RE: extra300 50cc input needed
 

I wholeheartedly agree with Cobra1 about the use of "Spoilers" (or "Spoiler-ons" or "Reflex Ailerons" as ass been referred to in this thread. I've been using this technique for about 4 years now on a number of aircraft (e.g.; Yaks, Extras, Harriers, Katanas, Funtanas and yes even a Gee Bee Y) with a great deal of success. I works best with a computer radio, where you can program in different flight conditions linked to a switch, so that your basic "Normal" flight mode remains unchanged for normal flight, and the "Spoiler" flight condition (or mode) is only active when the proper switch is engaged.

I fly a Futaba 12Z, and the "Spoiler-ons" can be accessed through the "Airbrake" menu, with both ailerons being linked to a hardware control (H/W) for the throttle as "trim", rather than being mixed through a programmable mix linked to J3. This way the spoiler-ons are proportional w.r.t. throttle position (e.g.; as the throttle comes back, the spoiler-ons come up, giving the pilot the chance to balance thrust vs. lift (up spoiler-ons kill lift) on final approach.

Go very cautiously on initial percentages (no more the 10% to 12%) until you get used to flying your aircraft in this configuration. You can also tie the elevator into the same proportional control on the throttle to control attitude or sink rate, but don't use more than 2%.

I also use this flight mode for high alpha, slow speed fly-bys commonly know as "Harriers". Its a blast to "park" the plane right above the runway in a 5 to 10 MPH wind, then transition into a torque roll without loosing my position. Try it, you'll like it!

RE: extra300 50cc input needed
 

Easy Pat....;)

He had his mind made up about what he wanted to do before he asked the question, he just wanted someone to agree with him...:eek:

Mine lands just fine without using any spoilers.

RE: extra300 50cc input needed
 

Well said Zeeb, you said what everyone else was thinking :D

No spoilers here either :)


Jim.

RE: extra300 50cc input needed
 

The prop size and pitch,CG,engine rpm,all play key rolls on achieving a nice approach for touchdown.
Some just cut power and try to glide in.This is not a proper approach at all.Learn to fly rudder and subtle power inputs to correct before groundeffect.
Spoilerons are not a tool to land an aircraft like this,and is a bandaid for other poor adjustments.
CG is probably your biggest issue.
A noseheavy aircraft rarely likes to flare and slow in a stable manner when nearing a stall on touchdown.
Do a lateral balance,check everything for warps and get the CG more neutral.
There is a point where the CG is aft and the approach is difficult,often there a signs that the tail is drooping and the airplane bleeds speed very quickly on approach,and starts to baloon or pitch up and gets into a stall very quickly.In this situation it is important that one can see this early and apply power and perhaps just a touch of down.
Its not recomended to have a CG like that unless you like to elevate your heart rate on every landing.
Minor adjustments can make huge differences in handling.I would spent the time to start trimming the entire aircraft in every possible manner.It can take days of testing,but you may learn how to make an average flier,into a super stable,top notch airshow monster,thats easy to fly,and land perfectly every time. ;)