Suggestion for hand launching

Suggestion for hand launching
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Suggestion for hand launching - 7/24/2003 12:46:30 AM

Zeetah

Posts: 13
Joined: 7/12/2003
From: Redmond, WA,
Status: offline

I have a Piece Of Cake that I fly and so far, I have gone flying with a buddy.

I would like to go by myself but since the field is grass, ROG isn't an option.

I am right handed and have the rudder and elevator on the right stick.

Thanks,
Harjit

Suggestion for hand launching - 7/24/2003 3:35:55 AM

robb_h

Posts: 117
Joined: 12/1/2002
From: WARREN, PA, USA
Status: offline

Harjit,

Don't know if I can help you with the right vs. left handed problem, but I'll offer the following:

I've hand launched many planes, and have found out that running with the model isn't always the best thing to do. Often, the wing will get so much lift, that it will balloon straight up after release and stall. This is often compounded by the wind. I know it goes against all of your natural instincts, but a hard throw (slightly downward) is often all it takes. Watch a buddy hand launch it a couple of times first, just to see if a few steps are required. You might want to dial-in a little up trim in your case, so you have a little more time to react and get your hands on the controls.

Robb

(in reply to Zeetah)

Suggestion for hand launching - 7/24/2003 4:06:04 AM

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Joined: 4/8/2002
From: Collierville, TN, USA
Status: offline

If your P.O.C. is trimmed decently, you should be able to walk straight into the breeze, holding the tranny in your left hand shove the plane firmly right-handed with the nose level, reach down and get your thumb onto the stick before anything tragic happens. P.O.C.'s are usually very gentle and if properly trimmed should fly hands off.

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"He who dies with the most good Cox engines wins!"

(in reply to Zeetah)

hand launching - 7/24/2003 4:17:50 AM

Lynn S

Posts: 1503
Joined: 1/31/2003
From: Bolivar, TN, USA
Status: offline

This what I like about small planes, hand launch with a large plane and the next day you can't use your right arm.
If you have it trimmed just right(and the plane wants to fly)you don't need to touch the transmitter stick for several seconds.
I have one plane that does not fit that description.

< Message edited by Lynn S -- Jul 24 2003 1:24AM >

(in reply to Zeetah)

Suggestion for hand launching - 7/24/2003 5:30:07 AM

Posts: 213
Joined: 12/22/2002
From: San Antonio , PUERTO RICO (USA)
Status: offline

Zeetah:

I have a Gentle Lady with a .049 that i fly all the time by myself. This planes are so stable that you shouldn't have a problem . Maybe give a a bit up elevator a few steps and launch. Once i launched my GL to hard and it went straight up to a stall just lowered the nose quickly and regained control. Once you do it a few times you'll get the hang of it.

Dan

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If it works, tear it apart and find out why!

(in reply to Zeetah)

Suggestion for hand launching - 7/24/2003 7:08:04 AM

Posts: 9004
Joined: 10/4/2002
From: Burnaby, BC, CANADA
Status: offline

I guess you're quite new to all this.

It's as easy as the others say.

I'm assuming that you did a few test glides to check the basic trim before you flew it. Just do another test glide launch but this time with the engine running. If it's trimmed anywhere close and you're facing directly into the wind it'll be a... *ahem*.... piece o' cake...

It's only when you go to smaller models that the lack of wing area and higher loading and thus stall speed creates a dicey situation and you need a proper toss to get flying speed.

But if your test glide launches were a quick flick then there may be problems. The sudden acceleration can starve the engine for a moment resulting in a sag or outright quit. A firm but steady toss is what you want so the model smoothly accelerates out of your hand.

With the POC you'll have all the time in the world to get your thumb back on the stick and fly.

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(in reply to Zeetah)

Suggestion for hand launching - 7/24/2003 7:30:54 AM

Posts: 4044
Joined: 6/22/2002
From: Kirkland Lake, ON, CANADA
Status: offline

I REFUSE to let anyone else hand launch my planes, due to a few times guys who arent familiar with the technique making me lose a model.

My technique:

First, I use a neckstrap. Get the tranny hooked on, steady with your left hand. It is easy (even with fast reacting models) to grab the plane with your right hand, launch it and quickly getyour hand onto the transmitter stick. Just make sure your plane is trimmed out and the trims are in the correct position!

Most planes I just give a gentle level toss (either underhand or overhand depending upon model design) and they just fly away.... within a fraction of a second my hand is on the stick.

One other inportant bit, after each flight CLEAN the model where you grip it so it isnt slippery and you dont get oil on your hands/transmitter.

AJC

_____________________________

Andrew J. Coholic
Engine reviewer for FLY RC Magazine - andrewc@flyrc.com

(in reply to Zeetah)

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