23
E-flite Ascent PNP Assembly Manual
In-Flight Adjustments for
Performance and Conditions
• Pitch Attitude
• Minimum Sink Speed
• Maximum Lift/Drag (L/D) Speed
• Best Penetration Speed
Once the fundamentals of launch, trim, and control of the Ascent
are learned, it's time to consider getting the most out of its ability
to perform. To do that, you must learn how to trim your Ascent for
maximum performance, whatever the current conditions are at the
time. The key to trimming for maximum performance is to become
knowledgeable of three key speeds: minimum sink, maximum lift/
drag (L/D), and best penetration.
These three speeds are what we call airspeeds, not ground
speeds (the aircraft's speed across the ground). Thus the airspeed
of the plane is relative to the air mass surrounding it.
Pitch Attitude
To determine the Ascent’s airspeed, you will have to watch
carefully for its pitch attitude. Pitch attitude can best be described
as the amount (degree) the nose of the aircraft is above or below
a line relative to the horizon. The angle of attack term is used to
describe the angle between the chord (width) of the wing and the
direction the wing moves through the air.
Pitch
Attitude
Longitudinal
Axis
Nose
Center of
Gravity
Horizon
Line Relative to Horizon
