I've been practicing steering the plane (GWS Beaver) on the ground with the wing off, and I'm having a lot of trouble controlling it.
Are the controls on the transmitter supposed to be that sensitive?
I apply throttle, then try to apply a tiny bit of right rudder, to keep the plane straight. It sometimes works, but most of the time it tends to go too much to the right, so I try to compensate and end up sending the plane along the runway on a zigzag .
Another problem is that a couple of times I've changed throttle by mistake when trying to modify rudder angle.
Any tips on working the sticks? (does it have to be as delicate as performing brain surgery?)
ALSO:
Can the plane have a good takeoff even is it's not taxing in a straight line? (when the time comes, should I just try to put it in the air and go from there? Is it more difficult to control a plane in the air than on the ground?)

Thank You .

I have to disagree with rkramer about hitting the throttle, this will cause the plane to lurch to the left and jump into the air before your ready for it. Advance the throttle at a slow but steady rate and apply right rudder gently. If your radio has expo dial in about -50% to soften the rudder response. Don't worry you'll get the hang of it.

I have a .40 size trainer and had the same problem. My radio fortunately has dual rate capability. I set it up so my rudder/steering is very calm when I'm on the ground but when I take off, I hit a switch and it's back to normal.

HTH,
C.P.

Make sure that the nosegear servo arm is on the furthest hole and the servo arm on the nearest hole. Im guessing the beaver is a nose gear so the nose wheel should turn only about 10-15 degrees each way. Its better to have the wheel turning to little than to much. Dont apply to much rudder everything must be slow smooth and gentle (man how many times have i heard that). Also try mounting your wings on. My guess is it will probably balance your plane more and giving more weight thus more friction. The way a taxi my plane probably everyone does it like this (not sure) is apply a little throttle then pull back a little apply some more then pull back to idle. (Making sure not to stop your engine). Ive only taxied about 7 times now and i find it really hard when theres stuff on the runway (epecially in Canada with all the snow and ice). You got to apply up elevator when going over bumps or whatever but this usaully messes me up and i lose control. Make sure your nose wheel is perfectly straight and your rudder to. About controlling the plane as a complete beginner i find that in the air as long as it is not too far out of sight it is easier to control in air than on ground theres no obstacles in the air exept other planes (but i only fly when its only me out) but of course it all depends how smooth your plane flys.

Hope this helps,

Papa

If it is tricycle gear, do as papa says and make sure that the push rod is in the outermost/least sensitive hole. Also, when taxiing an tricycle gear, give a slight amount of DOWN elevator as that will push the nose gear to the runway for better control. To have a controlled take off, you need to be able to drive in a straight line so practice taxiing until you can go straight down the runway at just below take off speed.

The Beaver is a tail dragger (also called conventional gear). If you suddenly apply throttle you will cause a ground loop. Slowly and evenly apply throttle. Using up elevator will keep the tail wheel in contact with the ground until the rudder becomes effective will normally help. Release the elevator and as the tail comes up you may need to apply a little down to keep the main gear in contact with the ground until flying speed is attained. Learning to ROG (rise off ground) is one of the most pleasant moves to learn. It is not the easiest though and that is why trainers are generally tricycle gear.

If the plane is not tracking in a straight line it makes gaining airspeed more difficult. Check to make sure the tailwheel throw is at minumum. If there is no tailwheel it will make it harder and asphalt will be much worse than grass. It may be difficult with the plane discussed here as it is electric and somewhat small.

EXCAP232

okay, first you are wasting your time trying to "control" the plane on the ground, a .40 trainer is one thing but a foam GWS no,, I fly off pavement and my stick takes off in less than 10 feet, its a taildragger so throw the throttle to it and put a little up elevator on it, there is no tailwheel its basically a paper clip skid wire, and it is way easier to control the plane in the air...Rog

Im sorry if im incorrect about putting up elevator when going over an obstacle but im pretty sure its up elevator not down?

PaPa,
Thanks for trying to help. It seems this got off track since the plane in question is conventional gear and also an electric with much different flight envelopes.

flyinrog,
Not sure if it is a waste of time to try and control one of these. It might take a bit of practice to do however will lead to actually flying rather than "blasting" the plane into flight.

EXCAP232

I don't know what your experience level is but I found that one of the hardest things for new people to learn is the small, fine control inputs necessary for planes. Keep playing, you'll get it.

Papa,

I was not specifically referring to going over obstacles in my post. Generally when operating a plane with nose gear, a slight amount of down elevator is in order. If you need to "lighten" the nose gear to go over some thing, then certainly up elevator would make sense.

Thanks to all for the info... it helps a lot.

Most people Hand launch the GWS Beaver...

A tail dragger is not controlled by the tail wheel ! You need to get the tail off the ground with the appropriate amount of throttle and use the rudder for directional control. Tail wheels are only there to keep the finish shiney and maintain the length of the model throughout it's lifespan.

I have a beaver too. And I pretty much agree with the other posts. You do need to practice your fine control with the sticks, But trying to drive it around on the ground, will not help. Between the torque steer and the wheel wires bending, which turns the wheels, there is too much going on. I ROG my beaver all the time. It will hand launch with no problem, but it also ROG's with no problem. And that is much more fun. If you CG is set correctly, don't even mess the elevator. You probably won't even need to touch the rudder. Just punch the thottle all the way. It will take off in about 10 feet. Don't be shy either. Push the throttle all the way up. The beaver has ton's of power and will take right off.