YA A-4 questions
 

About to finish an OLD A-4 by Yellow. OS 91, Dynamax and scale wing, though it's not going to be "scale". This will be a sport flyer, hopefully.

I have two sets of directions, one set from a newer (not mine) model.

Do I have to reinforce the wing/fuselage joint with additional fiberglass tape? The old directions show it, the newer version does not. I've epoxied them on with West Systems and milled glass filler following the newer directions so far.

Secondly, the old directions show a cheater hole in the intake plenum, drawing air from the nose gear retract area. From my calculations, this appears necessary-the intakes are about 1.75" radius (1/2 circle), making a combined area of about 10 square inches; well rounded, smooth lips (reminds me of a girl I once knew...). Is the cheat inlet needed? The ducting is not "full-flow".

How is this beast to take off and fly? There really doesn't look like much wing area there.

Thanks in advance-I've learned a TON through this forum and appreciate any advice.

YA A-4 questions
 

A great plane, flys very well, you will love it, the scale wing is the way to go.

Why is the scale wing the way to go?
 

What makes the scale wing the way to go? I'd always thought that (roughly) the lower the wing loading the better the flyer.

Thanks,

YA A-4 questions
 

The plane is much more maneuverable and can reach a much higher speed.

The flying qualities don't seem to be comprimised with the smaller wing.

I have had 5 of these back in the mid 90's all but 1 had the scale wing. The one with the sport wing was a slug.

Great-one other question, please
 

How did you attach the wing? I've got an older version and it shows glass clothing the wing-fuse joint, but the new instructions don't show it. I'd rather not just because it's easier to fair/finish, however will if I must.

YA A-4 questions
 

I clothed the joint.

In fact I think if I remember I did this on alot of jets even when the instructions didn't call for it.

Then I guess I will
 

I guess I will too-just hate trying to smooth out heavy glass cloth for painting; oh well.

How about the cheater hole? Necessary?

YA A-4 questions
 

Im not sure how they tell you to do it now, but I cut a hole on the bottom of the air intake which allowed more air in through the front wheel well.

I remember the F16 defiantly needed a cheater, it wouldnt take off without it, those were 2 small cut outs just above the outer air intake.

Thanks, that's what I figured
 

Thanks for confirming everything, I appreciate the information.

Now if I can get paint on it Thursday...