Originally Posted by
JohnBuckner
............ For example most of the so called scale aerobatic airplanes such as the many Extras, Sukhoi, Cap's and so on tend to have wings that are quite thin for their size (for those who care to know this is called the airfoils thickness ratio). These airplanes although may be quite good aerobatic types but will be poor transition airplanes and tend to be snappy in pull ups and approachs to land etc ........
While in one aspect, relating to responsiveness of these types of planes, I agree fully with the notion in that the 'general responsiveness' of these aircraft can be too much for a beginner-intermediate pilot to expect to fly successfully - with an emphasis on "
general responsiveness" here.
Where I disagree is with the notion that a pilot of that level cannot use these types of planes,
when they are set-up correctly for the pilot in question.
Modern programmable radios allow for reduced throws and increased expo at a simple flick of a switch, which when used correctly, can turn a scale 3D/aerobatic monster into an extremely stable and easy plane to fly, as it is a known FACT that extra's, yak's, edge's and alike track extremely well, have rather low wing loadings, fly at slow speed very well and land very easily due to their float-ability when coming in for a landing. After all, how often do we hear people describe the flight characteristics of these types of models in as far as they "handle like a big trainer" - and I'd be surprised if anyone who's been around long enough has not heard that statement before if they are in any way honest about it!
Where they can go wrong for the newer pilot all comes back to that "
general responsiveness" comment I mad earlier, and how a lot of (most) people only ever set them up to as responsive as possible with their HUGE control surfaces and massive throw angles, as it is that mindset that will undo a newer pilot, where a thoughout and through one who is open minded, can make themselves a very good flying plane that allows for infinite progression possibilities by just increasing throws as they grow.
But again, this all comes back to setting a given aircraft up to a level that reflects the skill level of the pilot who is looking to fly it.
(A friend of mine with an aeronautics degree on his wall and well over 20 years + of RC heli and plane flying under his belt is always amazed how people who have been around as or even longer than himself, cannot fathom this rather simple understanding that the planes radio setup has as much effect on a planes fly-ability as the plane's design itself does)