A fully cowled engine may run at a higher temperature than
an un-cowled engine. For this reason, the fuel mixture
should be richened so the engine runs at about 200 rpm
below peak. By running the engine slightly rich, you will help
prevent dead stick landings caused by overheating.
Before you takeoff, see how the model handles on the
ground by doing a few practice runs at
low speeds
on the
runway. Hold “up” elevator to keep the tail wheel on the
ground. If necessary, adjust the tail wheel until the model
rolls straight down the runway. If you need to calm your
nerves before the maiden flight, shut the engine down and
bring the model back into the pits. Check all fasteners and
control linkages, then top off the fuel.
When you're ready for takeoff, point the model straight down
the runway and into the wind. Hold a bit of up elevator to
keep the tail on the ground to maintain tail wheel steering,
then gradually advance the throttle. Initially, quite a bit of
right rudder may be required to counteract engine torque. 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 the torque of the engine,
keeping the model heading straight. Gain as much speed as
your runway and flying site will safely 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. It
should be noted that with our prototype powered by an O.S.
MAX .91 FS, much of the time we found ourselves taking off
at only about 3/4 throttle. This isn't to say that the model
jumped into the air prematurely, but if you fly your Ryan in a
smooth, scale-like manner, full power may not always be
required—even on takeoff!
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic, 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 may be desirable for takeoff, most scale
models fly well at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with your Ryan for your first few flights, gradually
getting acquainted with it as the engine breaks in. Adjust the
trims to maintain straight and level flight. After flying around
for a while and still at a safe altitude, execute practice landing
approaches by reducing the throttle to see how the model
handles at slower speeds. Practice slow flight and landing
approaches while still at a comfortable altitude. 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 the model before 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. 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 the 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 it's time to make
the 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.
When landing in a crosswind, add about five to seven
“clicks” of throttle and touch-down a little faster to keep the
air speed up, so the rudder will remain effective to counter
the crosswind.
One final note about flying. Have a goal or flight plan in mind
every time
you put the model into the air. This can be
learning a new maneuver, improving a maneuver 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 this 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. Maneuvers
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
just because of poor planning.
Remember to think.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and fly in a
safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
Landing
Flight
Takeoff
Fuel Mixture Adjustment
25
