RE: Seagull Decathlon
 

RCKen,

Didn't see the Great Planes Escapade. What category would that fall under?

RE: Seagull Decathlon
 

I just posted this in your other thread. No, I don't think the Escapade should be used as a trainer or first plane. I have this plane and absolutely love it because of the capabilities of this plane. These same capabilities are the same things that make it bad as a primary trainer or first plane. It might be a good second plane, however I don't recommend it as your first.

Ken

RE: Seagull Decathlon
 

RCKen: Do either you or Minnflyer know if the Hangar-9 Arrow would be a good prelude to the Decathlon, since it's a high-wing, and has a semi-symmetrical airfoil?

NorfolkSouthern

RE: Seagull Decathlon
 

RCKen,

So, when do I transition from a "trainer", like the Nexstar, to the escapade? Can I fly the escapade as if it was a trainer? Like, reduce the throws. I'm trying to narrow this down so that I can buy a plane that I can fly and grow with.

Being an RC Heli pilot I remember when I first started to learn. It was challenging, but I took baby steps. The sound of the engine use to frighten me but now I love the smell of nitro and the sound of the combustion engine. I love trouble shooting (comes with the nature of the helicopter) and love tinkering. I've practiced all I could with the simulator (i know its not the same but teaches orientation). So, I'm ready for a new challenge.

RE: Seagull Decathlon
 

Everyone here has given you the right advice, but they haven't told you how to correct for a torque roll to the left on takeoff. In one of your post you said "add power slow let the tail get up to level, steer with rudder to lift off" That is correct. But you need to add more power when the tail is level with the ground. This should be done slowly also. Right before you lift off make sure you are holding a little right aileron and a little right rudder. When the plane lifts off, and you are about 10 to 20 foot high, let go of the right aileron slowly. Let go of the right rudder slowly as the plane picks up airspeed. This is used to compensate for the left torque from the motor. As for the landing, you want to try a few landing approches by reducing power just enough so the plane settles a little at a time. When you get use to it at a lower altitude, just fly it right to the landing. Don't let it get so slow that the ailerons don't work, or the rudder wont work. Remember the rudder is the last thing to quit working when the airspeed gets to slow. You might want to try the slow air speed up high and see what happens when you get it to slow. If it gets in a spin, it might be to the left. If you have enough altitude, let go of all controls. Stop the left rotation with the Right rudder. Keep the nose going down and apply a little power. Then apply a little up elevator, using the aileron and rudder to keep it straight. Level off and try the landing again. I always use the rudder to land right down to the ground along with the ailerons. Good Luck....


Larry

RE: Seagull Decathlon
 

nrad, I don't think Ken read the entire thread. (I see you're new here, so just so you know, Ken and I know each other very well, we have worked many times together and we are very good friends)

The Escapade is NOT a basic trainer, but in your case, I think it's a very good choice. FAR better than the Decathlon.

RE: Seagull Decathlon
 

I almost pushed the "order" button for the Escapade - I should check the LHS first and see if they got one. Oh, I have a magnum 46 - what would be a good prop for the Escapade? would a 11x6 work fine?

I am Determined -

RE: Seagull Decathlon
 

11x6 would be good

RE: Seagull Decathlon
 

I helped a friend learn how to fly with a Kadet LT-40 about 4 years ago. Its a big slow flying and forgiving trainer. You wont go wrong with this plane or a similar trainer. To this day I still enjoy flying it and might even buy it from him to convert over to a float plane. I get a kick out of seeing just how slow I can get it to fly down the runway.

RE: Seagull Decathlon
 

There is good advice on the Forum. Look in the archives in the review section, there are reviews of the Decathlon 46, gas and electric. Between the two articles & the videos, you should get an idea of what to expect. Both reviews are excellent. Even with 4 years of heli experience, I would fly something more friendly first time out. Get the hang of it, then get the Seagull out. It can be a hand full at takeoff. On balancing, follow the mfg instructions, if there is an error, err to slightly nose heavy. The Phoenix is 100mm back from the leading edge of the plane. I lost my Phoenix version of the Decathlon and am building another one. I too, am determined to master this aircraft. It is a fun airplane.

Good Luck!