Another flight experience. I have about 8 flights on it total now. Next time I fly it I will post a more recent update on performace. Since this report was written I have changed to a 14x7 3-blade and haven't flown it yet.

Third flight report - - - 10\27\2004

Let me start by saying a few changes were made since maiden flight and its immediate follow-up flight. Prop has been changed from a 15x8MAS to a 16x6APC, this helps slow the plane on landings to a nice respectable crawl. Also, it allows the plane to hold a more scale line with the extra power of the 120. Minor adjustments were made to the linkages to account for trim settings from the first flight being a bit further out of line than I am comfortable with.

Takeoff - The Saito 120 started just as easily as ever and with a quick test of the control surfaces I went straight into the takeoff roll. It didn't take much power or space to get the tail up and then shortly after the plane took to the air. Throttle management is vital to keeping the torque of the motor from pulling the plane off centrline. However, with proper throttle control, little rudder correction is needed to keep it on heading. Climb out was strong but graceful. This plane seems to have a larger prescence in the air than it does on the ground, without feeling heavy at the controls.

Flight performance - After making a few passes to reset and adjust trims once more, I proceeded into some of the moves I have been studying online. Cuban 8's, immelmans, Split S's, Hammerheads, Loops, Rolls, and one failed attempt at a flat spin. (failed only due to my lack of experience and courage) Let me add here, high rates were switched on immediately after takeoff. Loops were kept tight, some snap tendancy is noted, but only when large amounts of elevator are applied at once. Proper stick control seems to be mandatory, something you might expect from this type of aircraft. (Meaning it does exactly what you tell it to with out hesitation, so be ready for it ) It was during this flight that I began to notice a bit of push out of my loops. I attributed this to the elevators being slightly out of alignment. (a check at home later proved this to be correct) Rolls stayed close to axial, although they are not as fast as I would have expected on high rates. I will be adjusting throws to compensate, more on this below. Vertical performance is out of sight with the prop change and power of the 120. It doesn't even seem to slow down going straight up as long as I will let it.

Landing - As with the maiden flight I started my approach by cutting to idle (which is still a bit high during the continued break in period). The Edge floats nicely through the crosswind leg and then turns on to final with plenty of airspeed to spare. Touch down was smooth and simple on the mains with no tendency to tip stall. I feel it could have landed slower as the idle speed is lowered and I work on my flare a bit with this larger bird.


Adjustments to be made for future flights - I have increased high rate throws to maximum deflection for all surfaces. Expo remains in effect on both rates to help minimize the likelyhood of overcorrection. Larger, 3" foam wheels will replace the supplied for flying off the grass field. All in all, for what little flight time I have on it, the VF Edge 540 seems to be holding it's own.