Hi guys and gals!
Had an idea that might help all of us new-to-the-sport pilots. Lets start a topic where we can combine our experiences and misadventures so we don't have to search as much for answers. Also, I'd love to see the more experienced guys and gals chime in with their thoughts as well, in an effort to raise our level of confidence.
As some of you may know, I started this summer with Ol' Weed Wacker, my Hobbyzone Piper Cub.
I probably went the way a lot of you are going, dreaming of Mustangs, but realizing that I had to gain a lot of experience before that happens. So, I invested in RF Real Flight Sim, and have put hours and hours in on that.
Flying time here in Cody Wyoming is kind of limited to early mornings and later in the evening because of the winds.
Anyway, I've learned a few things about the Hobbyzone Piper Cub that you just don't read anywhere. First, they are TOUGH!!! Mine has been over the curb and into the grass (hence the name) through a prop and two noses (keep a few in stock). Take offs , at least to me, are challenging. She wants to run to the left just at the point of take off. She wants one more taste of the weeds first. Ok, so whats wrong? The first thing I did was check my landing gear to make sure all the mishaps hadn't bent it, sure enough, out with the plyers and some straightening, a little dry silicone lube on the axles, good as new, right? Wrong! That's when I noticed something interesting, when you first fire up the system (plane and radio), I, at least, my system (the stock system that comes with the RTF package) have to have the throttle trim completely retarted in order for the throttle to work at all. Once I've retarded it and put some throttle to it, I can reset it to the neutral trim position and she works great. Now for that take off. All trim at neutral, line her up and advance the throttle quickly but smoothly to full, keeping about three quarters back elevator. Now, she'll come off the ground before she heads for the weeds, the trick, is right after she breaks ground, you gotta watch that nose, keep her down as close to level or just slightly up as you can. Get your speed up and get some altitude at about three quarters then back off to half throttle and check your trim.
Landings are relatively easy, back off to about one quarter throttle on final, bring her into the wind and aligned with the runway. What I do is back the throttle right off and then advance it about three clicks. Guide her easily down and watch those wheels kiss the ground, make sure that the prop is still active, but it really doesn have to be very much, once she's down, the weeds look mighty good so be prepared as she vears off to you left, her right, I've noticed that there is a slight delay when you go to correct this, so I anticipate it. Did three batteries worth of flying this morning. Seven or eight takeoffs and landings in a row! Was back home at 0810.
Had an idea that might help all of us new-to-the-sport pilots. Lets start a topic where we can combine our experiences and misadventures so we don't have to search as much for answers. Also, I'd love to see the more experienced guys and gals chime in with their thoughts as well, in an effort to raise our level of confidence.
As some of you may know, I started this summer with Ol' Weed Wacker, my Hobbyzone Piper Cub.
I probably went the way a lot of you are going, dreaming of Mustangs, but realizing that I had to gain a lot of experience before that happens. So, I invested in RF Real Flight Sim, and have put hours and hours in on that.
Flying time here in Cody Wyoming is kind of limited to early mornings and later in the evening because of the winds.
Anyway, I've learned a few things about the Hobbyzone Piper Cub that you just don't read anywhere. First, they are TOUGH!!! Mine has been over the curb and into the grass (hence the name) through a prop and two noses (keep a few in stock). Take offs , at least to me, are challenging. She wants to run to the left just at the point of take off. She wants one more taste of the weeds first. Ok, so whats wrong? The first thing I did was check my landing gear to make sure all the mishaps hadn't bent it, sure enough, out with the plyers and some straightening, a little dry silicone lube on the axles, good as new, right? Wrong! That's when I noticed something interesting, when you first fire up the system (plane and radio), I, at least, my system (the stock system that comes with the RTF package) have to have the throttle trim completely retarted in order for the throttle to work at all. Once I've retarded it and put some throttle to it, I can reset it to the neutral trim position and she works great. Now for that take off. All trim at neutral, line her up and advance the throttle quickly but smoothly to full, keeping about three quarters back elevator. Now, she'll come off the ground before she heads for the weeds, the trick, is right after she breaks ground, you gotta watch that nose, keep her down as close to level or just slightly up as you can. Get your speed up and get some altitude at about three quarters then back off to half throttle and check your trim.
Landings are relatively easy, back off to about one quarter throttle on final, bring her into the wind and aligned with the runway. What I do is back the throttle right off and then advance it about three clicks. Guide her easily down and watch those wheels kiss the ground, make sure that the prop is still active, but it really doesn have to be very much, once she's down, the weeds look mighty good so be prepared as she vears off to you left, her right, I've noticed that there is a slight delay when you go to correct this, so I anticipate it. Did three batteries worth of flying this morning. Seven or eight takeoffs and landings in a row! Was back home at 0810.
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