If you try that aileron deflection thing, I'd really like to hear how it works out for you

I'll probably give the aileron deflection a try on sunday night. I'll post and let you know how it works for me.

chris

Ok, this might be related so I thought I'd share my expereince with a similar plane.

I've been getting the bugs worked out on a .60 size Giles 300 with a Saito 100 on it. I flew it with a 14x8 APC prop and without the cowl and canopy to begin with. It flew like a brick. Didn't snap on low rates but would at the top of the loop on high rates.

A couple of days later I put the cowl and canopy on it and found that it took out all of the up trim I had to give it previously and flew better (not a brick) but it snapped now at the top of the loop even on low rates.

Then switched to a 15x6 APC and went out today and it was a different plane. Took off in a few feet, unlimited vertical with acceleration, and no snaps on low rates anymore. I didn't get to try high rates (had a different problem crop up) but will hopefully try tomorrow.

So basically going with a larger diameter, lower pitch prop has made this plane a LOT more stable. Have you tried anything like this to tame your Giles 202?

thanks for the response lnorris. I have a 16x6 prop that I will be trying tomorrow to see what it does.

I also noticed a huge performance difference with/without the cowl (the plane seemed to have about 25% less power without the cowl). Has anyone else noticed this?

chris

I may try a 22x8 on my plane to see how it responds. If this works then I may have some 20x10 propellers that I don't need!

Any word on the success of your new props?

Smatty,
would you consider moving the cg forward an inch or so? Just for a flight or two.

Hi again guys. I tried a new prop (16x6) and the plane seemed to lose quite a bit of power, so I went back to the 14x6. I think I may try a 15x8 next.

Vinnie: Funny you should suggest the CG move. I had a veteran flyer check the plane out at the field, and he said the CG was too far back. We moved the battery WAAY forward (from the tail, which I thought had the plane balancing in the center of its range) to right underneath the wing.

The snapping problem seems to be gone, and the plane is far more stable to fly. I guess that was the problem. I just don't understand why I didn't see that with the Great Planes CG machine. The guy at the field used his fingers to check the balance and it seemed to be in a completely different place.

Anyway, Thanks to all for their help.

chris

You're quite welcome.

The high speed stall on this plane is normal, and definately can be used to your favor. It can also cause utter destruction if not prepared for it.

This kit is definitely one of my favorites. Not only is it a joy to build, but to fly it well, it forces you to be a better pilot. No more can you get away with jerking the elevator around, everything must be smooth and precise (an a bit of expo doesn't hurt either). I'll have to admit, after the first couple of flights, I was scared of this plane. However, once I learned how to fly it properly, it was one of the funnest, best flying planes I've had. (notice the the use of "was", it was lost to battery failure. ) It flys best between 7-7 1/2 lbs, but I've had it all the way to 8 lbs and it still flew very well (fast landings though). I even went as far as installing a smoke system, it was pretty cool for such a small plane.

The real key to getting this plane tuned in is definately in the prop. Preferably a large diameter low pitch prop. The low pitch (6 or less) prop will literaly put on the brakes when you throttle back, making it very easy to land slowly, right where you want it.

Remember, "it's a feature, not a flaw"

-Tom