Landing problems
 

I have a Funtana (Saito 91 with 4 x 14 prop) and a Extreme 330 (os61fx with a 12.25 x 3.75 prop). The problem is these things fly so slow with these low pitch props and then just stall at the last second on approach, usually wrecking the landing gear. I'm trying a little more throttle (obviously) on final but still struggling some. Any tips?

RE: Landing problems
 

It sounds like you have the balance a bit aft on both of those planes. The only time I have noted this was with planes that are a bit tail heavy. With tail heavy models you have to fly the plane all the way to the ground because they tend to go where they are pointed, in other words, pull up a bit and they are trying to climb. This can of course be a bit unsettling when on a landing approach and you flare right above the ground, only to have the plane pitch up a bit and stall then fall onto the deck hard.

You might try moving the balance a bit forward and see what happens, some use a bit of spoileron to kill some lift and help the sink rate, one or the other should help.

RE: Landing problems
 

Practice.

If you have not gained the expierence to land different types of planes by now, the 3D planes and profile do create a challenge.

Just practice working the power right before it stalls.

RE: Landing problems
 

It will take a little time. Practice controling the rate of descent with the throttle only. In other words hold about 10% up of your elevator stick. Then use only throttle to make it go up and down. Start with some slow fly bys at 20 feet. Once you get used to it, it's like second nature. You might also try putting a few clicks of down trim in the ELEV right before you land. This will feel more natural to you because the plane will dive when the stick is centered. Just remember to put those trim clicks back as soon as you land. Otherwise your next take off will be a little nerve racking.

DAvid

RE: Landing problems
 

program in about 10 degrees of up spoileron on a switch and activate it on final. You will find that you might have to hold a click or two more throttle on the approach but it makes the plane a lot less likely to balloon and stall
take care
zonk

RE: Landing problems
 

I have been working hard on smooting out my landings. A friend at the club who flies a Lanier Edge 540 has really helped me the most, and his advice was the same as above. Control rate of descent with throttle. Set up for final approach and once lined up start EASING in up elevator to dump speed without climbing. If the plane is sinking too fast add a couple of clicks of throttle. Once the glide slope is back on track ease back to idle again, repeat this as necessary. If I time it just right I am at almost full up elevator (nose level to very slightly up) and gliding 2 or 3 inches above the runway with plent of runway in front of me..
Last little trick he taught me to stop bounce is, when the plane is about 3 inches off the ground try to hold it there as long as possible and let the plane slow down and set on its on. If I do it right I end up touching down with FULL up elevator and no bounce at all with about 100' of runway to use to come to a stop. .

RE: Landing problems
 

Thanks for the tips. How about if I used slightly larger props (1'' more?) to add just a little extra thrust? Your other ideas are good too.

RE: Landing problems
 

On my extreme 330 I use a short and steep approach to keep air speed up. right over the runway I cut throttle and it sticks.

RE: Landing problems
 

I would suggest carrying throttle to touch down. If your idle is low, and with the Saito's you can get real low, then in your first example, with the 14X4 you might as well envision a 14 inch pie pan on the front------------that's a lot of drag.

By carrying enough power to create some thrust you wont find youself settling short.

RE: Landing problems
 

im in the stages of building mine up and i just put plastic bolts through my u/c as a mates u/c also done the same breaking wood out of the bottom...it dont matter if your a good pilot or not sometimes it may come down a little hard...Ive not broke a U/C as yet lol but i always usses plastic bolts cause if i do it just snaps the bolts and dont break the wood out of the bottom...

anyway try pladtic bolts...

thanks Dean