Hey guys,

I'm going to maiden my Sig Cap 231 EX after work today.

Ive read all the posts I can find on this bird, Not much about flying do's and dont's.

I know it needs very little elevator, Just curious if anyone had other info that may help. also this will be my first time flying a low wing.

Pete

Pete , seriouly relax and you will do fine . I use the same process for all my planes , make sure your first flight you have everything checked twice , all linkage , no binds in the fule line , good engine transition from low to high , ect .
WIth this type of plane make sure all your flying surfaces gaps are as close as possible and when possible seal them with clear tape .
Because this is a responcive plane , look for tips on low rates and high rates , you can always go to websites on similar models and see what they say , if there nothing on sig site , try a similar design and size on the great planes site .

Hey I just noticed your in provadence , I have to go there on business all the time , any good hobby shops in that area ?? thanks
Lou

The Cap requires very little elevator throw, less that most other planes in its class. This is the biggest mistake I see made with this type. Too much, and it will snap easily, many times on final, in the flair. Here is a list of things too do. Others may add more.

-Pre-flight for correct and free movement of all surfaces
-set you engine slightly rich
-do a range check with the engine running
-have a flight plan in mind that will keep you in a position to make the runway should a short landing be needed
-relax and be ready to apply right rudder as needed on the take off roll
-trim the elevator and ailerons in level flight both up and down wind
-then loop to check how the rudder is doing, it should track straight in a loop if the rudder is adjusted properly
-after the trim process is over, make some approaches at a save altitude to get a feel for handling in slow flight
-when your comfortable with slow flight, make that first landing approach
-keep the nose slightly down all the way around that base turn to avoid a tip stall
-you should be 2-3 feet AGL as you come over the threshold, and then come off the power completely
-after you get her back on the stand, give it a good going over for all fittings and connections
-have fun with your new plane

Have someone else check over the plane. Have them check your throws and make sure that all surfaces deflect the same distance and are going the right way. This may sound like a no brainer, but I've seen some pretty experienced guys put planes in right after take off due to reveresed controls. An extra set of eyes never hurts. Also heed the warning about too much through on the elevators, Caps don't need much.

I have found it useful to carefully check all control surface alignments using a Robart Incidence meter. I set the stab at true level using a small level on both sides, then set the elevators with the radio on using the Incidence meter. Then I go to each wing/aileron and do the same making sure the stab stays level.

Well, how did it go??? Probably a lot easier than you thought, right??

Yep, Just got back. Actually doesn't float too bad.

I love it! Thanks for the help guys!

Pete

Good job. Always a good feeling to get that first flight out of the way, isn't it.

Oh yeah!

BTW, for the gentleman asking. The best hobby shop around RI is Brands on Mineral Spring avenue, North Providence.

Pete