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Old 09-11-2012 | 08:25 AM
  #61  
acdii
 
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 10,075
Received 108 Likes on 96 Posts
From: Capron, IL
Default RE: Are Pattern Planes Good 2nd Planes?

I can say on the 4* build I took a lot of time to balance it in all directions, set the throws by the book, and made minor adjustments until I had the ailerons just right.  When I maidened her, all it took was 2 clicks right aileron for level flight. I made no other trim adjustments. At half throttle, the plane flew level, climbed when I powered up, and dropped when I idled.  I need to readjust the carb though, it takes too long to throttle up from idle, which makes landings tricky as I need more elevator to compensate for the lack of throttle response.  Takeoffs initially were a PITA, the tail wheel was off, I since corrected so it goes straight now hands off, but it tends to kick left quickly when the wheel leaves the ground.  I also notice it will yaw left going from idle to full.  Since I have it on my bench for some minor repairs to the wing from it coming loose on my last flight, I will add a washer to the mount and see if that helps any. <div>
</div><div> The one problem I still have is depth perception. I forget how big this bugger is and wind up too far away and clip the corn.   I am learning where to spot the plane on final though so it doesnt matter what plane I fly, the approach is always in the one spot.  When I keep that in mind, the landings are picture perfect. When I dont, well, you can guess the outcome. <div>
</div><div>Today is normally my day to fly, but the forecast is calling for 18 MPH winds, which I have flown in before, but not when its out of the south. Right across the runway, and over the barn roof, which causes some very interesting turbulence. One time I flew into that turbulence and the plane went up and down 6 feet in a span of 4 feet. Good thing I was high enough above the ground, or it would have been messy. </div></div>