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Old 06-20-2013, 09:23 AM
  #14  
Charlie P.
 
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Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Port Crane, NY
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Default RE: Unexpected flight characteristics

Set the plane on a flat surface, zero all trims and manually set the rudder straight in line with the vertical stab using a straight edge. Roll the plane on the ground and MANUALLY adjust the tail wheel/linkageso that it rolls straight when pushed . Do not alter the rudder itself or try to fix with sub-trim or digital trim.Adding a few degrees of toe-in to the main wheels helps the model self-correct when taxiing and taking off. You want the initial set-up "squared" properly.

Now you should only need a tiny bit of right rudder when taking off and the rest of the time fly with no odd mixes. You will probably get some torque/P-factor that may or may not need some flight trim.

Some planes require more rudder as well as elevator management to keep the tail-wheel in contact when taking off (short-coupled WWI biplanes are notoious). Some folks blip the throttle to lift the tail and then they are flying low with the wheels touching. Just part of the fun. The Four Star is a tame tail dragger.