One way to guarantee good landings is to work on approaches. The full-size practice of stabilized approaches works just as well with R/C models. One thing I've found is that proper use of the elevator trim helps landings a lot! Take the plane up high enough so that you can stall it safely, and find out what airspeed is comfortable. Slow the model down until you have a good approach speed. Now play with the elevator trim until you can move the throttle to your approach setting and have the model fly an approach without your having to hold any elevator pressure.

Now you can concentrate on keeping the plane level and not worry about the proper amount of back stick. Moderate the descent rate with throttle. The cool thing is that the approach setting will make the model climb when you add throttle and descend when you take it back.

One model I had would have a perfect approach speed and descent rate when I moved the throttle stick to full idle and added four clicks. I'd then move the elevator trim to full aft. If I could keep the model level through the entire approach, I'd invariably make a good landing.

The main key is that your normal flight position for the trims is neutral. Make any adjustments to the clevises so that your normal flying is with the trims in neutral. That way, you never have to worry about where they trims should be when you're ready to take off on the next flight. Just make sure they're centered and you're ready to go.

With transmitters that have electronic trims, you can use 'beeps' instead of 'clicks'. Some top flyers actually modify the ratchets on their throttle sticks to make a stronger detent for the approach setting. So an example for landing approach would be: "throttle to the setting (extra large click), four beeps of trim, and keep it level to the runway".

Of course, you have turns involved, and have to allow for wind, but like everything else, if you can simplify some of the procedures, the rest come easier.

bax