Here are some things I've learned as I've gotten into the RC Plane Hobby
Tuning engines: I have a tendency to set the idle too rich when I'm tuning an engine. Happened again today (9/26/15) on my Escapade with the ASP FS-52 engine I originally had in my Cessna 170. I thought all was well but as I was carrying it out to the field, idling, it began to sputter a bit and then quit. I went back to the starting table and sure enough it was idling rich. The test I use is to pinch the fuel line at the carburetor while idling. If it stops immediately it is too lean. If it speeds up for several seconds before it dies it is too rich. I think it should surge for about a second or two then die when it is just right. That point also seems to get the smoothest transition to full power. One of the guys at the field told me that trip several weeks ago when I was helping my son tune up his ASP FS-52 engine.
Control Throws: Less is more! I've learned that the control surfaces don't need to move much. On kits, ARF's and Foamies the documentation generally tells you the maximum movement for ailerons, rudder, elevator. Those generally should be observed. But if you build from scratch or a short kit you may be on your own. I think the primary reason I crashed my Cessna 170 is that I had WAY TOO MUCH throw on all of the controls. That might be fine for a very experienced and disciplined pilot but for me, with my tendency to overreact when something goes wrong that is deadly!
Exponential is a good thing: Along with maximum control surface throw settings I have found that using some exponential makes controlling the plane much easier. I start with about 30% and then adjust it up or down after flying the plane a while. Exponential makes the movement of the surface less near center position meaning you can move the stick further with less impact over the plane. Nice for twitchy fingers!
If a design calls for wing struts, USE THEM!
Repair Rather than Toss: I think I have crashed every plane I own. Some very badly. All but one or two are back flying. I usually pick up the pieces, safely stash them away for a little while and then get them out and study things carefully. Almost always after getting away from the emotion of the moment I can begin to see how to get it going again. And the thrill of flying my repaired plane is greater than the initial thrill of flying a new one!
Check and double check all your controls! Nothing can be more unnerving than having the plane dive right when you are giving it full left!
Exponential is a good thing: Along with maximum control surface throw settings I have found that using some exponential makes controlling the plane much easier. I start with about 30% and then adjust it up or down after flying the plane a while. Exponential makes the movement of the surface less near center position meaning you can move the stick further with less impact over the plane. Nice for twitchy fingers!
If a design calls for wing struts, USE THEM!
Repair Rather than Toss: I think I have crashed every plane I own. Some very badly. All but one or two are back flying. I usually pick up the pieces, safely stash them away for a little while and then get them out and study things carefully. Almost always after getting away from the emotion of the moment I can begin to see how to get it going again. And the thrill of flying my repaired plane is greater than the initial thrill of flying a new one!
Check and double check all your controls! Nothing can be more unnerving than having the plane dive right when you are giving it full left!
