RE: Making a Good Landing
[quote]ORIGINAL: Simul8R I am still in my early 2nd a/c (3rd actually - RIP 2nd) days. When I was flying my 2nd a/c which was a low wing trainer at a field with a very limited runway I had trouble as I was approaching too fast and had the pleasure of watching my flare use up all the available runway. I was flying my circuits high because I just didn't trust the engine. At one point I had more deadstick landings on my plane than my glider and that takes some doing. I slowed down, flying the approach at idle power, but then found that I was running out of energy in the flare and I made a lot of hard and bounced landings. That was when I started to learn to use just a little power into the flare. All of a sudden the plane greased nicely onto the ground. Now I am flying at a larger field and with an OS 55AX engine on my a/c. The concern about the engine cutting out at any time and especially on a go-around is no longer preventing me from flying circuits at a better height. Approaching with power and just using a little blip power to arrest the descent instead of elevator is making all the difference. With the larger field I don't have to panic if I miss my touchdown point and with that comes the ability to get in more practice approaches. This backs up what everyone has said.  Learn to use the power to fly a powered approach using the throttle to control descent, and flare, and not elevator and then just practice. Get out there at a time when there are not many others at the field and then you can just fly circuits and touch and goes for hours if necessary. Don't forget to fly the plane until it is static. I also find that rolling on the mains during the go around is a great practice for rudder control during the takeoff roll. Just my 2c worth. [/quote] Concur with all said here. Use the throttle and not the elevator for control. However your plane needs to be trimmed for level flight while up in the air at half throttle. Once properlly trimmed you should be able to use the throttle to control your alltitude when landing. If you use the elevator when landing (too much that is) the plane will almost always stall, primarily becuase you do not have enough speed to maintain altitude. Resulting of course in a crash. some of the lighter 3d planes will float right in, but even they will land super smooth with a touch and I mean just a touch or blip of throttle. When you U tube guys flying. listen to the throttle when that come in or when they are doing their tricks, throttle management is the key you just about all they do. Minn Flyer (God rest his soul) gave me the best advice I've ever got on landing. He told me to " learn to fly the plane 2 foot off the ground without landing using as much of the run way as you can" Once you can do that you can certainly land the plane.
Posted on: 9/10/2012 1:30 PM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11224055

RE: Making a Good Landing
[quote]ORIGINAL: CGRetired Or Evan Longoria hitting a game winning single in the 11th inning? [X(] [:D] GO RAYS!! http://tampabay.rays.mlb.com/mlb/gameday/index.jsp?gid=2011_09_10_bosmlb_tbamlb_1&highlight_content_id=19078887&c_id=tb Sorry Boston fans.. CGr. [/quote] Nooooo That should be GOOOOO OOOOOO'S!!!!
Posted on: 9/8/2012 7:13 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11221677

RE: 1987 Seaplane
[quote]ORIGINAL: billd76 [quote]ORIGINAL: siddus74 If the manufacturer has done his job the CG will be about 1/2 an inch infront of the forward most step .... Also I would be paying much attention to that elevator snake and rod, if you leave it like that Im thinking you'll only see one flight from it!!! Scott. [/quote] Scott, yes I seen the control horns on the elevator, too close
Posted on: 7/7/2012 6:33 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11146327

RE: 1987 Seaplane
[quote]ORIGINAL: siddus74 If the manufacturer has done his job the CG will be about 1/2 an inch infront of the forward most step .... Also I would be paying much attention to that elevator snake and rod, if you leave it like that Im thinking you'll only see one flight from it!!! Scott. [/quote] Scott, yes I seen the control horns on the elevator, too close to the rudder control horn for my liking.
Posted on: 7/7/2012 6:32 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11146229

RE: 1987 Seaplane
Thanks all. There is a pontoon missing from one wing. but honestly it looks like one was never there. But I assume there was. I might just have to install landing gear on this one. I'm thinking a OS 55AX should power it nicely. Motor mount is already installed. I would love to try it from the water, but not sure about the missing pontoon. SemperFI Jim. All of us are finally civilians. well at least we're trying to be. [:D] Nothing like the Corps and we all miss it. There's just no discpline out here in the civilian world. It is an extremely sad state of affairs. Tell your Nephew thanks for serving. I actually was involved with alot of testing on the V22. I was always impressed with the professionalism of the flight crews. They were top notch!!!
Posted on: 7/5/2012 6:50 PM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11144660

1987 Seaplane
Good day all. I friend of mine at work gave me a seaplane. It has the words mermaid on the side. The bottom is plastic, and there's is a decal on the horizonatl stab that says copyright 1987, Japan. It has a 60.5 inch dihedral wing and a nitro engine mount. It is in great shape, but needs a little TLC. Need you input as too engine size, manufacturer, CG, etc....
Posted on: 7/5/2012 9:47 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11143957

RE: Where in marine Bill
I'm here. Just darn busy!! traveling alot! Semper Fi OOOORAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!! Gorish! , that's great to hear about the Naval academy!! Hope he does well. I'm struggling about retirement. Want to, but don't want to. Seems like I'm busier than I've ever been, just getting tired. And finally facing the fact that I ain't 18 anymore.
Posted on: 6/24/2012 5:40 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11129568

RE: PT 19 Giant maiden flight!!! Finally!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: BrokenSpoke Google turned up a couple of kit options: http://www.jackdevinemodels.com/pt-19_fairchild.htm http://easytigermodels.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=211 (78'' wing span) http://easytigermodels.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=14&products_id=269 (110'' wing span) [/quote] I Like jacks, and I need a kit. Hard landing a few weeks again and my wing is toast!! Did find a guy selling a dynaflite kit for 330.00. my fuse was undamaged from the crash.
Posted on: 5/7/2012 10:15 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11071688

RE: Minnflyer (AKA Mike Buzzeo) has unexpectedly passed away
Wow, I can't believe it!! Mike I still owe you a review of the PA mx!! Going to miss our chats on the phone. I know you're listening. I will get it done. I can't remember how many times I've had to use Mikes how to videos. A true RC legend. You will be missed brother! Prayers for the family!! SemperFi and Anchors away!!
Posted on: 4/23/2012 3:00 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "The Clubhouse"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11053156

RE: WARNING BE CAREFUL
[quote]ORIGINAL: levram1 MARINES????  Just ask those<img alt='''' src=''http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/pirate.gif'' /> black eyed jarheads at Subic Bay!!  LOL  <img alt='''' src=''http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/fckeditor/editor/images/smiley/msn/lol.gif'' /> [/quote] SUBIC BAY! you are telling your age with that comment. I do remember waking up from night out with two black eyes and no idea how I got them. Haven't touched whiskey since, and that was 1978[8D]
Posted on: 4/3/2012 10:53 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11026810

RE: WARNING BE CAREFUL
[quote]ORIGINAL: MinnFlyer [quote]ORIGINAL: lopflyers Wrong, we at USAF are tougher than the sissy Marines [/quote] [quote]ORIGINAL: levram1 Us US Navy men are tougher than all you other candy as**s put together... [/quote] Gimme a break! I was in the Navy AND the Air Force, and we're way too smart to do the fighting ourselves. Send the Marines! :D [/quote] LOL HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHA Will fight for you anyday Minn[:D] Even with one hand[:D]
Posted on: 4/3/2012 10:51 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11026807

RE: WARNING BE CAREFUL
guys lets not turn this into a discussion and debate, props are damn dangerous. I was wrong reaching in from the front of the plane to disconnect the glow driver. period!! If any one needs pics send me a email address and $15,000.00 in royality fees [:D][:D] and I'll get them too you. I'm damn lucky I still have my thumb. I've learned from it and will move on!! SAFELY!!!
Posted on: 4/2/2012 6:24 PM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11025839

RE: WARNING BE CAREFUL
[quote]ORIGINAL: levram1 Send them to me because they are not on the thread. [/quote] Need your emial address. Not showing up in your profile
Posted on: 4/2/2012 1:12 PM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11025383

RE: WARNING BE CAREFUL
[quote]ORIGINAL: MinnFlyer Sorry Bill, I had to remove them. They were a bit too graphic. Now I gotta go eat breakfast again :D [/quote] Understood, If anyone wants them for club new letters just PM me. Would like to hope I can keep it from happening to anyone.
Posted on: 4/2/2012 6:45 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11024836

WARNING BE CAREFUL
These pics are very graphic, but I hope they serve as a reminder that these aircraft are not toys. I was at the field yesterday. Had a great time flying, even though my PT 19 wing broke in half on landing. Guess I should've inspected it more closely during the rebuild. Anyway decided to fly my morris hobby profile with the OS 55 AX. Got the enigine started and instead of walking around and disconnecting the glow driver from behind the plane I reached around the prop from the front. I got complacent and got bit hard. Good news is that, the prop basically filleted my thumb, missing the tendon. It took 60 stitches . Be careful, pay attention even with the smallest of props and planes. Take the time to be safe!!
Posted on: 4/2/2012 4:54 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11024701

RE: PT 19 is RTF again
[quote]ORIGINAL: KitBuilder I have the baby e-flite version... doesn't like to fly to slow..... don't ask how i know. [/quote Hmmm. This one flies like a trainer. Does like a tad of throttle when landing.
Posted on: 3/31/2012 4:34 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11022122

RE: PT 19 is RTF again
[quote]ORIGINAL: CGRetired Hey Bill, looking good. I don't have room for anything larger than what I already have so I'm not building much lately. I did, however, put together an electric Cessna Corvalis. It was a simple assembly, and I've not flown it yet.. time, weather, wind, and so on. But, that will come soon. I plan on taking it to work with me and just playing it by ear as the weather agrees with me. Regarding your pictures.. can you just imagine, say 50 years ago, a guy, sitting on the bank of some river somewhere then an apparition like that appears out of the water? You would fit right in with ''The Creature from the Black Lagoon''... [:D] Good thing we are all conditioned to such visions now-a-days.. [:D][:D] Again, looking good!!! Semper.... FI / Paratus (choose one [;)] ) CGr. [/quote] CG, honestly, I burnt myself out I think this winter, fixing and building. At this point I don't think I would get anything else unless it RTF!!! [:D] Just want to fly now. If I crash, well ,may just part them out and sell.. then find a RTF in the classifeds and just fly!![:D]
Posted on: 3/30/2012 6:01 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11020916

RE: PT 19 is RTF again
[quote]ORIGINAL: dignlivn Looks great jarhead, Bob Semper Fi [/quote] Thanks Jarhead. Here's a pick from last week at work. Days like this I totally love my job!!!!
Posted on: 3/28/2012 9:31 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11018559

PT 19 is RTF again
Finally found hte time to finish up on the PT 19 yesterday. Need to bend the music wire on the landing gear a little more inboard. Forgot to compensate for the wing dihedral. Looks like rain for the weekend, but hoping that changes, She is begging to take off!!
Posted on: 3/28/2012 6:56 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11018350

PT 19 wing recovered and decaled
It's looking pretty good. There is a small coverite factory flaw in the covering, but nothing that I can't fix. Just need to install the ailerons and servos and she'll be ready!!
Posted on: 2/28/2012 6:16 PM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10980730

RE: Real Flight Basic
[quote]ORIGINAL: gphil Still trying to get a real controled landing in.   Beginning to think the trim may be a factor.  The flight controls seem well but the throttle trim may too low.  Right now there is no such thing as a power off, dead stick ,  approach.  If you throttle back to ''o''  uncontrollable crash happens.   going to add a little higher idle and see what happens.  Question, what does the switch on top left of  controller do?  I think it is control response maybe.   The one on the right side operates flaps and gear.   But as of right now, no way to line up on final high or low.  Just will not happen.    Gonna give it a week then who knows.   This unit will allow me to see a second plane in flight and the controller.   I do much better watching the little plane.   Oh well  .     gphil [/quote] That sounds like you do not have the plane properly trimmed out. Get the plane high, fly level at half throttle. the plane should fly level and straight without any input with the elevator, rudder or ailerons, while at half throttle. Adjust trim as requried to acheive level straight half throttle, hands off flight. Once you do that, then landing and all the other flying should be easier,
Posted on: 2/28/2012 8:41 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10979949

RE: Real Flight Basic
Could be your Pc resolution setting. Try changing that (lower the resultion). Or choose a field that has less trees,mountians etc. If the plane is handling fine up high, and gets jittery or touchy close to the ground, then its a PC issue. Graphics card basically not keeping up. I have have an older desk top with basic installed, and if I try to load a busy Airfield, I will notice frame skipping (slight) when taking off and landing. It will get worse when I activate smoke.
Posted on: 2/28/2012 8:37 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10979029

RE: Valley View Rc profile yak
[quote]ORIGINAL: Mikecam Notice this plane and combo DLE 20 is the same price as the AW ProX260. Any comments as to why you went with this bird and not the AW. Thanks [/quote] No particular reason. Read a couple of good reviews. The Valley view website also has everything you need to get it ready to. The instrcution manual totally sucks!!! I spoke to valley view about it and that stated they were in the process of a rewrite. A couple of the guys at our field have them as well. I am happy with it. Flies and lands great. I just have to get over my "cheapness" and get good metal gear servos.
Posted on: 2/25/2012 9:57 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10975296

RE: Valley View Rc profile yak
Finally got my maiden in last Sunday. Yak flew fantastic!!!! Less than 10 -20 feet and she was airborne. Flee some trim laps. Seemed tail heavy. Everytime I touched the throttle it would go straight up. So deciided to land and adgust the cg. After landing noticed that the left aileron was just hanging down. Wing servo was stripped. Not.sure if that is what alcaused it to want to want to go straight up or not. Did either of.you have to adjust the thrust angle? Getting.better servos for the wings. Should be go to go after that. Plane landed perfect. Floated right in even with a bum aileron.
Posted on: 2/25/2012 5:42 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10974487

RE: Finally at long last
[quote]ORIGINAL: dignlivn [quote]ORIGINAL: billd76 [:D][:D] [quote]ORIGINAL: JohnBuckner It was just a thought but yes the metal gears are a good idea for you new ship and agine Sarge congratulations she sounds like a great ship[;)] John [/quote] And a good thought! Thanks, I know I should run metal gears in gassers, but thought the ones I used would be okay. Live and learn. I gotta quit being
Posted on: 2/20/2012 4:45 PM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10968192

RE: Finally at long last
[:D][:D] [quote]ORIGINAL: JohnBuckner It was just a thought but yes the metal gears are a good idea for you new ship and agine Sarge congratulations she sounds like a great ship[;)] John [/quote] And a good thought! Thanks, I know I should run metal gears in gassers, but thought the ones I used would be okay. Live and learn. I gotta quit being so cheap!!! [:D][:D]
Posted on: 2/20/2012 1:24 PM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10967866

RE: Finally at long last
[quote]ORIGINAL: JohnBuckner Congratulations a successful maiden is always such a joy. The stripped gears in an aileron servo in either of the two airplanes you had them in could be an indicator of surface aerodynamic flutter. Since you had the same servo in both airplanes. What happened to the twist was it in a crash or known flutter incident? John [/quote] John No known flutter in either plane. TheYak is a 20 cc Valley View RC gasser, very large control surfaces. I should have put metal gears in to start with. I did crash the twis,t but only pancaked the landing gear, no other damage. I think the servos just did not have enough umph for the yak. Actually should have had metal gear servos in the twist as well. Just thought I would get by with a cheaper non metal gear with high torque. At least that is what I'm thinking anyway. I have MGs in for the elevator and rudder. The servo must have failed on final approach. I was very surprised to seeing hanging down after landing. Limp like a spaghetti noodle.
Posted on: 2/20/2012 1:22 PM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10967727

Finally at long last
Maidened the yak. Wind was perfect only a slight breeze. Took less than 10 feet and she was airborne. Got her to altitude and started doing trim flight laps. Discovered that it was nose heavy. Made a few more laps and decided to bring it in to adjust the CG. Leveled the wings for final. Had to fight to keep here straight used alot of rudder correction. Thought that was wierd. Once I landed, I noticed the left aileron just hanging down. Back to the pits. Removed the wings and noticed the servo was stripped. It was a HITEC HS-5485HB. I took these out of my twist. They had maybe six flights. Thought they would be fine for the yak, but will now go ahead and spend the bucks and get Hi Tech 5485MG's. Flew great though, floated right in. Using Spektrum A-6020s for the rudder and elevator. they should be fine!
Posted on: 2/20/2012 4:44 AM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10967139

RE: Okay to keep airplane kits in workshop/shed?
I keep mine on one of my sheds. No mice, but humidity will rust your control rods and other metal components.
Posted on: 2/7/2012 7:37 PM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10949018

RE: Landing technique examined
Now that is cool!!!
Posted on: 2/7/2012 5:26 PM by Author "billd76" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10948822