Thrust needed for 3D
 

Hey guys I was wondering what thrust is needed for comfortable 3D flying? The combination I am looking at should give me 15.4lb to fly a 12lb plane. Is that too low to for good 3D?

Mike

RE: Thrust needed for 3D
 

I've read that 1.5:1 is about as low as you want to go, but I can't remember where. You might be lacking a little in pull-out performance, but at about 1.3:1, you should be able to at least get started. :)

RE: Thrust needed for 3D
 

I once read that Jason Shulman was quoted saying 2:1 is desired.

I know you can get away with ratios just over 1:1 IF you have experience. If you DON'T have experience, that extra thrust is what saves you from damage when you make a mistake.

Extra power gives you that safety margin to get lower (where you can see what you're doing better) and if you want to bail, as long as the plane is pointed upward, you can just jam that throttle stick to the top and watch it rocket to safety. Without that power, you "slide sideways" and have to plan an exit strategy to avoid trees, objects or worse people!

Experts can recognize needs for corrections (I won't call them mistakes) much sooner, and will plan the need to vector the thrust as needed well before an "emergency situation" happens. That's why they can get away with less thrust.

Get a high powered foamie and a flight sim and you'll see what I mean.

RE: Thrust needed for 3D
 

The question is "is this too low for good 3D" The answer is, yes.

RE: Thrust needed for 3D
 

It is in =MY= book too. However, it helps to know what's expected and I didn't have real clue here.

Know thy self. Know your audience. :D

RE: Thrust needed for 3D
 

Is this a real measured 15 pounds of thrust? If so, I have found that a 10 pound plane with about 1100sq in of wing loading is about as high as I like to go. If the wing area goes down to 900in, then I like max weight to be closer to 8.5 pounds. This is at lower elevations.

RE: Thrust needed for 3D
 

YUP Not enough thrust if you are asking about 3D flying.

You need at least 1.5 to 1 and more is better. When it all goes wrong at 10 feet you want to be able to rocket out of the hover not just struggle out.

An experienced 3D pilot will cope lower power to weight but for learning more is better.