SkyFly 2 Issue with Climb
 

I'm having an issue with my SkyFly 2. I have 18 or so successful fights with it; however recently I'm having an issue where it will not take off from the ground. If I hand launch. It has a tendency to nose dive; however can remain airborne with full up elevator. Even at this turning becomes an issue because it tends to drop even more in the turns. It will climb with the wings level and full elevator, but nothing like my past flights. I have balanced it according to the instructions and if anything has more tail weight. I have replaced the wing and both rear stablizers and still the same issue. I have also checked the motor and the screws where loose; however, this does not appear to fix the issue. Both the rudder and elevator are centered just like the past flights. My past attempt I fixed the elevator about half full up by changing the position on the control rod. This did create a more stable flight; however, I'm looking for a better fix.

I have a lot of time on simulators and do pretty good in the air. I'm working on take-offs and landings and now this issue is driving me nuts. I'm guessing there is a drag some place just don't have any idea where.

RE: SkyFly 2 Issue with Climb
 

Stick-and-Pod type electric planes tend to have this problem if the fuselage stick is starting to angle downward slightly. This creates negative incidence on the tail surfaces and makes it very challenging to maintain level flight.

If this is the case, you will either need to find a way to correct the negative angle of the fuselage stick relative to the front pod, or replace them both with new spares. Please see my highly detailed diagram below.

RE: SkyFly 2 Issue with Climb
 

Exactly!

Somehow, the angle between wing and tail have changed, I believe.

These articles explain about it, how to fix it, and how to re-trim with a glide (non-powered) test.

http://www.fatlion.com/sailplanes/decalage.html

http://tpbweb.com/media/catalog/610.pdf

The manual calls for CG to be between 1-5/16" and 1-13/16"; check that it is correct and glide test your model.

If it glides well, it will fly perfectly!

RE: SkyFly 2 Issue with Climb
 

Thank you both for the reply. I did notice that the stick was able to break free from the fuselage mount. This has been corrected. I'm not sure that is my issue, but cannot be sure till I get it in the air.

RE: SkyFly 2 Issue with Climb
 

Took it out for a flight today and this did help. It was a bit windy so not ideal conditions for a flight; however, was able to keep it airborne with little effort. Might still have a slight nose down tendency but I'll trim it out more. Thanks for the help...

RE: SkyFly 2 Issue with Climb
 

You are welcome!

Glad it is flying better.

If too much trimming up of the elevator is still needed and the stick cannot be bent, you could try some 1/32" shims under the leading edge of the wing, until it glides OK.

Have fun!