PHOENIX SUPER DECATHLON
10-06-2009 | 09:45 AM
#1
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: linden, TN
PHOENIX SUPER DECATHLON
Does anybody have A phoenix super decathlon with a magnum 52 4 stroke on it and also what shoule the CG be ? Ive read that the CG should be between 80-90 and not 100 as per the manuel states thanks michael
10-06-2009 | 11:55 AM
#4
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Nottingham,
PA
RE: PHOENIX SUPER DECATHLON
I have a OS 55 AX with a 13 X 6 APC prop in mine, and have the CG set at 90mm and it flies super and lands perfectfully, no boucning on landing like some here have mentioned. I chop the throttle to idle on aprroach and she glides right in smooth as silk. The only thing I noticed is that while flying inverted it seems a tad nose heavy. The magnum weighs 15.70 and my OS weighs 14.30 (if that helps any). I installed a 10 Oz tank as well and have a 1500 NiMh battery. The battery adn receiver are strapped in just in front of the servo tray with the battery as close to the tray as possible. I'm thinking if I set the CG at 100, the nose heavy inverted flight would be okay. but I'm happy with the way it flies and lands other than that, so I think I'll leave at 90mm for now.
10-06-2009 | 12:32 PM
#5
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: linden, TN
RE: PHOENIX SUPER DECATHLON
I fugured to balance at around 90% . What about tip stall? Ive read that it will do that on take off and landings if it is to slow I like to land at a high idle setting we fly on a short grass field michael
10-06-2009 | 01:39 PM
#6
RE: PHOENIX SUPER DECATHLON
Tip stalls: The main issue of any Cub-type plane is going to be ground handling. Ground loops (where the wing dips on rotation) can and will happen, but usually they are easily corrected. It's the nature of the beast, this just goes with the territory. Take off into the wind when possible, and use the rudder. Once you're up, the rest should be easy. Although the Decathlon is capable of snaps, it recovers fairly quick with enough altitude. It will be far more forgiving than most warbirds, and is only slightly more challenging than a low-wing trainer such as the Sig Four-Star. At least, that has been my experience with the Citabria.
And then here's another question: Why don't many people fly them? For the most part, it's because they look somewhat boxy and almost trainer-like. They fly slower than most other sport-scale planes. And, they are often perceived as "difficult" and "tricky" to handle by some. Forget the "airbatic spelled backwards" myth. These are not 3D, or even close to an Edge or Extra. But rather, just a nice scale plane that is more than capable of doing most of what you would want on a pleasant, calm afternoon. It is definitely worth the extra setup time!
NorfolkSouthern
And then here's another question: Why don't many people fly them? For the most part, it's because they look somewhat boxy and almost trainer-like. They fly slower than most other sport-scale planes. And, they are often perceived as "difficult" and "tricky" to handle by some. Forget the "airbatic spelled backwards" myth. These are not 3D, or even close to an Edge or Extra. But rather, just a nice scale plane that is more than capable of doing most of what you would want on a pleasant, calm afternoon. It is definitely worth the extra setup time!
NorfolkSouthern
10-06-2009 | 04:01 PM
#7
RE: PHOENIX SUPER DECATHLON
Here's a pretty good thread on the subject: [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3606334/tm.htm]RCU Decathlon thread[/link].
FWIW, I had one, and it WILL tip stall if you get too slow and try to horse things around. I had my CG at about 90mm also. In calm weather, landings are a cinch, but I found myself in trouble more times than not if I tried to chop the throttle and glide in. I found maintaining a bit of throttle and flying it to the ground, using elevator to control speed and the throttle to control altitude, worked better, especially with some wind. On my last day with the plane [&o], we had about a 5-10mph quartering crosswind, which I had always found difficult with this plane. I practiced several landings that day, using more throttle as described, and found it much easier to land. I had the crunched right wingtip to prove the tip stall tendency; I had done it 2 or 3 times from low altitude, trying to land in wind or deadstick, and using too much elevator and not enough power (obviously had none in the deadsticks). Point is, don't try to stretch a glide, and use power to adjust altitude, more so than elevator input, and you'll be fine. I really enjoyed this plane, and plan on getting another this winter, as it is a wonderful looking, scale-flying plane that is relaxing and enjoyable to fly, once you know it's tendencies.
FWIW, I had one, and it WILL tip stall if you get too slow and try to horse things around. I had my CG at about 90mm also. In calm weather, landings are a cinch, but I found myself in trouble more times than not if I tried to chop the throttle and glide in. I found maintaining a bit of throttle and flying it to the ground, using elevator to control speed and the throttle to control altitude, worked better, especially with some wind. On my last day with the plane [&o], we had about a 5-10mph quartering crosswind, which I had always found difficult with this plane. I practiced several landings that day, using more throttle as described, and found it much easier to land. I had the crunched right wingtip to prove the tip stall tendency; I had done it 2 or 3 times from low altitude, trying to land in wind or deadstick, and using too much elevator and not enough power (obviously had none in the deadsticks). Point is, don't try to stretch a glide, and use power to adjust altitude, more so than elevator input, and you'll be fine. I really enjoyed this plane, and plan on getting another this winter, as it is a wonderful looking, scale-flying plane that is relaxing and enjoyable to fly, once you know it's tendencies.
10-06-2009 | 08:19 PM
#8
Senior Member
My Feedback: (3)
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,183
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: Nottingham,
PA
RE: PHOENIX SUPER DECATHLON
ORIGINAL: wyo69cowboy
Here's a pretty good thread on the subject: [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3606334/tm.htm]RCU Decathlon thread[/link].
FWIW, I had one, and it WILL tip stall if you get too slow and try to horse things around. I had my CG at about 90mm also. In calm weather, landings are a cinch, but I found myself in trouble more times than not if I tried to chop the throttle and glide in. I found maintaining a bit of throttle and flying it to the ground, using elevator to control speed and the throttle to control altitude, worked better, especially with some wind. On my last day with the plane [&o], we had about a 5-10mph quartering crosswind, which I had always found difficult with this plane. I practiced several landings that day, using more throttle as described, and found it much easier to land. I had the crunched right wingtip to prove the tip stall tendency; I had done it 2 or 3 times from low altitude, trying to land in wind or deadstick, and using too much elevator and not enough power (obviously had none in the deadsticks). Point is, don't try to stretch a glide, and use power to adjust altitude, more so than elevator input, and you'll be fine. I really enjoyed this plane, and plan on getting another this winter, as it is a wonderful looking, scale-flying plane that is relaxing and enjoyable to fly, once you know it's tendencies.
Here's a pretty good thread on the subject: [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3606334/tm.htm]RCU Decathlon thread[/link].
FWIW, I had one, and it WILL tip stall if you get too slow and try to horse things around. I had my CG at about 90mm also. In calm weather, landings are a cinch, but I found myself in trouble more times than not if I tried to chop the throttle and glide in. I found maintaining a bit of throttle and flying it to the ground, using elevator to control speed and the throttle to control altitude, worked better, especially with some wind. On my last day with the plane [&o], we had about a 5-10mph quartering crosswind, which I had always found difficult with this plane. I practiced several landings that day, using more throttle as described, and found it much easier to land. I had the crunched right wingtip to prove the tip stall tendency; I had done it 2 or 3 times from low altitude, trying to land in wind or deadstick, and using too much elevator and not enough power (obviously had none in the deadsticks). Point is, don't try to stretch a glide, and use power to adjust altitude, more so than elevator input, and you'll be fine. I really enjoyed this plane, and plan on getting another this winter, as it is a wonderful looking, scale-flying plane that is relaxing and enjoyable to fly, once you know it's tendencies.
10-06-2009 | 11:09 PM
#9
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: linden, TN
RE: PHOENIX SUPER DECATHLON
the reason I bought this one is to get use to it befor I fly the dynaflite super decathlon Iam putting a 40cc gasser on that one and wanted to get use to it I have tipped stalled cubs on take off and no amount of rudder or ailerons would pull it out i mean tail was up and take off speed was fast it might be that I yank the elevator up to much and have a high aoa on take off michael
10-07-2009 | 04:16 AM
#10
RE: PHOENIX SUPER DECATHLON
ORIGINAL: michael wood
the reason I bought this one is to get use to it befor I fly the dynaflite super decathlon Iam putting a 40cc gasser on that one and wanted to get use to it I have tipped stalled cubs on take off and no amount of rudder or ailerons would pull it out i mean tail was up and take off speed was fast it might be that I yank the elevator up to much and have a high aoa on take off michael
the reason I bought this one is to get use to it befor I fly the dynaflite super decathlon Iam putting a 40cc gasser on that one and wanted to get use to it I have tipped stalled cubs on take off and no amount of rudder or ailerons would pull it out i mean tail was up and take off speed was fast it might be that I yank the elevator up to much and have a high aoa on take off michael
NorfolkSouthern
10-07-2009 | 05:17 AM
#11
Senior Member
RE: PHOENIX SUPER DECATHLON
There is only one way to stall a wing. Force it into too high an AOA.
High speed or low speed stalls........ they happen from the elevator forcing the wing to an AOA where it stalls. If you thought your speed was good enough and the tail had come up and everything looked cool, it wasn't........ if it stalled.
Consider how heavy your Cub might have been. Heavier means you need more lift sooner.
My Phoenix SD is one of the heaviest 46 size ARFs I have. Until it's at cruise speed, it's elevator is moved very carefully.
High speed or low speed stalls........ they happen from the elevator forcing the wing to an AOA where it stalls. If you thought your speed was good enough and the tail had come up and everything looked cool, it wasn't........ if it stalled.
Consider how heavy your Cub might have been. Heavier means you need more lift sooner.
My Phoenix SD is one of the heaviest 46 size ARFs I have. Until it's at cruise speed, it's elevator is moved very carefully.
10-07-2009 | 07:01 AM
#12
RE: PHOENIX SUPER DECATHLON
ORIGINAL: NorfolkSouthern
Tip stalls: The main issue of any Cub-type plane is going to be ground handling. Ground loops (where the wing dips on rotation) can and will happen, but usually they are easily corrected. It's the nature of the beast, this just goes with the territory. Take off into the wind when possible, and use the rudder. Once you're up, the rest should be easy. Although the Decathlon is capable of snaps, it recovers fairly quick with enough altitude. It will be far more forgiving than most warbirds, and is only slightly more challenging than a low-wing trainer such as the Sig Four-Star. At least, that has been my experience with the Citabria.
And then here's another question: Why don't many people fly them? For the most part, it's because they look somewhat boxy and almost trainer-like. They fly slower than most other sport-scale planes. And, they are often perceived as ''difficult'' and ''tricky'' to handle by some. Forget the ''airbatic spelled backwards'' myth. These are not 3D, or even close to an Edge or Extra. But rather, just a nice scale plane that is more than capable of doing most of what you would want on a pleasant, calm afternoon. It is definitely worth the extra setup time!
NorfolkSouthern
Tip stalls: The main issue of any Cub-type plane is going to be ground handling. Ground loops (where the wing dips on rotation) can and will happen, but usually they are easily corrected. It's the nature of the beast, this just goes with the territory. Take off into the wind when possible, and use the rudder. Once you're up, the rest should be easy. Although the Decathlon is capable of snaps, it recovers fairly quick with enough altitude. It will be far more forgiving than most warbirds, and is only slightly more challenging than a low-wing trainer such as the Sig Four-Star. At least, that has been my experience with the Citabria.
And then here's another question: Why don't many people fly them? For the most part, it's because they look somewhat boxy and almost trainer-like. They fly slower than most other sport-scale planes. And, they are often perceived as ''difficult'' and ''tricky'' to handle by some. Forget the ''airbatic spelled backwards'' myth. These are not 3D, or even close to an Edge or Extra. But rather, just a nice scale plane that is more than capable of doing most of what you would want on a pleasant, calm afternoon. It is definitely worth the extra setup time!
NorfolkSouthern
if you put a powerful heavy and propped up fourstroke in one and have a big battery pack down the back over the tailwheel things liven up considerably.Trust me
10-07-2009 | 10:01 AM
#13
RE: PHOENIX SUPER DECATHLON
ORIGINAL: NorfolkSouthern
EXACTLY. Too much elevator creates an excessively high angle of attack, resulting in a crash. Believe it or not, even a trainer can do this!
NorfolkSouthern
ORIGINAL: michael wood
the reason I bought this one is to get use to it befor I fly the dynaflite super decathlon Iam putting a 40cc gasser on that one and wanted to get use to it I have tipped stalled cubs on take off and no amount of rudder or ailerons would pull it out i mean tail was up and take off speed was fast it might be that I yank the elevator up to much and have a high aoa on take off michael
the reason I bought this one is to get use to it befor I fly the dynaflite super decathlon Iam putting a 40cc gasser on that one and wanted to get use to it I have tipped stalled cubs on take off and no amount of rudder or ailerons would pull it out i mean tail was up and take off speed was fast it might be that I yank the elevator up to much and have a high aoa on take off michael
NorfolkSouthern
10-09-2009 | 02:23 PM
#14
Thread Starter
My Feedback: (1)
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
From: linden, TN
RE: PHOENIX SUPER DECATHLON
Well its all together now except the struts I think I fly it without them the weight is 7# and has a magnum 52 4 stroke with an 11/4 prop on it. This arf kit had the engine mounts all ready installed at about a 45 degree angle so I left it and cut the cowel according to the head and needle valve and exaust. If the weather is good and no rain it will be a good day tommrow to fly. michael
