Was really nervous bringing the Decathlon out after the Escapade crash last weekend. But, since January I wanted to see the Decathlon fly - so we went.

I putt putted around the dirt runway a few times and immediatly noticed how it veered LT when I throttled up (maybe it was my tail gear set up). I countered it and it wants to go right. I had a heck of a time trying to keep it straight. I wasn't planning to take off but when I throttled up slowly and got it to go straight I increased the throttle a tad and noticed the tail went up (not going very fast). I must have been using a lot of right rudder cuz the plane started to head Right on the runway. I knew I would be in trouble if I continued in this direction so I accelerated - kept her on the ground as long as I can - and the Decathlon went up with slight up elevator. I was all over the place. I was flying like a drunk man - I was getting really worried that I can 't fly this plane and it was going to be one ugly landing. Then thinking for a moment I realized that I haven't trimmed the plane. Having an extra set of hands I had a buddy (who doesn't fly/drive RC) clicked the trimms - To clicks right - couple more clicks to the right (aileron) and a bunch of clicks up elevator and finally the plane can hold level flight at 3/4 throttle. All this took about a few laps around the field. 4min 30sec timer went off and it was time to bring her in. Made one pass over the runway (right to left) - right turn - flew parrallel (left to right) - I then applied flaperons (plane slowed down) - made the last right turn over the orange groves (applied power) - 1/4 throttle and on Final I cut throttle and the Decathlon floated right in. It landed slower than my Avistar trainer - much much slower than the Escapade. From this experience - i gotta say ground control was the hardest. I'll post a youtube video hopefully soon. See, even a NooB can fly this plane. hopefully the plane continues to stay in one piece.