I've only had a couple opportunites so far to try out the new Helldiver. I knew it was a little bit tailheavy and corrected that to within reason with some bench trimming prior to the initial flight a few weeks ago. I've only got four flights on it to date, and it's really quick on the controls and still a little tailheavy. There is no access built in to the model for control adjustments. After the first flying session of two flights I did up a new handle with 2-3/4" line spacing and the controls are still plenty hot, but much, much better. A few more trimming flights to get the balance right, and we'll be good to go. It flies like a bandit and goes anywhere you point it, a lot like a combat plane actually.

 Last Monday evening I went out and put up flights three and four, and during number four I was viciously attacked by an angry swarm of the Minnesota State Bird. Combined with that distraction and the still somewhat hot controls, and the "iffy" balance, I bonked the landing and the gear doors smacked through the leading edge sheeting. At least it stayed on the wheels though. Damage was fairly minor, but enough to warrant a proper repair and a modification to the gear doors for a bit more clearance.

 For the fix, I was able to just bend a T-pin into a hook, reach in and pull the sheeting back into place, and then soak the area with CA and let it set up. Then, I filled and sanded the area with some red body putty and then stuck a small piece of carbon fiber over that. I've got it all sanded smooth now so with a touch-up shot of white and some clear we'll be ready for battle once again!

 Yep, even before the first flight I've been creeping up on adding some nose weight. It's getting real close, but needs just a little more yet. The nice (or lucky) thing is that even with the added weight it will still be a pretty light model.

Glad to hear the plane is flying again.  As far as landings, don't try holding the plane off the ground.  Try making what I call a team race landing(F2C).  Just as you think the wheels are going to touch, apply a little down elevator and hold it.  The fuselage should nose down a little or stay level.  It takes practice.  I forgot you have to make sure you keep tension on the lines until the plane stops rolling.  When I am on, I can make wheeled landings with no bounce, even with an All American Sr.  Let us know.

 Thanks Dennis.