Bill, for high wingloading planes, like the SAE Lifters, I prefer looooooong runways, and low flat approaches.
Flaps are mostly cosmetic, for me.
Nice to have, but not something to depend on.

B to T--The info in numbers and percentage from was interesting
I have never been able to correlate model stuff in finite numbers
I understand that it takes 4 times the power to go twice as fast -but aside from that "law" which I still have not been able to proove - but really don't doubt- I seem to find most calculations -simply a rough starting point.

It's interesting to see all the different cues that RC pilots use to determine airspeed/angle of attack. Nobody talked about using stick position as a cue. My experience with gliders is that one of the best indications that I'm about to stall is that my thumb is approaching the end of its "comfort region" (with the boundaries this region established by experience at each flap setting). I think another cue that is pretty subtle, but I would bet most experienced RC pilots use (possibly subconsciously), is the change in the model's longitudinal flying qualities (the airplanes "short period" frequency in particular) as it gets slower.

yes - in otherwords- you establish an invisible hand to eye link that ultimately feels like you are directly hooked into the model
As the model slows - the link (response time ) tricks you into feeling the controls becoming less responsive.
Those modelers who are also accomplished instrumentalists / musicians, have already in many cases, developed these "links" and the subtile nature of the response gives great accuracy.

"You can't play a violin by simply knowing the theory -no matter how well you understand it."

banktoturn,

Thank you. Your comments clarified and confirmed my intuition. Also found a delta CL chart for flaps vs. flap angle confirming your comments.

Bill