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Old 12-25-2002 | 10:44 AM
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Sojourner
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From: Elmer, MO
Default Pattern plane design construction?

10% maybe a little thin. Part of the function of the airfoil thickness is to create drag when going down vertically. If you have too thin a wing, there wont be enough drag and the plane will pick up too much speed even at idle. In studying pattern and 3D planes, most have a 12% wing. If you don't mind building wings, you can experiment, build one at 10%, one at 12% and one at 15% then fly all three and see which one gives you the performance you want. It could be a matter of personal taste. I think in pattern they want the plane to fly at a steady speed, even in verticles. It has to be able to not gain speed when going down hill.

Merry Christmas and always land wheels first,
Soj