PBF Difficult?
 

I was wondering how hard it is to fly a PBF? I have flow a SPA3D and crashed it because of radio interference or low battery but up untill then except for the trim it flew fine ( aileron push rods were a little short:) ) I was wondering if I would be able to fly the PBF I have one al ready to go expect i just gotta make a motor mount! I soloed a couple months ago on a semi-symetrical trainer that is a taildragger and I have been doing aerobatics with it since then (knifeedg for as long as it will hold inverted circuits low low passes ect ect) do you think I will be able to fly it? And if I try to fly it but it's to much for me and i crash from a low level it should be fine right?

RE: PBF Difficult?
 

If you've been flying a SPA3D, then you shouldn't have any trouble flying a PBF.

BUT....It's extremely important to remember that the PBF is designed to fly and maneuver in 3D flight mode. It doesn't fly very well at all in "normal" flight. The PBF can easily be modified to fly like a normal flying wing, but this sacrifices the extreme maneuverability, stability, and predictability in 3D flight.

I consider 3D flight to be flying and maneuvering at speeds below the normal stall speed. Instead of the wing supplying the majority of the lift, the propeller thrust directly contributes a large majority of the lift required to keep the plane airborne. In the case of a vertical hover, the propeller thrust provides 100% of the lift needed to stay airborne When maneuvering in 3D flight, the wing acts more like a fulcrum for the elevator and rudder controls to change the flight path.

Maybe the best way to think of a PBF is to stop thinking of it as an airplane, and instead think of it as a helicopter....with extremely short rotor blades. Instead of using the controls to fly the PBF like an airplane, try thinking about the control inputs needed to fly the propeller. If the nose if raised, and the PBF is climbing, then the propeller is producing too much thrust and the throttle needs to be gently and accurately reduced until the PBF enters a stable nose high flight. And every time you change the throttle setting....even slightly.....you will also need to be prepared to make a slight adjustment to the elevator stick position.....just like a helicopter.

Also keep in mind that when the PBF is flying in very nose high flight (more than 45 degrees nose up angle), the rudder stick is a much more effective directional control than the aileron stick. If you've been using the left stick for a thumb rest with your trainer, the PBF will break you of that habit very quickly.

And be sure to read the Spin Recovery Techniques outlined on my PBF web page. Until you get the hang of simultaneously coordinating all four controls, you are no doubt going to experience some unexpected spins.

Let us know how the test flight goes!

RE: PBF Difficult?
 

i only got one flight on the SPA3D untill the radi o interference or low batteie kicked in....but now all the gear in in the PBF all i need ofr a SPA3D is a new motor mount and for the PBF a motormount so i am gonna make a motormount at school i think then fly it next weekend! I jope...gotta talk to the shop teacher!

RE: PBF Difficult?
 

Most importantly.....Have lots of spare props[8D]

RE: PBF Difficult?
 

The beauty of the PBF in this case is that you really can't lose. As opposed to a balsa plane, if it's too much for you, it turfs and you laugh, dust it off, and try again (keep it in a safe flying area though!)

As noted before, a bag of apropriate props is a must, as is a flyin' buddy to share the experience. The first time I brought mine out, my best bud and I spent half the time on our knees laughing! Too much fun, GO FOR IT MAN, and let us know how it goes!!!

Gordo