Hi All,

I'm a newbie with a newbie question. Is it normal for a plane to still want to move forward even though the engine is set at it's lowest speed?

I have a 5 yr old Magnum 46 GPA on a trainer that has never been flown; the engine is new although it's 5 yrs old. I've adjusted both needles according to the instruction sheet that came with the engine and I've burned two tanks of fuel through it. It seems to operate well at full throttle but when I set the throttle to it's lowest speed, just before the engine dies, it still pretty fast. Fast enough to make the plane roll forward. If I slow it down anymore it will die.

Did I set it incorrectly?
Do I need to wait until I run a few more tanks of gas then try it again?
Would it work better if I install a plug with an idle bar?

Thanks

When the engine is completely broken in the idle speed should slow down.

It usually takes alot more than two tanks. Some engines can take a gallon or more.

The GPA is Magnums brushing engine I believe, and is equipped with an air bleed screw. Try turning the screw in to richen the low end some. Sounds like your lean down low...

Thanks for the input. I'll give those suggestions a try.

C.P.

You may also try using a wheel collar to put a little drag on the wheels so it does not roll so easily

Hi!
Are you flying from grass or asfalt!
As for running in.......no engine takes several liters (1liter appr 0,2gallon) to run-in!!!
What rpm are you having at idle? and what prop?
For your 6,5cc(.42) engine in a highwinged trainer ...a 11x5.11x6 should be used if you fly at sea-level ...this gives more low speed trust and a more stable aircraft ,more plesant to fly for a novice......do not use a 10x6 prop!
Always use APC props...never Master Airscrew !!!

Regards!
Jan K
Sweden
27 years in this hobby!

CyberPilot,

Most engines do idle better as they break in. It is also likely that the adjustment could be tweaked a bit. If you fly at a club, there are probably a bunch of guys there who could help you adjust it. Putting a larger diameter, lower pitch prop will probably help the engine idle at a lower speed also, simply because the longer prop acts like a bigger flywheel.

banktoturn

If you have an asphalt/concrete runway then this may not be avoidable with a high-pitch prop on a light plane. What I do is use a little piece (1/16" thick) of feul tubing between the tire and wheel collar to add a little friction to the wheels. This doesn't seem to impede my take-off and as a plus it helps slow you down once landed. If you have a grass field and you're still rolling, well....

Actually, I have neither a grass, dirt, asphalt or any other runway.....I've never flown it; not yet anyway.

I'm still looking for a field. There are a couple in my area but it'll cost me $200 - $250 for the AMA membership and club fees.

Thanks for the responses

OUCH!!! Last I knew it was only $48 for AMA and going to go up to $58. THAT'S A HUUUUUUGE CLUB FEE!!! Do you fly off a gold runway!?!? Only $25-$38 a year out here for a club fee.

AMA is $58

Club 1 = $50 one time fee + $ 150 yearly

Club 2 = $160 yearly (could lose their field anytime)

There was a public field but the powers at be decided to expand the adjacent golf course.

I might join Club 1. They have a private airfield, picnic area, etc. etc. Looks nice from their web page. $208/yr is not cheap but I guess it's not THAT bad for what you get. I don't know what the rules for guests are but I'd like to have the option of bringing my nephews or friends with me with out having to buy memberships for them as well.

Oh well, I guess I'll keep looking while I'm getting my plane ready.

C.P.

OOOOHHHHHhhhhhh, OK. I seeeee now!!! It's California. EVERYTHING that requires space out there costs more money. Try playing paintball out there for $10 for 3 hours.... Not going to happen.


How many people in those clubs? Only like 20 per club out here.