ORIGINAL: maynardrupp
The very idea of using a contol surface that extends to the wingtip as a flap is crazy. I have 18,000 hours mostly flying corporate jets and a lot of stuff we do with models makes me scratch my head. I have been using ''spolierons'' on this Extra. It seems to work good for killing the float on a landing, but I can't believe that it isn't more violent or effective. I guess its the power to weight ratio thing. I have mistakenly taken off with 10mm. of spoileron, (both ailerons tipping up), and hardly noticed the difference. Maybee I have numb thumbs eh?
I once left the spoilerons up (12-15mm) on my Venus II during an aborted landing and was lucky I didn't stuff it. Had it on very low rates - about 6-7 deg of elevator - and only full throttle pushed the tail down barely enough to get a teensy bit of lift.
Gave me something to ponder once the nerves settled down a bit.
Interesting that I don't need spoilerons with the Phoenix Extra or the Focus Sport, or any of the other larger planes.[sm=confused.gif]
The most educational model aerodynamics lessons I have learned have been from the Multiplex Cularis e-powered sailplane with full-house flaps and set up for crow (aka butterfly). The Cularis is particularly good for this because despite the fact that it is essentially a large foamie, it is also a performance sailplane and not at all forgiving. It will tip stall quite easily if not flown correctly. Sailplane responses to control inputs are pure, not obscured (nor exaggerated) by the thrust from an engine.