Elevator/flap deflection

[Jim Roselle]

Hey all,

I realize all models are different but what is a good starting point for elevator deflection. I seem to recall hearing that anything over about 25 degrees only stalls the plane.

Thank you,
Jim

[Dave_Trible]

It seems I'm the only one awake this morning so I'll offer what I have.  I believe really much more than 20-25 degrees is pretty pointless BUT I have seen those crazy stall turns keep a stunt trainer or two out of the ground.  More important is that you should never feel a hard stop or control restriction on either end.  If that occurs one line goes fully slack and bad stuff happens.  Allow the controls to travel a long way without stops.  You'll never get near there in actual flying.  Past the 25 degree mark or less you will slow the airplane badly with little additional turn.  If a, say, 10 degree crank at the handle gives you 20 degrees of elevator travel or more then narrow your handle line spacing to slow the travel rate down.

Dave

[Hoss Cain]

Hey all,

I realize all models are different but what is a good starting point for elevator deflection. I seem to recall hearing that anything over about 25 degrees only stalls the plane.

Thank you,
Jim

I have not been active in CL Stunt for many many years. However way back then, good ol' late George Aldrich and I had many discussions. George was a died-in-the-wool proponent of 45 degrees each elevator and flap. OTOH I found  a set-up of 2 degrees elevator to one degree flap to work best for me. I set up for max of 30 degrees elevator and 20 degrees flap. While I never made the big time in NATs stuff, I won many events from GA. (USAF B-47) Florida, So. Carolina then back in TX, ( USAFT-33, T-38 instructor) followed by a number of wins in the Chicago, Minne. area. (UAL).
Therefore while I think the 2:1 ratio is by far the best, overall in reality, it could be that whatever suits the individual pilot could be the true answer.    I used the "Hot Rock" handle or such size handles like Sullivan. Others loved the larger handles. BTW, George was the chief judge in a number of the SAT events. George did not like anyone that flew a Thunder Bird, but I had one well modified and I won several events with it, George judging.
So my advice is try a number of adjustments, and find what you are comfortable with, then practice, practice and practice. Be rough on yourself and do not be afraid of experimenting, especially with props. One can be greatly fooled, if not playing with the various props.