Climbout was good, and it took only a few clicks of rudder trim.
After getting her safely on the ground, my buddy Chris showed up and ran the camera for the second flight. I needled the airplane much better this time and the plane came up on the wing immmediately after launch. Climbout was really good this time, and I got an opportunity to find out what she would do aerobatic-wise. Roll rate is very good, and inverted flight is maintained with only a little back pressure (much less than I figured with the flat bottomed airfoil it has). Snap rolls are absolutely instantaneous- its really easy to have it do 2 snaps instead of 1 if you are not quick on the sticks. Loops are nice and round, but it does have enough elevator authority to stall the wing if you push it too hard. It will almost knife edge too. I won't win the TOC with it, but it really performs great in the aerobatic realm.
Finally, as the fuel tank was running somewhat low (I'm guessing) DB made the suggestion of trying a power-on-landing. I tried flying the plane at different throttle settings for a moment (throttles back and performs just like a big old .40 size). Then I set it up on landing and backed it down to idle. I put it down nice and clean on the runway to cap off a great day of flying!
I plan to install a slightly lighter battery that will move the CG back a hair and lower the weight by about a quarter of an ounce, but other than that I could not have asked for it have gone any better and I don't plan to change anything.
Thankyou DB, Spindr and Chris for helping me get her in the air today!
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Go fast turn left-----3D is life-----Fly S.M.A.L.L. I'm having an RC identity crisis!!!!!!!!!
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All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> "1/2 A" & "1/8 A" airplanes >> RE: MatchlessAero's Contest Entry.......Ready to fly..... 
RE: MatchlessAero's Contest Entry.......Ready to fly..... - 
) per DickeyBird's canopy method. Took me several tries to get one right, but I'm pretty happy with the results...
RE: MatchlessAero's Contest Entry....... - 
Just kidding of course. Can't wait to see it at SMALL this year. And as for the 5.15oz weight, I couldn't blow a bubble that weighed that. You guys kill me.
Very cool Jeremy!