Well, 2 Symphony's have flown this week. Don Ramsey flew his Monday and reported he was happy. I flew mine on Tues in a pretty strong wind so some downwind stuff was difficult to judge and need to wait for a calm day to tell some things.

First flight was very nerve racking for me as I have had more than my share of first flight problems. She took off with a jump(too much elevator throw) Switched to low rates for elev and continued on. The plane presents well and flew only requiring several clicks of down elev. The ailerons locked into any attitude which is unusual to me, but good news also. On the first pull to vertical it jumped off to the left and continued to do this through the first flight(see below) Also, on vertical it pulled to the belly very noticeably.(see below) Ailerons were extremely fast so switched to low rates there also. Differential was checked by going vertical then coming down and rolling, at 4%(preset) the roles were axial on the downlines. Heard a metal to metal chinking so landed without problem.

My coupler clamp was responsible for the noise so fixed that and fueled up. I changed all my rates to a lower amount(feel this is a good sign) This take off was much more smooth and relaxed. The plane still shot to the left on verticals so I added 3 clicks of right rudder and it improved. The pull to the belly was still there. With left rudder in knife edge, it pulled to the belly and with right rudder it was pretty straight(again windy) I accidentally did a flat circle with right rudder only and it had no ail coupling at all. The first 90 degrees were just to test the rudder effectiveness, but then continued the circle as it was fun. Vertical power was good and a snap roll with flying rates was very slow. So decided to land and make a few adjustments. I let it get too slow on landing, especially for as much wind as there was, but it didn't drop a wing or loose control at all.

I adjusted the wing to decrease positive incidence 1 turn each. Originally I had the wing +1 degree compared to the stab. Lance at Aerslave had told me this was too much but thought I would fly it and make adjustments as I go.

3rd flight was much better. The verticals still bothered me so I added 2 more clicks of right rudder and low and behold the verticals were straight now(apparently, I didn't have the rudder centered from the start so simply was flying with an amount of left rudder) After landing the rudder was visualized to be straight(no counterbalance so hard to see) The verticals were better with the incidence adjusted and didn't fly to the belly and I was able to take a little down elev out so will adjust again next time I fly.

Overall, I am very happy. Remember I set the incidence off a little as a safety issue as there wasn't one flying yet. As more flights are put on I believe we can correct this and then report what worked. I had tighted the rudder cables the day before and didn't recheck where the rudder was which is what caused it to pull to the left. Once the rates were adjusted the plane flew very smoothly. Slow roles were easy. Once I get the wing/stab incidence set, then I can comment better on Rudder/elev coupling. Am looking forward to the next time to fly to make adjustments and get a little more comfortable. Also of note, the plane didn't seem to be affected by the wind anywhere near as much as my Smaragd. This is a pleasant surprise.

Here are some specifics:

YS 140DZ with Central Hobbies wrap around header, Hyde mount standard and Hatori Pipe, 24oz Tetra tank. 2400mah NiMH battery(4 cell) JR 10sx. Rudder Pull/Pull with JR 8411, Elevator CST .07pushrods from 1 Jr 8411, Ail JR 9411sa with Central Hobbies 1/8 pushrods and titanium ends. CG was at backside of wing tube. Did use CF wing tube and CF stab tube with the Gator adjuster for the stab. Landing gear was from my deceased Smaragd, Tetra 3" wheels and B+P Wheel pants.

Elevator throw 10 degrees
Aileron thro 12 degrees up 11 degrees down, low rates were 10 degree up and 9 degree down.
Rudder throw, 2.5 inches

All up weight was 10lbs 14 oz.

Will post more when I can fly and get a few more picts with decals etc. Maybe Don can post some of his results also.

Ed