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Section 18: Quad Flaps
The quad-flap option allows your Ultra Stick™ Lite to
perform in ways that are just not possible with the
conventional ailerons-only setup. With the quad flaps and
a computer radio, different wing configurations can be
programmed to extend the flight performance envelope.
It’s also a great way to learn more about your computer
radio. Some of these configurations include the following:
Crow
What is Crow?
Ailerons up, flaps down, elevator down
What does Crow do?
Crow is a very high drag configuration that is commonly
used as dive brakes to prevent the airplane from building
up speed during steep descents/dives. Crow is great for
bleeding off excess airspeed and/or altitude, making short
landings from high altitudes possible. With a little
practice, it’s easy to shoot landings in front of yourself
from 500 feet or more of altitude and just 100 feet
downwind from where you’re standing. Just deploy Crow,
push the nose straight down, and then pull elevator to
level at about 10 feet and land right in front of yourself at
a slow walking speed. The drag caused from Crow will
prevent the Ultra Stick Lite from gaining speed on the
down line and, when the airplane is pulled to level, it will
slow to a crawl within a short distance.
Crow
Dive Brakes to Landing
Another favorite maneuver that Crow allows is to fly nose
high at very slow speeds with a high angle of attack
(nearly 45°). Use full-up elevator and jockey the throttle
position to maintain level flight. This maneuver is
sometimes called a Harrier. With Crow activated, the Ultra
Stick Lite has reduced tendency to tip stall. This is
because the up ailerons at the tips of the wings (washout)
help to keep the wing tips from stalling. Use the rudder
only to steer the Ultra Stick Lite during this maneuver. If
you turn off the Crow at these slow, high-angle-of-attack
speeds, as there may not be enough airspeed to fly in the
conventional mode. Anytime Crow is activated, the nose
pitches up slightly, so it’s recommended to mix some
down elevator (about 1/4") whenever Crow is used.
First Flight Profile with Crow
On the first test flights, deploy the Crow at fairly high
altitudes at various throttle settings to get a feel for the
effects of Crow. You’ll likely notice some reduction in roll
control (ailerons) and the extra drag will drastically slow
the airplane, no matter what throttle position or maneuver
you’re doing. Check to see if the nose pitches up or down
and adjust the elevator-mixing value after landing if
necessary. Try some steep descents with Crow and notice
that the Ultra Stick Lite builds up very little speed on the
way down. Shoot some landings with Crow activated.
You’ll likely come up way short on your first few full Crow
landings, so don’t be surprised if you’ve got to add
throttle. With a little practice, you’ll confidently be able to
do full-up elevator, tail-first landings.
On your first attempts to do the Harrier, start high. Deploy
Crow and throttle back to idle; then, start adding up
elevator smoothly. As full-up elevator is reached, increase
the throttle, just enough to maintain altitude. You can fly
around in the nose-high attitude using rudder only to
steer and, with some practice, you’ll be doing Harrier
landings with ease.