This morning I managed to get the Phoenix 2000 out for a test flight. Conditions were not optimal, with a moderate breeze and some gusts. However, after standing in the field for a while assessing the weather, I decided to give it a go.
I'd fitted the Phoenix with the 2200mAh battery to counter it's nose-up characteristic under power and, considering how much lift this craft generates, had no concerns of it being too nose-heavy especially after how well the Walrus performed with the same power pack.
The larger battery also provides more power, making things more manageable when the glider goes into a climb, as it will hold the climb better giving you time to react.
So, feeling quite confident about the state of the rebuild and the weight, I launched the Phoenix with a bit more than half power and it took to the air quite happily. I had set the controls to full travel (very daring) with about 50% expo, however with the breezy conditions it was difficult to get an accurate feel of the plane's responses. Nevertheless it flew very well, with the lazy and floaty characteristic of its long wingspan.
While the flying went well, getting the Phoenix back on the deck proved more of a challenge, not helped by the fence running across the middle of the field. The problem was that on approach into the wind, the Phoenix doesn't make much headway. However, when it drops within two metres of the ground and the breeze slackens, it floats on and on. I had a few goes at this, including some emergency power climbs to climb over fences it wasn't going to clear...
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