Hey I'm building a TopFlite P51 Mustang and was wondering weather or not it is recommended to add the flaps or not.

I realize that many people recommend it, however i made a mistake(as this is my first time building a model) and would have to spend a few hours extra to be able to use them. I am definitely a beginner so if it makes flying a lot easier i would go ahead and spend the time.

Any and all advise is great,

Thanks

Flaps are a matter of choice. They do help in landing of the plane, but they are not a requirement that will stop you from flying the plane. Depending on what your mistake is, just finish the wing and fly the plane. Good Luck, Dave

I would agree with Dave - they are a matter of choice - and training.

I have had flaps on two models a GP P51 and a Super Chipmunk. They were not needed on either model and I eventually took them off.

What they will do is change the flight characteristics of the AC, so as you apply the Flaps you have to be aware of the changes that are coming and adjust accordingly.

For some AC the Flaps are a must - for most they are not required and just look pretty...

Your call.

That kinda' scares me a bit. It's not really a beginner plane..... Make sure you get help putting it in the air.

Flaps or not? depends on the length of the runway you're going to land on. If it's less than 50 yards I'd say flaps.... if there's a tree line on either and of the runway I'd say less then 100 yards.

Due to the high wing loading of a warbird such as a P 51 I would suggest you build in the flaps. Also do to the fact that it is a high wing loading warbird I would also suggest that you get yourself a 40 size trainer and learn on it. The P-51 is not a plane that is good to learn on as a matter of fact without flaps it is a real handful to land. If you try to fly it as your first plane the life of the plane will be measured in seconds ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1xysvXKVB8 ), it may survive if you have a real good instructor on a buddy box, but I would still suggest you get a trainer. The cost will be minimal if it saves your Mustang after all the time you put into building it. By all means if you are new to RC be sure to start with an instructor and add the flaps, the P-51 is heavy and lands hot.
Good luck!

Flaps aren't just for landing. I like 'em on takeoffs as well... Especially with an 8 or 10 pitch prop and a short runway.

Please do yourself a favor and set the Mustang aside. I know this is a beautiful plane and we all want to fly warbirds or wild aerobatic aircraft. Using this as a first or even a second plane is a VERY BAD idea. You need to start out the right way and learn the basics with a trainer airplane. They are a lot more forgiving and will help you learn much better. Mustangs and other scale or high performance airplanes can have some characteristics that beginners (or many intermediate pilots for that matter) just aren't ready for.

I'd visit the beginners forum. In there you will find a list of good available trainers: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm

There are also several web sites that can be helpful when starting out. One example is: http://www.gettingairborne.com/

There are others too if you do a search.

Have you joined a club? I know there are several up in your area. You'll find tons of people there ready to help out. I'd hate for you to turn that gorgeous Mustang into a pile of toothpicks so I really encourage you to take the proper route.