Skymaster F4 Maiden
06-09-2007, 04:13 PM
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Skymaster F4 Maiden
Well, the rains finally came to North Florida and our field opened up again, so I was able to maiden the Skymaster F4 today. My first flight was cut short several months ago by a flameout just after takeoff, so this was the real first flight.
I was pleasantly surprised. CG at 290mm is just about right for the first flight. I had set my elevator for stop to stop throws and used it all ... felt it was about right. At other's advice, I had dialed in some up trim prior to takeoff and that worked out well. Needed a lot more up trim when I dropped full flaps and gear too. Landing was very easy. It actually had a bit of a tendency to float, which made for a very smooth touchdown. Love the gear.
I was worried that the main doors might pop open during high speed flight, but they appeared to stay shut.
The bird does like power ... I was within a few clicks of full throttle through most of the flight ... the JetCentral Rhino did a nice job with it. Not super fast by any means, but not a dog either.
I did feel the roll was a bit uneven between neutral and the extremes. Typical of a short wingspan plane. I had a fair amount of expo and will cut some of that back which may help.
All in all, a very nice experience.
I was pleasantly surprised. CG at 290mm is just about right for the first flight. I had set my elevator for stop to stop throws and used it all ... felt it was about right. At other's advice, I had dialed in some up trim prior to takeoff and that worked out well. Needed a lot more up trim when I dropped full flaps and gear too. Landing was very easy. It actually had a bit of a tendency to float, which made for a very smooth touchdown. Love the gear.
I was worried that the main doors might pop open during high speed flight, but they appeared to stay shut.
The bird does like power ... I was within a few clicks of full throttle through most of the flight ... the JetCentral Rhino did a nice job with it. Not super fast by any means, but not a dog either.
I did feel the roll was a bit uneven between neutral and the extremes. Typical of a short wingspan plane. I had a fair amount of expo and will cut some of that back which may help.
All in all, a very nice experience.
06-10-2007, 03:59 PM
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RE: Skymaster F4 Maiden
ORIGINAL: ravill
Congrats,
I flew mine again this weekend at the Willow!
Raf
Congrats,
I flew mine again this weekend at the Willow!
Raf
