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Old 10-17-2005 | 07:14 AM
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bkdavy
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From: FrederickMD
Default RE: Finally Soloed!!!

I'm all over the runway and I dont know what Im doing wrong, so I dont know how to correct it.
When starting your takeoff run, don't just punch the throttle to full. Ease it up to full throttle. Don't overcontrol the rudder. That leads to overcorrections. Just like your car, the faster its moving, the smaller adjustments you need to make to keep it straight. Likewise, large adjustments have dramatic (and unwanted) effects. As you throttle up, the increased prop wash over the rudder will increase its effect as well. Don't pull up on the elevator until the plane is up to speed. Just like the rudder, the prop wash over the elevator can lift the nose before the wing is ready to fly. If you're pulling up elevator too quickly, you may be pulling the nose wheel off the ground before you have full rudder control.

Most models will need some rudder during the take off roll to compensate for the prop. Because of the direction the prop is turning, it will tend to make the model turn left. Consequently, a little right rudder is added as you add throttle. Then back off the rudder as the speed comes up.

Don't be ashamed to abort a bad takeoff roll. This is the worst (and unsafest) mistake many beginners can make. A plane headed for the pits or pilot stations should be immediately shut down before someone gets hurt.

Finally, PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE.

Good Luck!

Brad