I've read on the newsgroups many tips and techniques on how to flat spin a plane and many of them differ. With the Cap 232 and Extra 300 what are the likely techniques one can use to get them to flat spin? I'm just starting my 3D career with these 2 models and there stunts are new for me.

I also go into a regular spin with both sticks in lower right or left hand corner. Plane falls down fast. I know you need LOTS of altitude to start the flat spin so you have time to get out but how can you push these planes into the flat spin and what's the easiest way out of them?

I'm still learning but I'll share what I've experienced. My first true flatspin (with my MidStar) ended in a belly-flop crash causing minimal damage - bent landing gear, cracked wing saddle and other misc. stuff. I didn't realize then that in order to get out of a flat spin requires more than just neutralizing all the controls! I later found out that at least one of the three methods to follow should be applied in order to recover (assuming you have the altitude!): 1] Opposite rudder, 2] Down Elevator and, 3] Power! It may require a little of all three to recover but, as I said, I'm still learning. In order to get into the flat spin, the plane should be in a standard nose down spin (ie: same rudder/aileron, up elevator) with about 1/3rd power. Once the spin has been established, begin feeding opposite aileron while keeping the rudder and elevator as before. This should flatten the spin right out assuming you have a fairly aerobatic plane which also has the CG set a little aft of normal. My latest experiences with my little Lanier Extra 3.25 has been that this plane spins and flat spins very nicely - almost without having to think about it. However, once well into the spin, if I let go of the sticks the plane will continue to spin and would probably do so all the way to the ground. I've learned in order to get out of it was to apply opposite rudder which usually will arrest the spin after a few revs. If not, keep opposite rudder and apply power as well as some down elevator and that should clear you out. The trick that I had to figure out was to keep cool and not go dumb-thumbed and freak out. AND, having the altitude helps also!!

Ted

Ted....You got it!

Not only is ted correct but this is considered the proper procedure for entry and exit.
Just remeber to practice high, once you have it down and can easily esitmate how many rotations (altitude) it takes to recover you can ride them all-the-way-down! I can flat spin my 1/3 scale Weeks Solution X and recover at 3'.
Have fun guys....
Todd

Hey Ted... I have a Lanier 3.25 kit... I've been waiting to build... How do you have yours setup? What engine? How much did it weigh?

Paul,

I've had mine flying since August of this year and am loving it!! Being in S. FL, I did it up in Miami Dolphins colors: Teal over white, black/orange pin stripes, orange bottom with a Dolphin's "cheerleader" sitting in the cockpit (actually, a Barbie doll cut to fit)! For power, I chose to use an OS .40FP since it weighed the same as a bearing'd .32 (or equivalent). It is mounted sideways with a Slimline Pitts muffler. There seems to be plenty of power however, it will not climb indefinitely - gravity eventually wins. But there's plenty of reserve for whatever manuever you desire esp. knife edges. The ailerons are controlled via the single servo/bellcrank method which works well. They are also set up with dual rate but tend to fly it mostly on low rate. Rudder is setup with maximum throw - elevator to elevator which I like. All-up dry weight came in at 3.75lbs which is within the limits suggested. I also have an 8oz. tank installed. Elevators also have dual rate but high rate shouldn't be used if at high speed - stall snap occurs when pulled up too hard.

Good luck with yours!! They're alot of fun!!

Ted

I'm thinking about putting a Thunder Tiger 36 in it... I've got one on a combat plane right now and it's a pretty good runner....

Did you use standard servo's or micro?

I went with all standards - Futaba S3003's. For CG considerations, they are mounted per spec. Flight battery is between the fuel tank and the servo's down low and the Rx is tie-wrapped to a small platform I installed just behind the cockpit. That arrangement eliminated the need for any additional balancing weights. Tip: Reinforce the ABS cowl with FG tape and epoxy at all openings and cutt-outs and around the inside perimeter where it attaches to the fuse. Over time, it cracks without the reinf.

Ted

can someone tell me the easiest way to get into a flat spin, I have tried and tried but cant get it.

Thanks

John,
Enter a flat spin by starting with a conventional spin. Then slowly reverse the aileron input. Some planes will enter the flat spin with neutral ailerons where others need opposite aileron. The most common mistake is not having the wing fully stalled when entering which results in a downward spiral. The plane must be set up with sufficient throws and a CG far enough aft to flat spin well. If you can locate Dave Patrick's "Wring it Out" series tape #2
he goes into this in detail both upright and inverted with split screen images. Bill

P.S. A really cool spin which many don't fly is the "Knife Edge" spin. It comes down on the side of the fuselage with the wing vertical. Enter from a conventional upright spin and quickly reverse the elevator to full down. CAP's knife edge spin better than any other plane due to the forward placement of the stab and the tapered leading edge.

Flat spins are really a feel move. Different planes need different inputs. Some you need to reverdse ailerons, some add lots of power, some draw out some elevator.... This is one of the hardest ones to tell someone how to do. THe best suggestion is to find a good pilot and get him to find the combination for your plane. For someone that knows the feel it doesn't take long to get. Once you know the combination it comes fairly easy.

One of the easiest entries for some is as a blender... And many times an inverted will flatten easier too. Enter it with an aileron roll with very slow speed on the downline. Maybe just one roll and then feed in the flatspin inputs deliberate but don't jerk them in. Then hold it and see if it developes, add some power. Sometimes it takes a revolution or two also when you are learning them.

Another cool way to enter a flat spin (upright or inverted) is from a harrier. Just get on the rudder.

You can exit right back into a harrier, too. :-)

Hey aerobatic guys, I just took a trip over here from my home at warbirds.
I early the summer saw a truly impressive flat spin done from a horizontal fly by.
This guy had a big Stinger converted to a twin with a pair of 38's (not the female kind) and a nice blended nose.
He came by about 30 feet up and 1/2 throttle then he must have flipped a switch and idled the left motor and hit full left rudder. He did a 3 turn flat spin and pulled out horizontal without missing a beat or losing any altitude. Can't even imagine the transmitter controls!!! Then he came by again but much faster and pulled straight up and did the same thing vertical!!! Just to make everyone a believer he finished every flight on 1 motor! I didn't get a chance to talk to him but he obviously knew his stuff.

It's always fun to check out what the other guys are doing. Y'all come on to warbirds and see what we do.
bentwings

Hey,
I've taken some things said here and have tried flat spins with the fun fly on RCFS 2001. The problem is not entering but recovering. I can get it into a spin every time but I have yet to recover once. I start at over 500 feet which (I think) should be enough time to recover after spinning only a few revs. Any tips? I have at least 5 full seconds to recover but it just won't happen.
Thanks.

I cant get my G2 to flat spin at all

Recovery-- Drop throttle and opposite rudder for a bump. That should stop the momentum.

I have been flying since the age of eight and i never tried a flat spin until about a year ago. The easiest way i found is to stall the plane add full rudder a burst of throttle then back the throttle off. Using ailerons to keep the plane flat. once you are satisfied reverse the rudder add another burst of throttle and snap the aileron stick to break the spin. This was on an uproar from tower hobbies. The blender works well too because of the momentum you are carrying. try it till you are mad then try some more.