well i flew my giant stik today and the only thing i had a problem with is the flaps seems when i deploy them the plane shoots up like a rocket and i have to add down elevator i dont have a computer radio maby they are deploying to much i was using a radio that had a 2 positon switch that i was using for a flap switch but i changed it out for one that has a knob for the flaps any help on the use of flaps would be nice thanks michael

Everything sounds completely normal Michael. Flaps add lift and drag (simple terms here, you have seen the response of the model), so are used to improve takeoff at small flap angles, and to steepen the approach without increasing the models approach speed (drag control). The hint is that the flaps are used at the low end of the models speed envelope. Actuating the flaps at higher speed results in the response you have seen. The next time you are in the circuit try lowering them in steps, if the model starts to climb, reduce the throttle. When the thing stabilises, lower a bit more flap, watch the response, lower the throttle again. You will soon see what the model needs, add down trim if you need, but do all this at low airspeeds. Do not use aileron in large amounts, at lower speeds that could result in untidyness, use the rudder, control speed with elevator, height with throttle, all classic stuff. Flaps are useful, but only when you have a need for them. If you have a short strip, with high obstacles around, then they can be necessary on some models, otherwise they look good, but ain't needed.
Evan, WB #12.

That is perfectly normal behavior. And, as you have stated, it is because you do not have a computer radio that permits you to mix in down elevator when you deploy the flaps. Reducing the flap movement will reduce the amount of down elevator required to maintain a reasonably level flight posture, but you will still have to manually apply down elevator whenever the flaps are deployed.

Cheer up. Computer radios are selling very cheap these days, especially the ones not on 2.4 GHz RF. Let us know how you deal with this problem.

Personally, I like to fly my models manually. That is, I consider it fun to have to apply counter control surface inputs on some days. But it is nice to be able to flip a switch and have it do it automatically when you're not in the mood.


Ed Cregger

I guess I wasnt slow enough I was on my landind apporch and at idle guess I was still to fast I will play with it again next weekend with the flap knob on the radio i should be able to dial in small amounts the radio iam using is is a hitec laser 6 thanks michael