Adam_Fozz -

<u>A good landing starts with a good approach</u> and all indicators are telling me that you are going about it the proper way. A common problem in r/c are pilots turning and banking into their landings. All that is going to do is build up speed (causing the problems your having) and give you a horrible approach.

For my part I practice a pattern in the sky (a large oval) and used that pattern as my mock landing strip. I practice coming into my final turn (landing into the wind), getting level, and then start reducing the throttle while keeping my wings level. All this is done 50+ feet up so I have room for error. And when I've "landed", I throttle back up and do the pattern again.

By setting up a pattern you'll be able to anticipate where your airplane will go (Left to Right, RIght to Left) and start thinking "in front" of the airplane and being in total control. A good thing to have.

Another thing to remember is you shouldn't be using rudder on landings (only in cross winds do you, but just before touching down) and by the time you touch down your engine should be on idle (or off) and your elevator should be completely down - essentially your stalling the aircraft as you've touched down (i.e the "flare" before touching ground) Ttrust me, talk to any real pilot and they'll tell you it's how they do it. Besides, I'm learning how to fly with lessons from my girlfriend who is a true pilot. It's amazing how much more fun it is when you understand the "why", practice the why, and then reap the rewards after. I get "Sweet landing!" all the time now that I've done the above for months. It's hard work, takes patience, but pays huge dividends.

Oh, and about the "side winds"(i.e. cross-winds):Cross-wind landings are tough and how to achive good landings is to practice. You might want to look up how an airplane "crabs" in strong winds as this is what you're encountering. It's odd but you actually approach the strip 'crooked' and just as you are aobut to touch down use your rudder to straighten out the tail and land straight. But, foamies are light and get tossed around a lot - so a part of that is also that the plane is just prone to winds.

Hope this helps on the landings mate!

Cheers!