Looks like I did it right the first time
11-29-2008 | 06:19 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Looks like I did it right the first time
I had some success at the field over the Thanksgiving weekend, having maidened a Lanier Citabria I set up over the last month. This plane has docile flying characteristics, and a long glide ratio on dead stick. The roll rate is slow, where the rudder is used to help it flip back; much like with a trainer. Rudder can be a little sensitive, with a very effective elevator. The Citabria was slower on takeoff and landing than my Rapture 40, and tends to cruise at a leisurely pace. Rudder helps significantly in turns.
At a high altitude, I tested the stall tendancies and noted no bad habits after being properly trimmed; no dropped wing and no spiral. When gunning the throttle from slow speeds, no drop in the wing was noted and no further adjustment of the sticks was necessary. Touch and goes may be a challenge, as it benefits most from gradual use of the throttle on runup. On landing, it prefers to float in gently rather than comming in under speed and power. Otherwise, it will tend to bounce. Ground handling takes a little finesse, as with a Cub or any other high-wing taildragger. Toe-in the gear and set rudder modestly, then be ready to correct for the torque-roll on liftoff. Once I get the struts set up and installed, I think they will help create some drag to help with the slower landings.
Overall, I have found this to be a forgiving plane compared to others I've flown. I am certain that a good setup helped contribute to the great flying qualities of this airframe. I took my time in building to make sure everything was done correctly; without trying to rush this project. Overall, the work has paid off and now I have my bush plane for the Winter season, complete with skis of course
. So, folks. There you have it. Take your time, and correct for mistakes while building. A check list may help in your pre-maiden. Then you can breath easy when that bird does what it's expected to do. You'll have a trustworthy and reliable machine that hopefully, won't have an expiration date. Well, at least not anytime soon!
NorfolkSouthern
At a high altitude, I tested the stall tendancies and noted no bad habits after being properly trimmed; no dropped wing and no spiral. When gunning the throttle from slow speeds, no drop in the wing was noted and no further adjustment of the sticks was necessary. Touch and goes may be a challenge, as it benefits most from gradual use of the throttle on runup. On landing, it prefers to float in gently rather than comming in under speed and power. Otherwise, it will tend to bounce. Ground handling takes a little finesse, as with a Cub or any other high-wing taildragger. Toe-in the gear and set rudder modestly, then be ready to correct for the torque-roll on liftoff. Once I get the struts set up and installed, I think they will help create some drag to help with the slower landings.
Overall, I have found this to be a forgiving plane compared to others I've flown. I am certain that a good setup helped contribute to the great flying qualities of this airframe. I took my time in building to make sure everything was done correctly; without trying to rush this project. Overall, the work has paid off and now I have my bush plane for the Winter season, complete with skis of course
. So, folks. There you have it. Take your time, and correct for mistakes while building. A check list may help in your pre-maiden. Then you can breath easy when that bird does what it's expected to do. You'll have a trustworthy and reliable machine that hopefully, won't have an expiration date. Well, at least not anytime soon!NorfolkSouthern
11-29-2008 | 08:02 PM
#2
RE: Looks like I did it right the first time
Nothing feels better than calculated success. Congrats on building and setting it up, and having it come out just like you wanted to. (Beats the heck out of a poke in the eye with a sharp stick...)
11-30-2008 | 02:59 AM
#3
Thread Starter
RE: Looks like I did it right the first time
Well, at least one person acknowledged my post. Thanks, Bingo Field. Why I get into all this stuff, suffering the grief of such a frustrating project is beyond me. But hey, at least I won't have to do another one too soon. Or will I? Never say "never"...
NorfolkSouthern
NorfolkSouthern
