Takeoff
Before you get ready to 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 so the model will roll 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. Top off the fuel, then check all fasteners and control
linkages for peace of mind.
Remember to takeoff into the wind. 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 and 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.
The Sukhoi is capable of virtually all aerobatic
maneuvers. Loops, point rolls, knife edge, spins etc.
are all within the capabilities of this airplane. For
those of you who have the desire to try 3-D
maneuvers you will find that the Sukhoi is capable
of many of the basic 3D flight maneuvers as well as
some of the more advanced ones. Using an engine
from the upper end of the engines recommended,
will provide you with the best choice for flying 3D.
Take it easy with the Hobbico Sukhoi 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.
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
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.
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!
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