.....if you let go of the sticks, does the plane level off and fly straight (ie level)? This is of course, assuming that the plane is correctly balanced.
Ta
Texy

Texy,

Trainer planes, with dihedral in the wings, will have a tendency to "self-level" in a banked (level) turn if you let go of the sticks.

But, if you are headed toward the ground, don't count on it.

Mike

True, it depends on the plane. I like mine so that they stay where I point them.

In a high wing with dihedral the weight distribution forces the plane to return to level flight from a bank or if inverted, but as stated, if its headed for the deck, chances are it will kiss mother nature before it corrects itself.

Give it a try - But very high up!!!

It will if you have FMA Direct's CoPilot!

exactly what i was about to say....the Copilot (device that takes over when you release the controls)....I saw someone selling one for $100 here last week.

Planes with positive stability will correct themselves. Planes with neutral or negative stability will not.

In a perfect world, Yes, your plane will correct itself.

But then...

In a PERFECT world...

Your airplane would always be trimmed out, even on the first flight.

Everyone would have their own frequency.

All engines would run on cheap fuel (and the fuel would feel good when you get it in a cut).

Batteries would be self-charging.

Balsa would be fuel-proof.

CA would not stick to skin.

Your wife would look like Brittany Spears and cook like Emeril Lagassi (not the other way around)

And your children would regard you as a hero, and respect everything you say.

(Anyone got any more?)

AMA would require all fields to have soft sponge runways
Monocote would never wrinkle or burn, and is indestructible
Garages would clean themselves
Xacto knife blades would never dull
Manuals would always be perfectly understandable
Cowls will never crack
Props would be indestructible...

Better yet! AMA would Supply all fields with soft runways!

And...free RAM 750 when you join the AMA

Yes in that perfect world first off no one would ever crash and most important everyone would be sucessful in the sport!

But in hindsight, If that were the case the never ending supply of wonderful projects recovered from the trash cans of every field would dry up and the supply of bargain equipment would be no more. Not to sound unkind but perhaps a perfect world is not so perfect.

So not to stray to far, Yes Texy most trainers attempt to reach a degree of positive pitch and lateral stability (sometimes called self-righting ability) and that is the idea for trainers and some other types as most of the posters mentioned. As your skills progress you will probably find airplanes with more neutral stability in all three axis' more enjoyable.

At any rate Texy welcome to the sport and hang in there you will ultimately find this endever very, very gratifying.


John

Thanks for all the replies, guys!
I actually got to fly my own first plane last night - a Thunder Tiger Trainer 40, with irvine 53 engine. I did 'lose it' a couple of times, but my instructor took over quickly. Turning left and right was ok, but I kept forgetting to pull the nose back up, which raised a few smiles! Also, I will need to do some adjustments to the plane, as it has a tendancy to climb. A few more washers under the rear engine bolts to produce a bit more down thrust is required, apparently.
Thanks again,
Texy

Glad to hear it! Welcome to the addiction....er...family

Now open your wallet and kiss your money goodbye LOL