I just took my first flights on my new switchback, and it is exactly what I had hoped for. My only problem is landing it without breaking the wooden housing for the landing gear. ( I have flown it three times and broken the wooden supports each time. ) I noticed that while the plane is coming in level, it is essentially stalled. I don't have any up elevator and very little aileron. The result is that it while it is coming in level, it hits the ground fairly hard---well, hard enough to break the wooden housing. Should I leave a little power on while making my final approach in order to prevent it from stalling? This is a excellent plane, and I don't want to break it again.
Thanks Everyone.
Unprof

With electrics you will find that if you shut the motor down you loose air speed quick and end up stalling it. I have found that you always want to come in under power. When you touch down then shut your power off.

You could either leave some power on until the last minute, or you could use a steeper approach with a good flare just before touchdown.
I'm surprised you're breaking the supports on landing. After 4 SB's I've only broke the landing gear and supporting structure landing at a 30degree angle (crash).

Jason

Thanks for the many responses. I am used to flying a zagi with a brushless motor. I find that I have to kill the power and let it glide for about 25 yards on the approach before touching down. This is the first balsa plane I have flown, so I guess I am still learning. I am glad to hear, however, that others are not breaking the wooden housing. That tells me it is a matter of refining my flying skills and not a flaw with the plane.

Thanks again,
Unprof

Which wing do you have - the Sport or the "3D"? I find the Switchback Sport very easy to land, as I do it's first cousin the Dandy Sport. I've been flying the Dandy GT recently (same wing as Switchback 3D) and it definitely has a steeper approach and sometimes I set it down kind of hard.

But don't be afraid to slow down and flare..... unless you're REALLY heavy (say 20 ounces or more) you're in no danger of stall/spin accidents.

I am flying the Switchback sport model. I haven't checked the weight, but that is a good idea. Also, I read that it is sometimes a good idea to move the CG a little forward in order to prevent stalling on a landing. Anyone had experience with this? I am always leery about messing with the CG.
Unprof

Unless you're very heavy (20+oz) the SB Sport should float in for touchdown nearly by itself.
Could you explain a bit more about it's behavior when landing?

Jason

I bring it in on a fairly long approach with the power off. I keep it level and try to flair the nose up just before touching down. The problem is that the plane stalls and I can't bring the nose up. The landing gear breaks when I set it down. One change that I made to the landing gear is that I didn't use the small bolt. I lost it. I glued it instead. Anyway, the only other bit of information I can offer is that I land it on short grass.
Unprof

If you land with just a tad of power, you can grease the landing on short grass. It does take some practice. Too many of my landings have been of the vertical nature. But it can be done. Dead stick is usually going to be a little rougher. I try to land before the esc shuts the motor down completely. Good luck, Dzl

Unprof,
Glad to read of your successful maiden and that you are enjoying the Switchback. I found early on that the plane does land easier with a little throttle and ease it down till just above touchdown and flair and cut power. I do get long runouts up her when flying of the asphalt due to the thin air and higher landing speeds. I have glued the landing gear in my Dandy GT after major crash damage and it has not come loose since. The Swithback has never been a problem landing and I have bouced it pretty good a few times in my earlier landings. The only effect was that the gear would pitch to one side as the bolt would allow. Just straighten out and retighten the bolt. Now that I have her on skis she does come down a little faster and does require a little more power to control her decsent, but the runouts are shorter on the snow. If your interested we should get together and fly our Switchback's sometime. I think I'm the only electri flyer here in S. Lake Tahoe except my 14 daughter who flies also. I just put a Himax Brushless setuo in mine yesterday but its snowing so haven't tried it out yet. I sure love my Switchback and hope you enjoy many flights with her.
HAPPY FLYING!!!

Flying in the Tahoe area sounds like fun. Where do you fly? In Reno, we have two parks that are pretty good. It would be great to hook up with a fellow switchback pilot.

I live about 2 blocks from Heavenly Main Lodge and did most of my flying there this summer and fall. Since the snow has come and the resort has to much activity now I have been flying at the local municipal golf coarse. It is about 5 minutes from my house and a great flying site. I have skis on my planes with gear and my Alfa P51 is a belly lander. It is alot of fun flying off the snow. If you should come up I have an extra set of skis you can try on your Switchback. Drop me an email if your in the area. I now that the San Rafael park down there is a good place to fly but haven't tried it yet. I usually always carry my Switchback with me on my service calls and have flown at the dedicated RC feild in Gardnerville and Carson on occasion as well. I do have several flying sites in this area and use them all at times. The great thing about electrics is you can fly them in so many locations not like the gas flyers. When I have flown at there feilds they are always amazed at my electric planes and quit envious of there versatility.
HAPPY FLYING!!!
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