RE: R.I.P Midwest Flight 105
RIP.. They haven't been taken over by Frontier, but by Republic Airways... It is really sad to see the legacy of Midwest replaced by Embraer Regional Jets with those flying them barely making ends meet. Look up the ERJ-170/190 wage for the FO. Then figure they only fly 1000 hours a year. Tough business I suppose. http://www.airlinepilotcentral.com/airlines/major-national-lcc/republic.html
Posted on: 10/21/2011 10:00 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10776991

RE: More questions for commercial pilots
The DC-9 does indeed have a flying elevator. The controls other than the rudder are controlled through the trim tabs. Flying for a Northwest (now delta) regional, I know the DC-9 guys enjoy the feedback of manual controls... Anyhow, I see them at the gate with the elevators deflected opposite of each other all the time. The A320, I've flown on many times though, and haven't ever seen the flaps vibrate like what you are saying... A certain amount of movement is normal on all aircraft. Look at the new 787. Those wings bend like none other... Actually quite scary to see, but Boeing makes a good product. I don't mean to start a Boeing vs Airbus argument as I think both make great airplanes, just different design philosophies. Anyhow, what you saw in both cases I am sure is normal. Just sit back, relax, enjoy the Delta Red dresses, and remember (other than elevators) you're on the worlds safest form of transportation. :)
Posted on: 10/21/2011 9:56 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10776990

RE: Question for commercial pilots
Hi guys, I am a regional airline pilot. I fly the CRJ-200 which is based on the Challenger, but is definitely not a great airplane. Having been on the CRJ900, I know what Bombardier could have done, but in the 200, they fell very very short. First off, we have no leading edge slats. We fly a super critical wing as well. Our books say to rotate and pause at 10 degrees nose up on the takeoff because if you don't, you will activate the continuous ignition (this is to prevent flameout at high angles of attack). It is also the first thing the stall protection system does (followed by stick shaker, then stick pusher). Anyhow, that being said, I don't know a CRJ200 pilot who hasn't gotten the continuous ignition light on rotation. It is a side effect of how weight and balance is calculated. It is all averages! I am a small guy, but with my books, my luggage, and my lunch, I weigh over the 190 lbs a crew member is supposed to weigh. Also, this is the average weight a passenger is supposed to weigh in the summer (195 for winter.... Coats I suppose...)... Our flight attendant is tasked with telling us how many passengers are in each "zone" of the airplane and that is used to compute the mac index (Center of gravity) of the airplane. We use that to calculate the take off trim used for each flight. If that doesn't seem crazy enough, bags are also averaged in the cargo compartment. I've heard of times where the plane is overweight (in theory) so bags are moved into the cabin because there they weigh nothing INSIDE THE CABIN, as opposed to bags calculated as an average of 30 lbs or 60 lbs for a heavy bag. This causes a rough discrepancy in the actual take off trim. You sort of have to deal with the airplane either under or over rotating on each take off. It's almost a reflex to change the trim after you've rotated. Bombardier designed a feeder airplane... An airplane that is supposed to take passengers from/to smaller airports. It is just a bad design... The 200 has one of the fastest landing speeds of any airliner out there due to the lack of leading edge slats or slots, yet it is supposed to land on short and contaminated runways in the winter. We seriously look like lawn darts on the approach. It's pretty funny to watch actually. Anyhow, I guess the reason of this post is to say that, yes, the CRJ200 can be close-ish to critical angle of attack on the rotation, but not anywhere near shaker or pusher! After a few hundred hours of on the plane, pilots learn to cope with the issues, and how pitch sensitive is. A feature that needs to be on the airplane is what the 737 guys have in the glass cockpits... They have the "eyebrows" on their primary flight display (the display with the attitude indicator). The eyebrows show you how high you can pitch at any given time, before reaching the critical angle of attack. Handy! I've observed this as I jumpseated home on Southwest many times. I'd love this feature on any airliner out there. The CRJ has no angle of attack indicator. The stall protection system simply chimes in where it deems necessary. Sorry for the longwinded response... Basically, on the 200, it is a design flaw. Most other airplanes, not so much.
Posted on: 10/21/2011 9:40 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Airplanes - Full Scale"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10776976

RE: How to recover from a tip (wing) stall?
You can. Basically this is what 3d pilots are very aware of. In full scale, sure we have instruments, but during private training (where you are learning stalls) you are actually encouraged to look outside and not inside. It's much easier to maintain heading by looking at a mountain in the distance, or a point in the sky (small cloud). Anyhow, there are various cues to look for, but the one that will be the easiest to "feel" in RC flying is mushy controls. When flying straight and level, there is plenty of airflow over the control surfaces so the airplane feels nice and responsive. You're used to good roll rates, the elevator pitching the airplane up when commanded to, etc. As you get slower and slower, the airflow will diminish and you'll feel the stick start to get mushy. When you start to feel wings dropping, you are essentially at the buffet (right before a stall) and a stall is imminent. Just push the nose forward and you'll fly right out of it. Get used to these cues.
Posted on: 1/30/2011 11:41 AM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10300246

RE: How to recover from a tip (wing) stall?
Basically an airplane must be stalled to enter a spin. If you release the sticks, you usually have done enough to decrease the AOA to below the critical AOA. The airplane isn't stalled, and you fly out. Why not get really high up, and practice a few spins. To recover, power to idle, ailerons, neutral, opposite rudder, and forward on the elevator to break the stall. It will become a reflex after awhile. Something we practice in full scale flying is incipient spin recovery. In other words, just as the airplane starts to break (yaw) to one side or the other, recover from the stall. Pitch the plane forward and roll it level. Once this is a reflex, even at low altitudes, you'll be able to recover from stalls. Last but not least, the ultimate confidence builder (for my students who were afraid of stalls), go up really high and learn to recover from stalls without the use of power at all. Fly level, power to idle, then slowly pitch up to maintain altitude, you'll reach the critical angle of attack (pitched up too high), then simply lower the nose and glide out of it without adding power. This may be best done with a buddy cord the first few times, but I guarantee you'll understand stalls much better after these exercises. Let me know if you have any questions. Since I don't get to teach much anymore, I am always happy to lend a helping hand.
Posted on: 1/29/2011 8:32 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10299100

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
I did build this guy while I've been away though.
Posted on: 1/29/2011 2:36 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10298277

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
For those of you who want to condense the thread, I'd be happy to edit my first post and add all the tips, etc. I unfortunately have not made it back to my build, and am not sure when I will be able too. the plane sits around collecting dust at the moment. :( The economy has hit me hard, and I just don't have a suitable place to build anymore. I haven't done any RC in over a year in fact. Anyhow, let me know how I can help. I'd love this to be the definitive guide for the TF 1/7 P51. I hope I can make it back soon.
Posted on: 1/29/2011 2:32 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10298263

RE: How to recover from a tip (wing) stall?
The easiest way to answer the questions would just be to read text from full scale flying. I used to cite these books when I was a CFI full time. Read http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aircraft/airplane_handbook/media/faa-h-8083-3a-3of7.pdf for what to do when flying. Read http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/media/PHAK%20-%20Chapter%2003.pdf for some theory behind the principles of flight. Read http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/media/PHAK%20-%20Chapter%2004.pdf for aerodynamics. Read http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/pilot_handbook/media/PHAK%20-%20Chapter%2005.pdf to learn about flight controls and their aerodynamics. It will take a few hours to read, but I promise you, you'll have a whole new understanding of what you are doing as pilots and will get you to quit using the term tip stall, etc.
Posted on: 1/29/2011 1:54 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10298193

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
Looks awesome! Are you going to paint it for the finish?
Posted on: 1/5/2010 11:54 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9391143

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
I have about 1.5 hours in an Sr22 G3, but 300+ dual given in a Diamond Star with the G1000 cockpit. I am sure they are somewhat similar. Let me know, and I can send you my resume. Around 700 Dual given in C172's, DA-40's, and Seminoles. Thanks!
Posted on: 1/3/2010 4:41 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9383648

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
OSU, Are you guys hiring excellent full time flight instructors? ;)
Posted on: 1/1/2010 4:49 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9378238

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
Sabre, I was on reserve so I didn't fly all that much. Probably was in and out of denver 7 times or so. Now I am furloughed so you won't see me for a while. Maybe my new girlfriend who is an FA. Pretty young girl about 5'4'' named Sarah. If you fill our planes you may hand the fuel slip to her. :P Yes, I am moved out, but just in a temporary residence for now and unable to move all my stuff. It will be soon. One of the only things that I had to look forward to after the furlough was my Mustang. I got my 12ZAP back though. PHEW!
Posted on: 12/30/2009 1:26 AM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9371143

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
CRJ-900. Delta didn't want to renew the leases at the price Saab wanted. I am only typed in the CRJ. I miss it. Hopefully things pick back up and I'll be back in the air saying, "one cream, one sugar please." :P
Posted on: 12/29/2009 12:59 AM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9368146

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
One more on my last day. You can see it in my eyes. :(
Posted on: 12/29/2009 12:36 AM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9368104

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
A few more
Posted on: 12/29/2009 12:34 AM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9368101

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
If you guys don't mind, here are some pictures from work. Entertain me, it is my thread. ;)
Posted on: 12/29/2009 12:30 AM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9368099

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
Thanks for all the well wishes. They mean a lot! I guess I just have to keep my head up and keep trucking. I just found that my batteries (with only one day at the field on them), my 5114DPS are missing, and she broke a bunch of my linkages on my Yak for fun. Yippee... Being recalled in the next 12 months is all dependent on the economy, retirements, and Delta. Recently we have been adding more and more flights out of Salt Lake City and this has caused us to even have people sit out of base reserve out there. Our 3 current bases are Memphis, Detroit, and Minneapolis. It looks more and more that we will be opening a Salt Lake City base and possibly adding CRJ700's or 900's. They've also announced only 70 furloughs in 2010 which is not much considering we are losing all of our saab turboprops (49 planes). Airplanes are typically staffed 10 pilots per plane, so that is approximately 500 pilots being kicked to the street, 70 is good news and will bring the grand total up to around 200. The airline industry runs on rumors, so no one really knows anything... I will say this though, out of all the Delta Carriers, our performance and customer satisfaction numbers are at the top, we are also relatively cheap to operate, and they keep profits in house as we are a wholly owned regional. It wouldn't make sense to liquidate us, and I think more planes are in the works eventually.. The only thing is you have to replace the 49 planes first... That being said, you are looking at 100's and for some companies 1000's of retirements in the next few years. The stagnation in the industry (as it is all seniority based) was caused when they extended the age of the first class medical to 65 and the economy crashed shortly thereafter. 5 years after is around 2012, so they will have to retire. Combine that with maybe an economic recovery, a president who believes in free market... It will be interesting... Anyhow, to answer the original question, 60% chance of a recall in the next 12 months, 80% in the next 24 months. Just a guess...
Posted on: 12/29/2009 12:22 AM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9368084

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
Thanks man. She single handedly grounded me completely. No more airliner, no more rc planes... Not cool!
Posted on: 12/23/2009 2:26 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9354444

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
LOL on the bravo sierra. Some other good ones are Sierra Hotel, Whiskey Tango Fox, etc... :P Update on my mustang. Furloughed from the Airlines because of the economy, car blew up driving home, girlfriend threw me out all in the course of a week. Trying to recover, get back on my feet and get the plane done. She also hid my 12ZAP, and I have no idea where it is. Women can be so cruel... Looks like everyone else has made good progress.. I really owe it to this thread that I finish the plane. I mean we are almost at 100 pages! GOOD JOB ALL!!!
Posted on: 12/23/2009 2:07 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9354401

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
You guys are hijacking my thread! LOL. j/k. But keep on topic. this thread is a great resource for so many!
Posted on: 11/10/2009 7:26 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9244284

5114 in the sun
Hi there. I have been having momentary lock outs with my 5114 receiver that have just started occuring in the last 4 months or so. I've been flying this receiver with excellent luck for 2 years or so. I was wondering what would a 5114 receiver do if it was overheating? Would it momentarily just hold the servos in the current position, or would it cause glitches on all surfaces? In all of the instances I have not had it go to failsafe once. Thanks. Adam
Posted on: 6/29/2009 5:41 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Futaba Radios Direct support forum"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8891902

RE: first r/c plane
Its just a great battery charger that does everything but balance a LIPO. You'll need one of those blinky balancers, but thats a different topic all together. It will cycle your batteries for capacity checks, quick charge your batts if the weather man is wrong, discharge to the optimal level for storage, and it works on NIMH, NICD, LIPO, and LI-ION. I seriously dont know how i got by without one. Let me know if you have more questions about it.
Posted on: 1/17/2009 6:33 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8369593

RE: first r/c plane
Congrats, and welcome to the hobby. Personally, I went cheap with my field gear and it has served me well for years. I went to walmart and got a small lawnmower 12 volt. It allows me to use a starter, field charge batteries, and whatever else I need 12 volts for. I went wireless with the glow driver as well. And for field box, just get a decent sized toolbox from home depot. One thing I would recommend adding to your list would be an Accu-cycle elite or something similar. A good battery charger will be a plane saver and make life so much easier. Not having to guess if the battery really is charged is very nice. This setup has served me well from glow trainer to 50cc gassers. Hope this helps. Take care.
Posted on: 1/17/2009 6:06 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8369512

RE: Lanier Extra 300s 1/4 scale kit
Does the beer come with it? J/K...
Posted on: 1/2/2009 9:59 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8311468

RE: 50cc QB 260 build thread
My switch and fuel dot area held up well. I no longer have the airplane anymore as I sold it to my buddy, but he has no complaints about the switch locations. I used two hd chargeport jacks, one on each side of the fuse. If you guys are interested in getting the geometry 100% right to prevent the rolling out of tight loops as much as possible check out http://downonthedeck.com/videos_instruction.htm for servo programming tips. It was a night and day difference for my airplane.
Posted on: 12/29/2008 4:04 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8295137

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
Thanks for the pics. Ive got a similar steering rig for my tailwheel, but needed some help deciding which direction to go with the retraction. I am using a hitec 225 mounted ahead of the wheel in the radiator duct with kevlar cable creating a pull pull for steering. I think i'll go with a air cylinder for the retract though. Thanks all. I am on a four day trip, but hopefully my parts I ordered will be in when I return. Then I can post some pictures.
Posted on: 12/28/2008 10:17 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8292567

RE: 50cc QB 260 build thread
Could be asymetric throw on the elevators too. Remember just cause the endpoints match, that doesn't guarantee the elevators will match in every stick position.
Posted on: 12/28/2008 10:11 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Aero-Works Support"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8292540

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
Hey Corsair, You read the bit on this thread about how the 4" wheels were hard to fit? I have opted for smaller wheels just to try and keep them inside when retracted. The width seems to be the problem. Also... Has anyone gone pneumatic on the tail wheel? I have the robart 121 like everyone else, but I was going to rig up the pneumatic cylinder to save me some hassle of mounting another servo. Thanks everyone! I plan to have mine done for the summer. This build has gone on long enough for me. :P
Posted on: 12/26/2008 11:16 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8286052

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
Oh and a quick word about testing retracts. I dont have my tank, valves, etc., but I came up with a quick method to actuate them while they are installed. Simply take a can of compressed air (the kind you dust a computer with) and attach the straw to the retract tubing. Squeeze ever so slightly and as a short burst and presto, it actuates.
Posted on: 12/26/2008 6:33 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8285140

RE: Top Flite 1/7 P-51 Build
Proof that my build lives. Snapped these the first time she's stood on her wheels! :)
Posted on: 12/25/2008 11:31 PM by Author "zope_pope" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=8282865