Little Gem (Flight Report)

Lol good drawing Rusty!

Actually is does help to visualize.

I'm definitely a visual understander.
Wilf might be paddling over here to beat my ass if I don't shut up about it.

RknRusty wrote:I'm definitely a visual understander.
Wilf might be paddling over here to beat my ass if I don't shut up about it.

First lesson.... Make sure your line length is correct. Full power loop out of the gate and snapped the nose off.

Some CA later and I did about 10 laps 3 loops two in succesion and a really nice wingover. It's super twitchy but, fun. My son whom I gave the plane to was none to impressed with me snapping off the nose.

cribbs74 wrote:First lesson.... Make sure your line length is correct. Full power loop out of the gate and snapped the nose off.

Some CA later and I did about 10 laps 3 loops two in succesion and a really nice wingover. It's super twitchy but, fun. My son whom I gave the plane to was none to impressed with me snapping off the nose.

What do you mean about line length, was it that you didn't do an elevator check before you flew it?
Snapping the nose off sucks. Glad you had your CA. If you fly CL, sooner or later you're going to snap a nose off, so don't feel too bad. Sounds like you got it flying pretty good after that. Did your son try it? If it's too twitchy for him, a little more nose weight will calm it down. Even one of those studs with the red rubber spinner can add enough weight to help if it's borderline.
Thanks for the report.

CL Preflight list - Last thing before fueling: Hold handle and lines straight to wingtip(no yaw) and check elevator movement. Teach ground crew to confirm neutral. Then confirm full throw up and full throw down with a test tug on each line.

I know the topic here isn't in regards to how the handle is picked up but rather the differences of the bellcrank orientation. The bottom line however is that you should be using a safety thong on the handles. This will prevent the handle from being picked up incorrectly with 100% certainty. I'm fully aware that some may be ergonomically designed for your hand or a thumb grip etc. Even though it is 1/2A, a thong should be used. It doesn't get in the way, as I already stated it orientates the handle and it just prevents any incident. Ken

RknRusty wrote:

cribbs74 wrote:First lesson.... Make sure your line length is correct. Full power loop out of the gate and snapped the nose off.

Some CA later and I did about 10 laps 3 loops two in succesion and a really nice wingover. It's super twitchy but, fun. My son whom I gave the plane to was none to impressed with me snapping off the nose.

What do you mean about line length, was it that you didn't do an elevator check before you flew it?
Snapping the nose off sucks. Glad you had your CA. If you fly CL, sooner or later you're going to snap a nose off, so don't feel too bad. Sounds like you got it flying pretty good after that. Did your son try it? If it's too twitchy for him, a little more nose weight will calm it down. Even one of those studs with the red rubber spinner can add enough weight to help if it's borderline.
Thanks for the report.


CL Preflight list - Last thing before fueling: Hold handle and lines straight to wingtip(no yaw) and check elevator movement. Teach ground crew to confirm neutral. Then confirm full throw up and full throw down with a test tug on each line.

I did an elevator check for full up and down but I noticed that I had up elevator when my elbow/wrist was neutral. When flying the Wizard I had to give plenty of up to get it in the air. With this thing even the tiniest of input made a huge difference. I should have adjusted my lines at that point but was too impatient. So I fired it off thinking I could control it. Nope!

My son did not fly it as I felt it was too much for him. I may have him take the Wizard up for a spin instead and he can switch when he is able to understand what's going on.

Ron

Ken Cook wrote: I know the topic here isn't in regards to how the handle is picked up but rather the differences of the bellcrank orientation. The bottom line however is that you should be using a safety thong on the handles. This will prevent the handle from being picked up incorrectly with 100% certainty. I'm fully aware that some may be ergonomically designed for your hand or a thumb grip etc. Even though it is 1/2A, a thong should be used. It doesn't get in the way, as I already stated it orientates the handle and it just prevents any incident. Ken

Good idea Ken.

So you broke your child's toy...Thanks , DAD

On the subject of handles, and not picking them up the wrong way, I have always made all my handles on this pattern...........



I am aware this would be a bit of overkill for 1/2A, but it does make absolutely certain that you can't get it upside down, no matter how hard you try!
I also paint each line length handle a different colour, so I can't connect the wrong lines either (a .35 stunter on 35' lines would be a bit of a handfull!)