So heres the problem, (Aside from the fact I dont get to fly much these days) I can not seem to get this maneuver down! I can do the immelman, and the split S. I dance acros the sky, pulling both on either end of the air field. But I try to put it together and do a cuban 8 and I lose it.

So, is my issue simply a limitation of my aircraft? (Flying an H9 Arrow Semi sim trainer) Or strictly a pilot issue?

Should I step up to a good second plane level sport model and try it then, or keep trying till I get it on the arrow? (Irrelevant since outside of my SPADSTICK build I cant afford this option)

A note: I am going to build a SPAD Stick next spring, so the 2nd plane level is covered, just curious if that is my failing or if the more likely, pilot error is the issue.

In either case, tips and suggestions are most welcome!

It's not a plane issue. I've done beautiful cuban 8's with the Nexstar, Avistar, Dolphin, done them with the Decathlon but the rolls didn't look so hot - engine not broken in, plane not set up yet, etc., and I do them well with the Venus planes of course. High wing planes roll differently than low wing planes, that's the only 'limitation' if you want to call it that.

What happens (specifically) when you do one? Cuban 8 is 5/8 inside loop, so you're STRAIGHT AND LEVEL going into a loop, keep looping until you are at a 45 degree angle down, opposite direction. Slight pause, roll right side up, slight pause, and a 1/8 loop to level, wash, rinse, repeat in other direction.

If it helps, space the two halves of the maneuver out a little bit, so you are doing two half-cuban 8's.

I'm sure you know how much experience I have, but in my green-eared opinion I would say hold off on getting a new plane until you can nail this maneuver - it is pretty much the basics - practicing loops, half rolls, and 45 degree lines. If you are still struggling after breaking it down into two halves, then practice STRAIGHT AND LEVEL flight, practice pulling up into a 1/4 loop without dipping a wing, practice your immelman and enter a 45 degree down line after, etc. You can practice the rolls, loops, and lines separately.

I jumped into new planes fairly quickly, and made the mistake of getting the Decathlon because it wasn't the plane that I wanted. Well, it was for the week or so that I ordered it and waited for it, but by the time it came I wanted something totally different and was incredibly disappointed.

Keep up the practice! I love hearing about people doing aerobatics - they are beautiful! Keep us posted of your progress

The H-9 Arrow is more than capable of doing a Cuban 8

But a Cuban 8 is not the same as an Immelman or a Split S

Try doing 1/2 at a time. Start by entering a loop. At about 2/3 through the loop, stop pulling UP and let the airplane dive inverted toward the ground for just a split second - This will definitely put a lump in your throat the first few times you do it.

Then, a quick half-roll and pull out at the same altitude at which you started.

Once you are comfortable doing a half-Cuban, try pulling up into the second half.

Of course, you'll want to practice these at PLENTY of altitude until you get comfortable!

It will also help your nerves if you reduce power as you pull over the top to keep the speed down on the way down while inverted. Add power as you bring the nose back up through level flight.

Hmmm, I think my problem is timing. The idea of doing half a cuban 8 is one I hadnt thought of. This would help me get the timing down on the roll. The other issue of course is learning to get that half roll done quickly, without over or under rolling it.

My usual problem when Ive attempted the whole maneuver is to either run scarily short on altitude and bail out, or to roll so quickly that I over shoot, making the pull up a pull up turn type thing.

I will try 1/2 the maneuver for a while and see if I can get that down, THANKS!

can it be not rolling over because of lack of air speed?

i try all htese things 3 mistakes high.

Just keep practicing with plenty of altitude. You'll master it before you know it.

Nah thats not the trouble, usually I have WAY more airspeed than I care tohave on her while in a dive[X(]

When I dont roll out fast enough its because Im trying not to overshoot the 1/2 roll. When I overshoot its because I rolled more quicklythan my skill level allows me to stop it at 1/2 roll only.

I guess I still just get a bit flustered when my poor defensless bird is heading toward the ground in an inverted dive...

As I said, I will practice 1/2 cubans till I get the roll out exactly right every time. Then move into the other half.

P.S. Keep the advice coming, I use every shred in one way or another!! (And GaRCfield; I dontrate advice based on newness to the hobby, if I did that I would have to discount every shred I have ever given on here as Im just aanother n00b myself! Thanks for the input and feel free to add more if you think it will help me!)

Adui,

There is a rhythm as well as timing to performing consecutive figure eights that appear uniform from the ground. This rhythm and timing varies with airspeed and the model. I count to myself as I'm performing the manouver. If you have done a half cuban to the count of four for example the completed manouver should be to a count of eight. Once over the pucker factor of viewing your model in an inverted dive try and link the eights together so the model is constantly looping and rolling. Once you can do this without the knees knocking together. Practice, practice, practice. INMHO it is easier to do larger figure of eights rather than smaller.

You will find you are your own worst critic, unless you are competing in a pattern comp.

Good luck,

Colin

"You will find you are your own worst critic, unless you are competing in a pattern comp." - Heh, naw, I always think the judges were too generous...

OP, if you have a lot of speed on the 45 down line, can you make the loop larger? A larger loop will give you more time to establish the downline and place the roll. Be sure to remember to throttle back after you cross the top of the loop. There is really no need for throttle much above idle in a 45 down line.

Yeah I was gonna say that - if your idle is set right, your prop can act as a brake on your down lines, so kill the throttle just after the top of the loop.

I also think the judges tend to be generous, but definitely not all the time

Well, thank you all forthe advice. With luck, (and good weather), Im off to the airfield tommorow morning to do some serious training on this. I have decided I really really need to learn this maneuver!

Of course my son will most likely be with me so my trining wil be in between his buddy box flights..

Adui:

If you can, read this before you go flying tomorrow:

http://www.masportaviator.com/fh_advancedtraining.asp

.........and watch this:

http://www.wild-wings.co.uk/ (Video tutorials / Intermediate video tutorial / Cuban 8)

Just go step by step.

Why not to practice the loop and the roll while descending separately first?

Regards!

This site is AWESOME!! Thank you so much! I will be reading it this eve, and tommorow morning before flying! Im gonna use it as a stepping stone and hopefully learn something!

(Most of my aerobatics have been learned by asking how too, and then going to the field and trying it. None have been taught while actually on the stick. Although, I have asked some questions while at the field that helped a lot.)

lnewqban nice site thanks

[sm=angry.gif]Got rained out!! ALL weekend [sm=thumbs_down.gif]

Ahh well, theres always next weekend