basic landing gear setup
 

hi i have an arf kit i am building my question is does the plane sit level on a tricycle setup or should the nose gear be slightly shorter so the nose of the plane tiltsdowna bit

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

I think that you would want the nose of the plane to be tilted up a few degrees. That will help to create lift on the take off. Others may have a different idea.

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

Level is best. I wouldn't go more than about a 1/4 inch lower on the nose. The the plane "rotates" for takeoff it will "pop" off the ground instead of climbing off smoothly and will take more elevator and speed.

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

I don't like "nose high" because once I land I want the plane to have no lift remaining and not want to takeoff on its own simply because the nose is high. It should need elevator input to raise the nose through neutral.

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

many thanks for your help guy's

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

You want the nose slightly low; zero or negative angle of attack for the wing. As you approach flight speed, the nose wheel will lift with just a touch of up elevator and you can make a nice takeoff. If you have the nose up when at rest, landings will be very difficult with lots of bounces.

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

you've all been a great help thanks again

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

Depends on your field. Off of hardtop, have the nose down just slightly. On grass, level works best.

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

no hard stuff where i am just a big field ,nice one thanks

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

See, I said there would be lots of input. I guess it depends on your style of flying. I have mine set at 1 or 2 degrees. Seems like the take off is a lot smoother. It just seems to fly off the ground

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

i guess it's just trial and error to a certain degree

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

Most tail draggers have a positive AOA for good reason.

Trainers can deal with having a neutral AOA, as their large tail surfaces allow you to pick the nose up for takeoff.

For pushers, having no AOA ( level with the pavement ) or even a slightly negative AOA, can be quite catastrophic.

As said it depends upon the plane.

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

im building an overlander breeze ep 40 size trainer , 59" wingspan with low wing loading ,wing area 558 sq in ,flying weight 4.4 lbs 900kv outrunner with 11 to 14x7 prop not quite sure on prop size yet, 60amp esc ,starting with 3300mah battery 3's to start with then i will chuck a 4's in it later

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

I prefer level of a degree or two of nose UP

As you can see, it's mostly a personal preference.

RE: basic landing gear setup
 

yep i don't think i'm really going to know untill the maiden flight but thanks for your input