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FLYING THE SEALANE
125.
The Sig SeaLane is a very good handling model and it flies just like traditional land models. If you are flying your model
from the land using the optional landing gear you will find that the operation of the Sealane is just like any other tail wheel
model. Just remember to check the tightness and security of the landing gear before each flight.
Flying the SeaLane from the water is a fantastic experience. When
you fly from water you generally have a much larger runway
available than you would have if you were flying from the land.
Another difference with seaplanes is that you always get to take off
and land into the wind. With the large area available on the water,
there is no reason for crosswind operations.
Taxiing a seaplane is a little different than a land plane. You always
want to make sure that your motor is operating reliably before putting
your model in the water. Once in the water the model will
immediately start to taxi even with the motor at idle. Sometimes this
requires you to plan ahead a little as you cannot stop the model on
the water with the motor running. You will find that the rudder is
effective in controlling the model on the water. If the wind is blowing
you will find that it is easier to turn the model into the wind than it is to turn off of the wind. In fact, just like full size
seaplanes, you will find that with a strong enough wind that you are unable to turn the model downwind while taxiing.
When this is the case you just point the nose into the wind and let it push the model backwards. In full size seaplanes this
is known as sailing and is a vital part of learning to fly a full size seaplane. In fact, when getting a seaplane rating in a full
size seaplane, transitioning pilots spend most of their time learning to handle the aircraft on the water. So spend some
time learning to handle your SeaLane on the water properly. Some water operations require finesse and brute force and
power are not usually the best option.
Taxi your SeaLane down wind to the take off position. Turn the model directly into the wind. Start the takeoff run by
holding the elevators in the full up position. Slowly add throttle. As the model accelerates, it starts forming a bow wave. As
speed increases this wave grows larger and moves back along the fuselage. This is the point that some water spray will
come up and be blown through the prop. This is during the transition from displacement mode to planing mode. As the
model moves faster, water lifts the hull until it is planing like a speed boat. The transition from idle to planing speed
happens in just seconds and the model accelerates through this region easily. As the model comes up on the step
(planing) reduce the elevator input to neutral. After about two seconds at planing speed gradually feed in some up elevator
and the model will lift from the water.
In the air, the SeaLane flys like any other model. Gain a little altitude and get the feel of the model. Once at altitude, trim
as required to maintain straight and level flight. Reduce the throttle at altitude and see how it handles at slow speed.
The SeaLane flies the same type of landing pattern as a traditional
land plane. Fly straight and level downwind, parallel to the landing
area. When you are abeam of your desired touch down point, slowly
reduce the throttle and establish a glide. When you’re a little ways
past the touchdown point you can turn the model and line it up with
the "runway". Continue the approach, holding the wings level,
controlling the rate of decent with the throttle. As you approach the
water surface, apply a slight amount of up elevator to level the
model. Hold the model level or slightly nose up and slowly reduce
the power as the model settles on the water.
Do not try to make a full stall landing. Instead fly the model onto the
water in a level attitude at the lowest possible speed.
Your first several landings will probably be a little fast and the model may want to skip back into the air. Be prepared for
this and just keep the nose level and let the model settle back into the water as it decelerates. The model will quickly slow
down after landing and quickly slow to a taxi speed.
We sincerely hope that your SIG SEALANE will provide you with many, many enjoyable flights. We also hope that this has
been a pleasurable kit for you to assemble and fly. Please operate your airplane in a safe, responsible manner with
constant regard to other flyers, spectators, and property.
Summary of Contents for Sealane
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