TBM DV8R, Manual

Page: 34 / 35

34
FLAPS AND LANDING
One last note deals with flap operation. Most radios have the ability to put flaps on a knob or dial.
Also many radios have an available three (3) position switch that is either a dedicated flap switch or
one that is available as an auxiliary channel. I have found that the three-position switch works best for
me for many reasons. When in flight, particularly in the pattern just after take off, at slow speed or just
before landing, I want to always be sure of my flap setting. I set the flap operation, on every one of my
models on the same switch always. Years of familiarity with the same flap switch have afforded me
the ability to look at the operation of the flaps as second nature. This is very important. Many times
we have seen modelers fumbling to figure out whether the flaps are up or down or somewhere in-
between while making an approach diverting critical attention at precisely the wrong moment.
While it might be helpful to fine-tune the exact position of your flaps at a given moment, experience
has shown that our models react little differently with minute adjustments of flap. Rather, a properly
setup model will see a significant improvement in lift up to some point as the flaps are lowered. From
this point on the lift curve stays almost constant while the drag curve begins to turn up sharply.
What this means is that if we set first position to be where there is the greatest amount of lift traded
for the resulting drag (Take-Off Flaps) and the position the yields an effective amount of drag
(Landing Flaps) as the second flap position, we have effectively covered the gamete of what the flaps
have to offer us aerodynamically. Don’t worry I have figured this out for you, read on.
Overview of the Systems Installation
Needless to say the operation of all systems within the model (radio, engine, retracts and so on) is of
the highest importance. The success of your model depends on these systems working properly. The
manufacturers of these systems will include information pertaining to their operation, if you have
experience in these areas you will have no problem, if not we strongly recommend that you seek
assistance in the installation and operation of these systems.
CONTROL THROWS
Set these throws for your first flight. After getting to known your model better, adjust to suit your
needs.
Ailerons
Full rate…………………………………………..…1/2 inch up and down
Dual Rate………………………………………..…..3/8 inch up and down
Flaps
First Position (measured at root)…………………………………..2 Inches
Second Position (measured at root)………………..…………….3.5 Inches
Flap to Elevator mix (down elevator with first position)……..…….3/16
th
Inch
Flap to Elevator mix (down elevator with full flaps)…………….……1/4 Inch