Landings without landing gear, advice on
 

I have a small Spitfire with an OS Max .30 FS engine. I hand launch the plane due to high grass and small wheels, but I land OK on the supplied gear and wheels. I would like to fligh this plane without gear and just belly it in like the electric boys. Any experience with this? Is the prop always going to move out of the way or am I in for a broken prop and maybe firewall?

Landings without landing gear, advice on
 

If the prop is positioned correctly in relation as to where the compression stroke starts it will stop probably within a 1/2" most times. I don't think I would use a wooden prop though! The firewall should be OK if you are smooth. MAX H.

Landings without landing gear, advice on
 

Yup, set the prop so it meets the compression at the 3 O'Clock position. Kill the engine and the wind should spin the prop until it meets the resistance of the engine's compression.

Landings without landing gear, advice on
 

As pointed out above, you are unlikely to break a plastic prop on landing. The real secret though is that landing without wheels is so much smoother than landing with wheels. You just grease the model onto the grass and everyone thinks you are an expert!

Dave Segal

Landings without landing gear, advice on
 

Just don't do a three point landing , nose , wing tip & tail! Hard on things . MAX H.

Landings without landing gear, advice on
 

Thanks for all the help, guys. The landing gear is coming off soon. A wheels up Spitfire is a pretty sight.

Landings without landing gear, advice on
 

You can say THAT again!

Take a look at the videos of the one I just reviewed in the RCU Magazine.

Landings without landing gear, advice on
 

Sailplanes are gearless and frequently nylon landing skids are used to keep the belly from getting bunged up. Some skids are small an inconspicuous.

http://www.superskeg.com/

FWIW.

--Bill

Landings without landing gear, advice on
 

I have a few that don't have gear. As stated, land light and you won't have a problem. I use APC and Master Airscrew props and they don't break often. I don't like landing on dirt or asphalt. Makes a mess in the carb. Make sure you don't have dirt in it after landing if you are going to run it again.