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handling relatively easy. We would recommend that whenever
possible you take off and land into the wind. Taking off in a
cross wind or landing cross wind you will need to be quick
on the rudder and may need to use ailerons to help keep the
wing level during the take off or landing roll out.
When you’re ready, point the model straight down the runway,
hold a bit of up elevator to keep the tail on the ground to
maintain tail wheel steering, then gradually advance the throttle.
As the model gains speed decrease up elevator allowing the
tail to come off the ground. One of the most important things
to remember with a tail dragger is to always be ready to apply
right
rudder to counteract engine torque. Gain as much speed
as your runway and flying site will practically allow before
gently applying up elevator, lifting the model into the air. At
this moment it is likely that you will need to apply more right
rudder to counteract engine torque. Be smooth on the elevator
stick, allowing the model to establish a
gentle
climb to a safe
altitude before turning into the traffic pattern.
Flight
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic, it is a
good idea to have an assistant on the flight line with you. Tell
him to remind you to throttle back once the plane gets to a
comfortable altitude. While full throttle is usually desirable for
takeoff, most models fly more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Citabria for the first few flights, gradually
getting acquainted with it as you gain confidence. Adjust the
trims to maintain straight and level flight. After flying around
for a while, and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of fuel,
practice slow flight and execute practice landing approaches
by reducing the throttle to see how the model handles at
slower speeds. Add power to see how she climbs as well.
Continue to fly around, executing various maneuvers and
making mental notes (or having your assistant write them
down) of what trim or C.G. changes may be required to fine
tune the model so it flies the way you like. Mind your fuel level,
but use this first flight to become familiar with your model
before landing.
The Citabria is a very solid flying airplane. It will perform all
of the typical aerobatic maneuvers you would expect. Loops,
rolls and hammerheads are performed as you would expect.
Start slowly with maneuvers requiring use of the rudder as the
rudder is very effective. With the flaps deployed the airplane
flies very slowly, yet remains stable. When you deploy the
flaps expect it to balloon a bit. It is not severe but watch
for it. We found that if you mix in 2° of down elevator when
the flaps are fully deployed, the ballooning is eliminated.
We recommend you spend some time flying with the flaps
deployed, flying at slower speeds.
Landing
To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on the
downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model to pitch downward
to gradually bleed off altitude. Continue to lose altitude, but
maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down as you turn onto
the crosswind leg. In the crosswind leg deploy the flaps. Make
your final turn toward the runway (into the wind) keeping the
nose down to maintain airspeed and control. Level the attitude
when the model reaches the runway threshold, modulating
the throttle as necessary to maintain your glide path and
airspeed. If you are going to overshoot, smoothly advance
the throttle (always ready on the right rudder to counteract
torque) and climb out to make another attempt. When you’re
ready to make your landing flare and the model is a foot or
so off the deck, smoothly increase up elevator until it gently
touches down. Once the model is on the runway and has lost
flying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail on the ground,
regaining tail wheel control.
If you are not accustomed to an airplane with flaps you will
discover that landings are slightly different. A typical model
without flaps will generally initiate a landing approach with
a gradual reduction in altitude so that on the final approach
you will be at a fairly low altitude and will drive the airplane
to the runway. The Citabria lands best if you make your final
approach at about 100 feet (30 meters) as you approach the
end of the runway. Gradually reduce your speed, point the
nose towards the end of the runway maintaining a steady
descent. Level the airplane about three feet (1 meter) above
the runway and allow the plane to touch down on the main
gear and roll out until the tail naturally settles onto the runway.
One final note about flying your model. Have a goal or flight
plan in mind for
every
flight. This can be learning a new
maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you already know,
or learning how the model behaves in certain conditions
(such as on high or low rates). This is not necessarily to
improve your skills (
though it is never a bad idea!)
, but more
importantly so you do not surprise yourself by impulsively
attempting a maneuver and suddenly finding that you’ve run
out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be
deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you’re going to do a
loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction (anticipating
rudder corrections that will be required to maintain heading),
remember to throttle back at the top, and make certain you
are on the desired rates (high/low rates). A flight plan greatly
reduces the chances of crashing your model just because
of poor planning and impulsive moves.
Remember to think.
Have a ball!
But always stay in control and fly in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
