\nEveryone “knows” that you need to trim a plane.\u00a0 You know, get that proper turn, climb-out, and glide for the best duration.\u00a0 On three different models at the last Cloudbusters Outdoor contest of the year, I implemented a routine that improved each model’s flight characteristics.\u00a0 Two models were new and one was a year old.<\/p>\n
All year long, I’ve been struggling with my Elmendorf Special.\u00a0 It is a 16″ wingspan race plane and “should” have been a reliable flyer, as its heritage is from the very popular Tom Nallen (I) “Jackrabbit” plan.\u00a0 I never expected it to be a Nationals competitor, but I wanted it to be a strong contender at the local events.\u00a0 Make no mistake, I won, placed or showed at nearly every race, but something just wasn’t right.\u00a0 Mainly, the climb-out was smooth, but the glide was not stable, porpoising, and such – there was porpoising even in the later parts of the cruise and downthrust wasn’t helping.\u00a0 It was getting to the point that launches were becoming risky because they were very flat.<\/p>\n
In the process of trimming my two new planes, the Guillows #905 P-51 and the Shaft stick model, I had what I will call an epiphany.\u00a0 I always glide-trim under light power, a couple hundred winds.\u00a0 In my opinion, this compensates for the drag of a freewheeling prop and gets the plane to a flying speed before the turns are gone and we can watch the glide.\u00a0 Once I find a good balance to get a respectable glide, I gradually increase the turns and adjust the thrust to keep the flight pattern I want – all standard stuff.\u00a0 But here is what I did that worked on these two planes and fixed my Elmendorf Special:<\/p>\n
I’ve been wracking my brain over this porpoising – that means add nose weight – but this would ruin the trim on my planes as they have flat climb-outs now.\u00a0 HERE IT IS:\u00a0 if you add nose weight, take out downthrust AT THE SAME TIME.\u00a0 I repeatedly did this over the course of several flights and it really stabilized my planes.\u00a0 Add a bit of weight, take out down thrust; add weight, take out down thrust – consider it ONE change (not two)<\/u>.\u00a0 Eventually, my models had reliable power, cruises, AND stable glides.<\/p>\n
Stay tuned for more 2016 Lessons Learned.<\/p>\n
I started flying Free Flight in the mid ’80s – so I’ve been doing this a long time.\u00a0 Still, it amazes me what I don’t know; I still am learning things.\u00a0 Another surprise is why it takes so long for … Continue reading ![\"elmendorftrim\"](\"https:\/\/volareproducts.com\/new2024\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/ElmendorfTrim.jpg\")
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