...but a relaxed mornings flying
This morning was most enjoyable, not because the morning was spectacular or because the flying was particularly good, but rather because it was just lovely being there.
It was a heavily overcast morning with dull smudged clouds covering the southern skies, but a hint of blue to the north brighten things a little.
The field was scattered with birds; a flock of black ibis dozens of small parrots feeding off the grass. A few kangaroos were also grazing on the banks adjacent to the fence.
I had the Phoenix, recently put together after it flew into a tree, out for a test flight which proved particularly challenging with it initially suffering from a heavy left turn, necessitating an emergency landing to get it realigned. Then the prop pulled off while climbing during the second flight, but was fortunately easily recovered as it jettisoned over the field.
The Rarebear also had an outing; my main aim to try and get a better feel for it's flying as I end up doing big circuits as I don't want to turn too quickly for fear it will nose-in. Visibility on dull mornings doesn't help either, making the little pocket-rocket difficult to follow...
Wednesday 30 April 2014
Sunday 27 April 2014
RC Plane Hanger
...hanger not hangar
I found this hanger concept in a forum thread about RC plane storage and, given the precarious balancing act I've got for storing my planes, decided to give this a go. My bending wasn't as millimetre-perfect as that shown in the forum but my first effort looks fairly decent.
I managed to find the 1/4" (6.1mm) steel rod in one metre lengths, and well as 6mm clear flexible tube for the protective sleeve. Also a bag of 25mm plastic-coated cup-hooks and we're all ready to give it a go! It cost a little under five dollars for the rod, flexible sleeve and hook.
NOTE I have found that you can get 1/4" aluminium rod as well as the steel, and have been using this lately. It is much easier to bend than the steel, and more than strong enough to support any of the planes which I have. And, as a bonus, it's also slightly cheaper than the steel equivalent.
I've used builders line to hang the planes, but, if your ceiling is low enough, you can attach the hanger directly to the hook as in the video.
I have discovered that it's best to push the flexible sleeving on the bar before you bend it, using dishwashing liquid as lubricating fluid, and pushing from the tube make it much easier.
So the first plane up on my prototype hanger was the Trainstar and, I must say, the result is awesome...
I found this hanger concept in a forum thread about RC plane storage and, given the precarious balancing act I've got for storing my planes, decided to give this a go. My bending wasn't as millimetre-perfect as that shown in the forum but my first effort looks fairly decent.
I managed to find the 1/4" (6.1mm) steel rod in one metre lengths, and well as 6mm clear flexible tube for the protective sleeve. Also a bag of 25mm plastic-coated cup-hooks and we're all ready to give it a go! It cost a little under five dollars for the rod, flexible sleeve and hook.
NOTE I have found that you can get 1/4" aluminium rod as well as the steel, and have been using this lately. It is much easier to bend than the steel, and more than strong enough to support any of the planes which I have. And, as a bonus, it's also slightly cheaper than the steel equivalent.
I've used builders line to hang the planes, but, if your ceiling is low enough, you can attach the hanger directly to the hook as in the video.
I have discovered that it's best to push the flexible sleeving on the bar before you bend it, using dishwashing liquid as lubricating fluid, and pushing from the tube make it much easier.
So the first plane up on my prototype hanger was the Trainstar and, I must say, the result is awesome...
Wednesday 23 April 2014
Radjet Launch Success
...I'm getting the hang of this
This morning I had a good launch with the Radjet - I had it on about two-thirds power and perhaps the same on the right aileron. With an inclined throw, the Radjet continued climbing flat until I flipped up the power.
This is a critical transition as it means your aileron correction goes a bit out of whack. However, by getting in a decent launch, you have a decent height buffer to comfortably manage any movement - no more snapped props or mowing the grass.
When I fly it again I'll try launching with a bit more power as more power means more height and less transition to full power, if you can control it...
This morning I had a good launch with the Radjet - I had it on about two-thirds power and perhaps the same on the right aileron. With an inclined throw, the Radjet continued climbing flat until I flipped up the power.
This is a critical transition as it means your aileron correction goes a bit out of whack. However, by getting in a decent launch, you have a decent height buffer to comfortably manage any movement - no more snapped props or mowing the grass.
When I fly it again I'll try launching with a bit more power as more power means more height and less transition to full power, if you can control it...
Tuesday 22 April 2014
Radjet Launch Progress
...some success but still annoying
My endeavours to get the Radjet consistently launching under power have been chequered but are now showing signs of success. However, in terms of achieving a bullet-proof launching method there is still some way to go.
My first launch this morning started ok, but I was too slow to climb it out with the result that the Radjet grounded with the power with the prop still spinning which caused it to snap - two out of two launches with the same result. Annoying, but I now carry spare props with me...
The second attempt was successful with the Radjet launching strongly, although transition to full power still unsettled and rather awkward.
So some success but still some way to go...
My endeavours to get the Radjet consistently launching under power have been chequered but are now showing signs of success. However, in terms of achieving a bullet-proof launching method there is still some way to go.
My first launch this morning started ok, but I was too slow to climb it out with the result that the Radjet grounded with the power with the prop still spinning which caused it to snap - two out of two launches with the same result. Annoying, but I now carry spare props with me...
The second attempt was successful with the Radjet launching strongly, although transition to full power still unsettled and rather awkward.
So some success but still some way to go...
Trainstar with Camera
...some wheel camera action
This morning a blanket of light mist lay across the paddocks and fields, and kangaroos quietly foraged on the far side of the field. There were there in numbers I hadn't seen previously; a few large adults and some really small joeys. As usual, at the first hint of activity on the field they melted away into the mist.
The covering of mist over the field was light enough to fly, so I hauled out the Trainstar for it's first flight in this regular location.
This morning a blanket of light mist lay across the paddocks and fields, and kangaroos quietly foraged on the far side of the field. There were there in numbers I hadn't seen previously; a few large adults and some really small joeys. As usual, at the first hint of activity on the field they melted away into the mist.
The covering of mist over the field was light enough to fly, so I hauled out the Trainstar for it's first flight in this regular location.
I had the
Trainstar outfitted with a wingcam on the right wheel cover - I'm not sure how good this would be due to the vibration of takeoff and landing but I thought it might be a more interesting view that on top of the wing. I expect it might be a bit quieter as well, out of the direct wash of the prop.
Anyhow, I have filmed a few take-offs, touch and go's, as well as a nose-plant! The latter was fortunately just a minor incident - I had aborted a take-off and cut power due to the
Trainstar veering left, and it had almost slowed to a stop when it gently keeled forward and rested on the prop. Most amusing and, as I said, no damage caused - the best kind of accident...
Monday 21 April 2014
Rarebear Ready
...not sure I am though
The Rarebear has been assembled, not that the assembly required is that extensive - just the vertical stabiliser/rear fuselage and horizontal stabiliser. The extra bit of fiddling around that was required in this case is to fit the 850mAh 4S battery into the front compartment. While this is just a matter of removing foam, it is rather annoying, especially as this is the ballistic upgrade they suggest...
Nevertheless the chunky battery is now accommodated, the ESC slotted in and the controls hooked up and trimmed. I have run up the motor and it's ferocious. The manual suggests launching the Rarebear at full throttle on a 3S pack, so perhaps three-quarters would be appropriate with the 4S.
Anyway, hopefully the breeze will drop tomorrow and I'll give it a go at the paddock where there's lots of clear space. I think I'll need it...
The Rarebear has been assembled, not that the assembly required is that extensive - just the vertical stabiliser/rear fuselage and horizontal stabiliser. The extra bit of fiddling around that was required in this case is to fit the 850mAh 4S battery into the front compartment. While this is just a matter of removing foam, it is rather annoying, especially as this is the ballistic upgrade they suggest...
Anyway, hopefully the breeze will drop tomorrow and I'll give it a go at the paddock where there's lots of clear space. I think I'll need it...
Sunday 20 April 2014
Trainstar First Flight
...with success!!
Having done some taxiing training yesterday I was a little more confident to try take-off in the Trainstar, although I still had reservations that this would actually fly as it's really chunky compared to anything I've flown before! Of course I knew it would fly ok, but it just seemed counterintuitive.
Flying it with the familiar 2200mAh 3S 35C battery and a 12x6 prop, the take-off run went reasonably well, although not exactly straight. However, thanks to my practice, I knew what to expect. Once the chubby craft was running stably I added power and then gently rotated to get it airborne. Again the climb-out wasn't exactly formal, however nothing that would cause alarm.
The flight went well, as did the landing despite rather cramped confines, with the pitch in the middle of the field being cordoned off.
The Trainstar's characteristics are, well, exactly what you'd expect of a Cessna-style aircraft, slow, steady and very restrained! Having said that, you can get it to execute aerobatics; a loop is achievable and a roll almost.
Oddly, I found that it performed these maneuvers better with the flaps down, although it should be said that the flap angle I had was quite modest (much less than the actual aircraft would use), however this was both enough for high-speed agility as well as stable landing.
Regarding the latter, my landings were rather on the fast side, as I didn't have a clear final approach to settle it down gently. However, t does land remarkably well, settling down even though it has come in hot.
The Trainstar's aluminium undercarriage struts do an excellent job of soaking up the bumps and keeping the aircraft stably on its wheels. Of course the tail-dragger configuration helps it from face-planting which, not having access to roads or runways for flying, was one of the reasons I ended up choosing this particular craft...
Having done some taxiing training yesterday I was a little more confident to try take-off in the Trainstar, although I still had reservations that this would actually fly as it's really chunky compared to anything I've flown before! Of course I knew it would fly ok, but it just seemed counterintuitive.
Flying it with the familiar 2200mAh 3S 35C battery and a 12x6 prop, the take-off run went reasonably well, although not exactly straight. However, thanks to my practice, I knew what to expect. Once the chubby craft was running stably I added power and then gently rotated to get it airborne. Again the climb-out wasn't exactly formal, however nothing that would cause alarm.
The flight went well, as did the landing despite rather cramped confines, with the pitch in the middle of the field being cordoned off.
The Trainstar's characteristics are, well, exactly what you'd expect of a Cessna-style aircraft, slow, steady and very restrained! Having said that, you can get it to execute aerobatics; a loop is achievable and a roll almost.
Oddly, I found that it performed these maneuvers better with the flaps down, although it should be said that the flap angle I had was quite modest (much less than the actual aircraft would use), however this was both enough for high-speed agility as well as stable landing.
Regarding the latter, my landings were rather on the fast side, as I didn't have a clear final approach to settle it down gently. However, t does land remarkably well, settling down even though it has come in hot.
The Trainstar's aluminium undercarriage struts do an excellent job of soaking up the bumps and keeping the aircraft stably on its wheels. Of course the tail-dragger configuration helps it from face-planting which, not having access to roads or runways for flying, was one of the reasons I ended up choosing this particular craft...
Saturday 19 April 2014
Training to be a Star
...now just to fly it
Today I finished the assembly of my Trainstar, a high-wing Cessna-type taildragger. It's a great looking plane, complete with soft foam tyres and spats! It's got rugged aluminium undercarriage which also doubles as suspension.
I took it to the field last night although ended up not flying it, but instead doing taxi-training to get a feel for its behaviour on the ground. Also, for someone who's never had an aircraft with undercarriage, taxiing it around was deeply groovy...
Today I finished the assembly of my Trainstar, a high-wing Cessna-type taildragger. It's a great looking plane, complete with soft foam tyres and spats! It's got rugged aluminium undercarriage which also doubles as suspension.
I took it to the field last night although ended up not flying it, but instead doing taxi-training to get a feel for its behaviour on the ground. Also, for someone who's never had an aircraft with undercarriage, taxiing it around was deeply groovy...
Tuesday 15 April 2014
Taming the Torque II
...and getting a bit carried away
This morning was my second attempt at Radjet launch with correction, this time with a little more power, perhaps around fifty percent, and again it launched just beautifully. With the extra power there was no concern of it hitting the ground, just a nicely controlled launch with a gradual climb, making the transition to full power and fun flying a real breeze.
The Radjet, as I said previously, is flying amazingly well despite it's battered appearance and lack of canopy. One does need to be a little careful, as now high-g maneuvers result in a spin to the right, and the speed is a little down on its heyday, whether that's the airframe drag or the battery getting a little tired I don't know.
Nevertheless flying the radjet this morning was a real treat - a perfect launch followed by a series of relaxed swoops and climbs over the field, with the odd roll thrown in. And, when the power tailed off, it glided in for a nice slow easy landing.
It would have been great if things had stayed on that high note. I had taken some footage of the launch to make a video however, apparently due to the cold, only some of the the camera's array worked, giving a streaked picture in something like inverse-colour. More annoyingly, about five seconds after the Radjet landed, the video came to life showing the gorgeous morning..
This morning was my second attempt at Radjet launch with correction, this time with a little more power, perhaps around fifty percent, and again it launched just beautifully. With the extra power there was no concern of it hitting the ground, just a nicely controlled launch with a gradual climb, making the transition to full power and fun flying a real breeze.
The Radjet, as I said previously, is flying amazingly well despite it's battered appearance and lack of canopy. One does need to be a little careful, as now high-g maneuvers result in a spin to the right, and the speed is a little down on its heyday, whether that's the airframe drag or the battery getting a little tired I don't know.
Nevertheless flying the radjet this morning was a real treat - a perfect launch followed by a series of relaxed swoops and climbs over the field, with the odd roll thrown in. And, when the power tailed off, it glided in for a nice slow easy landing.
It would have been great if things had stayed on that high note. I had taken some footage of the launch to make a video however, apparently due to the cold, only some of the the camera's array worked, giving a streaked picture in something like inverse-colour. More annoyingly, about five seconds after the Radjet landed, the video came to life showing the gorgeous morning..
Monday 14 April 2014
Radjet Secrets
Secret the First - Keep the Nose Light
The Radjet is extremely sensitive to mass balance. Make sure the centre of gravity is centred on the hand-hold grips, otherwise it'll fly like a brick...
*****
Secret the Second - Launch with Control
The Radjet will roll to the left on launch - the more power, the faster it will roll this way. Launch with proportionate right aileron - two-thirds power, two-thirds aileron...
*****
The Taming of the Torque
...finally getting Radjet launches under control
This morning was exquisite, starting out misty across the fields as I flew the Phoenix in lazy loops and low passes, before clearing almost imperceptibly so that, by the time I headed back with two depleted batteries, the morning was clear and crisp as you could possibly imagine.
Today I scored a major victory of the small-step variety - I launched the Radjet without crashing. However it wasn't just the fact that it launched it successfully, but more how I launched it that was significant: it was the first successful launch with opposite aileron.
And it was very successful, launching on about one third power with about the same degree of opposite lock, the Radjet buzzed off happily, in an almost perfectly straight line. I was that flabbergasted that I left it for a bit long, then flipped onto full power causing it to jink left.
These, however, were minor issues and, managing to quickly correct the attitude, the Radjet soared into the crisp morning air, relishing the novelty of an outing without incurring structural damage.
The little buzzy jet flew beautifully, the latest restoration being sufficiently rejuvenating that I could actually reduce the amount of elevator trim with which I usually fly. However, having suffered through multiple impacts, the Radjet is now not without vices; pulling a little too much G will cause a high-speed stall, and I suspect more than that may result in an irrecoverable spin...
This morning was exquisite, starting out misty across the fields as I flew the Phoenix in lazy loops and low passes, before clearing almost imperceptibly so that, by the time I headed back with two depleted batteries, the morning was clear and crisp as you could possibly imagine.
Today I scored a major victory of the small-step variety - I launched the Radjet without crashing. However it wasn't just the fact that it launched it successfully, but more how I launched it that was significant: it was the first successful launch with opposite aileron.
And it was very successful, launching on about one third power with about the same degree of opposite lock, the Radjet buzzed off happily, in an almost perfectly straight line. I was that flabbergasted that I left it for a bit long, then flipped onto full power causing it to jink left.
These, however, were minor issues and, managing to quickly correct the attitude, the Radjet soared into the crisp morning air, relishing the novelty of an outing without incurring structural damage.
The little buzzy jet flew beautifully, the latest restoration being sufficiently rejuvenating that I could actually reduce the amount of elevator trim with which I usually fly. However, having suffered through multiple impacts, the Radjet is now not without vices; pulling a little too much G will cause a high-speed stall, and I suspect more than that may result in an irrecoverable spin...
Tuesday 8 April 2014
Birds of a Feather
...flocking together
This morning the field was host to the largest variety of birds I've seen yet; the resident ravens and magpies, larks waltzing politely around the field, a wing of corellas flying past and a raucous flock of gregarious cockatoos, yellow crests displayed vividly as they strode around.
By comparison the conditions were rather disappointing - a heavy sky complemented by a strong breeze made for unpleasant flying conditions, the Phoenix unsettled by the gusts which precluded low flight and slow fly-bys.
The morning ended with a loud buzzing from the Phoenix as it climbed under full power - the prop adapter had started to strip and this was an audible warning that things had deteriorated. So I glided the Phoenix round into land, taking the opportunity to enjoy slowly navigating the plane in through the breeze for a nice smooth touchdown...
This morning the field was host to the largest variety of birds I've seen yet; the resident ravens and magpies, larks waltzing politely around the field, a wing of corellas flying past and a raucous flock of gregarious cockatoos, yellow crests displayed vividly as they strode around.
By comparison the conditions were rather disappointing - a heavy sky complemented by a strong breeze made for unpleasant flying conditions, the Phoenix unsettled by the gusts which precluded low flight and slow fly-bys.
The morning ended with a loud buzzing from the Phoenix as it climbed under full power - the prop adapter had started to strip and this was an audible warning that things had deteriorated. So I glided the Phoenix round into land, taking the opportunity to enjoy slowly navigating the plane in through the breeze for a nice smooth touchdown...
Wednesday 2 April 2014
Radjet Launch Methodology
...and others of a similar nature
I've been having idle thoughts of procuring a Stinger 64 Jet for my flying pleasure and, as such, have been watching some footage of its flight and launch.One thing which has struck me watching launches of this creature is a twitch to the left a few seconds after it's in the air.
Now, knowing the characteristics of the Radjet (the familiar snap-roll to the left), and imagining similar behaviour from the diminutive Stinger, I surmise this crafty has been launched with right aileron which input, once flight is stabilised, is released, explaining the hint of roll to the left.
This, in turn, suggests to me that I should attempt to employ a similar device on the launch of a Radjet . Now, thus far, my guiding principle has been to minimise the torque reaction from the propellor and therefore circumvent any need for loading up the wings during this critical phase.
However, considering the chequered results of this philosophy, I think I'll conduct an explorative regime of roll-corrected launches to test the effect of said input, as well as any potential deleterious reactions...
I've been having idle thoughts of procuring a Stinger 64 Jet for my flying pleasure and, as such, have been watching some footage of its flight and launch.One thing which has struck me watching launches of this creature is a twitch to the left a few seconds after it's in the air.
Now, knowing the characteristics of the Radjet (the familiar snap-roll to the left), and imagining similar behaviour from the diminutive Stinger, I surmise this crafty has been launched with right aileron which input, once flight is stabilised, is released, explaining the hint of roll to the left.
This, in turn, suggests to me that I should attempt to employ a similar device on the launch of a Radjet . Now, thus far, my guiding principle has been to minimise the torque reaction from the propellor and therefore circumvent any need for loading up the wings during this critical phase.
However, considering the chequered results of this philosophy, I think I'll conduct an explorative regime of roll-corrected launches to test the effect of said input, as well as any potential deleterious reactions...
EPO Repair
...in a bucket of water
Due to a recent unscheduled landing, for the first time I have tried EPO repair using hot water.
This method is surprisingly effective and, after leaving the wings to soak for about twenty minutes, the EPO shape had largely been restored. In fact it appeared that the grain structure had somewhat overdeveloped, so a little smoothing-down is required
This method seems to work a lot better than a hairdryer as the temperature is controlled (no risk of melting the foam) and the heat transfer immersed in liquid is improved.
All in all a low-risk well controlled method to uncrumple your dented EPO parts...
Due to a recent unscheduled landing, for the first time I have tried EPO repair using hot water.
This method is surprisingly effective and, after leaving the wings to soak for about twenty minutes, the EPO shape had largely been restored. In fact it appeared that the grain structure had somewhat overdeveloped, so a little smoothing-down is required
This method seems to work a lot better than a hairdryer as the temperature is controlled (no risk of melting the foam) and the heat transfer immersed in liquid is improved.
All in all a low-risk well controlled method to uncrumple your dented EPO parts...
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