New to pattern, have a few questions...
 

Hello,
First off I'm pretty excited to be in this forum. My questions have grown beyond the beginner's forum, so it was suggested I come here. I started flying RC planes a month and a half ago and have picked up very quickly. I'm currently flying a Phoenix Dolphin (O.S. 46AX, MAS 11x5) and starting to get into some pattern stuff. My new plane (on it's way) is a Phoenix Super Decathlon. Not exactly a pattern plane I guess, but an aerobat at least (and I am REALLY excited for that plane:D:D:D) I guess I'll post a pic of my current plane.

There is only one member of my club who flies pattern, and as he belongs to other clubs as well I have not met him yet. So, I would love some suggestions or links about how and where to get into pattern flying, including some basic techniques to work on.

A more specific question I have is about the way my plane is set up. When performing outside loops, my plane wants to roll out of them fairly abruptly. If I am VERY gentle on the elevator, it rolls out of them at least slowly enough that I can correct with some aileron. It appears to be happening mostly to the right, although I need to verify this with some more stick time. Also my plane pulls toward the belly during knife edges. It was suggested that I shim the back of my wing saddle to alter the incidence. I was wondering if lowering my ailerons would have the same effect. When I set up my plane, it was easier to use the top of the wing to align the ailerons (the rear 1/3 of the top of the wing is flat) due to some minor warping and fit'n'finish issues with my Vietnamese made ARF. Should I start over and set them up using the bottom of the wing? It's a semi-symmetrical airfoil, with a little dihedral and long, straight wings. I only rolled out of inside loops with immediate full elevator input; trimming helped this a bit, and so did some more control with elevator input. I also would like to point out that this exact same engine and prop were able to get my Nexstar ARF to perform outside loops with NO problem.

Things that I've been working on are the components of Cuban 8's: flying straight into a loop, making directional corrections (rudder use) to stay in line, changing/controlling the shapes of my (inside), practicing good 45 degree lines, throttle management (on a good day, almost can't hear a change in RPM with climbing/descending). I've also been working on basic turns, varying radius, while keeping altitude constant and the nose and tail in line (not letting the nose or tail sink).

Well, like I said, it's great to be here and I'm excited. Most of the guys in my club fly 3D, the rest of them just like to tool around in the air. I think there's something really cool about flying patterns.

Thanks for reading.:D:D:D:D

RE: New to pattern, have a few questions...
 

Hello and welcome,

Congratulations you have realized there is more to RC than boring holes in the sky. Be careful as pattern can be very addicting.
The first thing I would check is to see if your elevator is deflecting straight. It can be flexing in pushes and causing the roll. A lot of smaller planes use a one piece elevator that can flex on the ends. If this is the case it can take some creativity to reinforce it or you may do better building a new elevator.
http://nsrca.us/faq/94-pattern.html
Take a look at this link. It is the FAQ page for the National Society for Radio Control Aerobatics. There is some good info there and some links to other trimming info.
Also, check the contest calender July 12 there is a contest in Hudson, NH that would be a great opportunity to try your hand and meet some other pilots in the area. You can learn more in one contest than weeks of flying on your own.
Good luck and keep trying.

RE: New to pattern, have a few questions...
 

Thanks Anthony. I don't think my thumbs and/or nerves are quite ready for me to try my hand in anything, however I would love to check that out, and just might.

I thought about what you said about the elevator; I'll check it out, apply a load and see what deflects. The plane has wooden pushrods, and they had to be bent quite a bit to get them straight and not binding on formers. I wonder if this has something to do with it. If you push on one of the rods from outside the plane (like press in on it) you can move it quite a bit. It looks like I'm gonna have a half a week off of flying, so I'll start investigating.

And thanks for that link; it's just what I was looking for!

RE: New to pattern, have a few questions...
 

I 100% agree with everything that Anthony-RCU said - especially the statements above. You might be amazed at how friendly and helpful the pattern guys (like most modellers) are. Even at a competition. Look, Listen, Learn and practice paractice practice.

With the Dolphin you will find that the dihedral tends to make the plane stable and want to fly upright. but the flex in the elevators will certainly contribute to the roll out.

If you can - get someone from your club (it doersn't need to be a current competitor - most clubs have experienced guys) to help you when you practice - smooth, even gentle movements are what you should be aiming for right now - large diameter and ROUND circles and straight lines for each move. As you progress with your experience, you will find that accuracy will come automatically.