Hi Guys,

I went out to fly my Super Reaper and had a little trouble taking off. It usually takes off OK but would not get above about 15 mph today. Do you think the cold weather might be affecting the engine? Any help would be appreciated

Hi Marc

So where exactly were you fyling, or trying to??? There's no white stuff around here!

Ed

PS You might want to think about skis!

Hi Marc,

Skis? Nah, just get someone to hand launch it for you. On the bright side, you won't need to use brakes to slow down on landing.

Garrett

Garrett,
Yes, it IS true that under AMA rules, under these conditions, 747drvr does NOT need brakes....I think......or may I should check the website...............

Tailwinds,



John

I have studied the photo at length. Hours and hours. After some deep technical discussions with the photographer, I believe I am ready to summarize the shortcomings in your approach.

1. You don't have the transmitter in your hands. I would grab it and try pushing the stick on the left hand side forward. I have tried this and sometimes it works and the airplane takes off.

2. I would try putting some wheels on the bottom. Align them with the airframe though. I tried putting the wheels on the other way and it didn't work worth a darn. Putting them on the top doesn't work either. I chalk it up to experience.

But Mark. Above all, you really shouldn't even try to take one of these babies off unless you are already an experienced full-scale pilot. In rare cases, people who have ridden as a passenger in a jet aircraft like me are able to tackle such an advanced aircraft but I am the exception, not the rule.

In any event, I hope I have been able to help in some small way.

Rob

Push the stick on the left forward? How is applying down elevator going to help?

Garrett

Sounds like you might be holding the transmitter upside down Garrett.

Rob

Looks like all you need to do is retract the gear, go full throttle, and hang onto the seat of your pants. LOL.
We got 5" of that white stuff here last night.

Oh yeah. I forgot that down here we stand on our heads and only fly inverted circuits.

Garrett

Here, instead of standing on our heads like you do down under, we stand on our feet and fly up over.

Can you fly up over down under?

Rob

Sure, but we have to enter it by pushing through half an outside loop.

You guys oughto come up HERE in the winter! Hey Marc, I heard that you southern fella's got some snow. HAHAHA! That'll learn ya'!!! Hope you are wearing your long-johns.


Actually, with the gear removed I bet the Reaper would do a decent belly take off, owing to its flat underside, and nothing to catch on the wings or anything. Try it, let me know how it goes and maybe I'll give it a go with mine!

Maybe you need to strap on some Estes D or E engines for some R-A-T-O take offs, if you have the sticky snow. We here have the dry powdery snow so you skim along the surface really easily.

Later!
Andrew

Marc.... I have to agree with Andrew's astute assessment of the situation.....take the landing gear off!!!

Or, and alternative might be to bring it with you on your next trip to YVR


Wayne

Thank you Marc you just reminded me again why I moved 1000 miles south. It's cold as hell but at least I am not having to shovel that crap out of my driveway.

David Reid

Hi Guys,

Thanks to all for the most informative replies ! I was quite surprised to see all the snow at the field since there is only a sprinkle on my own lawn. I was tempted to take the gear off but was afraid of CG implications and oh yah, ripping my aileron horns off. That would just be bad !
It was kind of fun running up and down the field with a big rooster tail behind the plane. All you warm weather boys sure are missing out !

No problem Marc, just refer to the 747 performance manual and apply the same corrections for the snow depth to the take off weight of your Reaper !

On the other hand why not fit skis !

Seriously guys, don't get too upset about your cold climate, we got trapped in Sydney last night because of bush fires which are now very serious.

I,d rather be trapped due to heavy snow than raging fires !
BRG, David Gladwin.

Marc,
If you check pics of MY Reaper, you'll notice my servos/horns are on the TOP of the wing! YOu see, I allways think ahead.... all my planes have the controls on the wings on the upper side for a reason

Andrew