derek2005
Posts: 107
Joined: 12/11/2005
From: Rolla,
MO, USA
Status: offline
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Hemicuda,
I had a similar experience when I first flew this plane. The first two times I tried flying it, I crashed pretty bad. The first time, I had to fix both sides of the wing, a cracked fuse, a broken prop, bend shaft, shattered cowling. I just kept fixing and thinking about what I did wrong. My biggest problem was using too much elevator too soon. This plane in stock form does not have the power to pull out of problems. Once I learned to control my climb rate and make sure I was up to speed, I found this to be a very easy plane to fly. The CG was not correct out of the box on mine, so please check that. It can make all the difference in the world. I usually hand launch as well. Make sure your battery is charged well, and do not toss at too much of an angle. Just barely above parallel is enough. With a sturdy toss, it will get up to speed and ready to climb in about 15 feel. Just keep the elevator level until it starts to pull up a bit on its own. If it starts to descend, just add very small elevator imputs. If you put it in a stall at this elevation, you will crash. I try to stay off of the rudder [once in the air (if ROG)] until I have decent altitude. The rudder has a big affect on the orientation of the wings. If a wing gets too low and you do not have speed or altitute, you will crash.
Flight tips:
1. Check CG, battery power, control linkages, and control movements.
2. Perform a range check 100' away with the antenna down. Make sure to do this with the motor on as well.
3. Hand launch:
Always into the wind. This plane does not like cross wind or down wind takeoffs.
Power up and make sure you feel the thrust pretty good
Give it an almost level toss and toss it pretty good.
Do not overdo any rudder or elevator imputs at this altitude: you will crash
Use the ailerons to keep it level
Once the plane is flying on its own power, start to add elevator and it will climb.
4. Do not try to climb quickly. A gentle ascent is best.
5. Gain a good amount of altitude before trying too much.
6. Once up and running, get a feel for stall speed and practice approaches.
7. Do not try to land if you are uncomfortable. Go around again.
8. Same rules about rudder apply during landing. Try to use the ailerons to keep it level. Do not drop a wing.
9. Do not give up. You will be rewarded with a fun plane to fly.
I was very frustrated after my first few attempts, but I couldn't wipe the smile off my face on my first successful flight. Then I crashed a few more times mostly due to using too much elevator on takeoff and structure failures due to previous crashes. Now I have a very beat up wing, new tail section and fuse, but the plane flies well and I really enjoy it. I have become confident enough to do some aerobatics at good altitude and I can land it just about anywhere I need to. I just started flying in January this year.
You will be fine too. Just keep trying.
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All Forums >> Electric Aircraft Universe >> Park Flyers & Backyard Flyers >> RE: Hobbico FlyZone® Piper J-3 Cub RTF 
RE: Hobbico FlyZone® Piper J-3 Cub RTF - 
With your determination and demonstrated capabilities I have no doubt about your ability to create a viable aft fuselage and empennage structure that can perform up to your expectations. 
HEMI, wow! What a story! You realize, of course, that no normal human being could possibly handle such trauma and still keep fighting. 
RIP. So any input you have is greatly appreciated. I currently have a E-Flite Power 10 
Talent, great to see you having fun with the Cub.