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Old 09-07-2002 | 04:39 PM
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MikeL
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Default learning without an instructor

Once it's taken off, you can't just let it climb. You're going to have to make a turn fairly quickly. That's not going to be as easy for you as you might think. For one thing, it's uncommon for a model to take off and fly straight and level. You mention it being set up correctly. Without an experienced eye, how do you know? Even if it is set up correctly, you're going to have to trim it out yourself. Trimming is something that takes a somewhat practiced hand. That plane is going to bank, pitch, and yaw without you making any control input. That's because there are subtle flaws in the design and in the build that require correction in the air. If you don't know how to quickly and accurately make those corrections with your trim levers, you're in for a world of hurt.

I don't think you comprehend just how quickly things happen when you're flying. Once you've learned, you don't think, you just react. In you're position you're going to have to race to think ahead of the model. You'll get behind it, and that's when the trouble begins. You're not going to have as much time as you think.

Are you used to the control reversal as the model flies towards you? Nobody is going to be there to mention pushing the stick towards the low wing. It's easy to say you'll do that yourself, but when it's up there you'll find yourself in a different state of mind.

What about the engine? How much experience with glow do you have? If it deadsticks, what will you do?