Jet flight report (update 6-18-06)

[RC Storick]

EDIT: Tonight I took it out despite the rain. There was no one at the park but a old guy stopped by and said are you going to fly? I said I have no one to hold (I don't want to use the stooge on this plane) He said he flew as a kid and would give me a hand. After a few seconds of instruction I knew he had it.

Walked out to the center and waved my arm. It was like delayed reaction to let it go but none the less it took off with out mishap. I had gotten my 5% nitro fuel today and that along with the tinkering I did last night did the trick. The engine preforms flawlessly! Nice hard four everywhere. However I need to lighten the tail some or add a ounce of nose weight. Which ever I will figure out before SIG this week. Now if I can get on the stick it will be the plane for me this year.


Tonight I took the Jet out for it's first flights. I got 3 flights on it tonight. I have a few things to iron out but it looks more promising than any other plane I have in my fleet. The first flight was too slow 6.5 but wings flew level. Second flight I had moved the lead outs forward and turned the needle in 5.65 better but not fast enough. Ont the last flight I had screwed the needle in some more but I have figured out I need more pitch.

The next thing I need to do is glue the tires on the wheels. Almost had a flat! 

Still need to free up the hinges but once this is done it should be one heck of a high wind plane! I am pleased with the end results. I just need to fly now.

[Mike Clark]

Sparky,
What length lines are you flying on? 60 footers I hope.

Mike Clark

[RC Storick]

66 foot eye to eye

[Jim Pollock]

Robert,

Before increasing the pitch I would try a foot or two shorter lines.  I subscribe to Brett's idea of using shorter lines to help eliminate line whip in maneuvers.

Jim Pollock   

[RandySmith]

Bob

Most definitely  increase  the pitch as we  talked about, you can try shorter lines if you like  but you  absolutely  need  more  pitch than you have  now

Randy

[Doug Moon]

Stay with the longer lines.  You have enough power to carry them and the added length works to your advantage.

[RC Storick]

After pitching the prop up we went out today. The first flight was a thrill! Lap time at 4.5 second flight idled the engine back and got to the 5.2 -5.4 range. The airplane shows great promise. I am still battling with fuel,I only have 10% and it should be running on 5%. The hobby shop will have some Monday. I also blew a pug last night when it was detonation so I had to put a cheap plug in for tonight as I was out of Thunder bolts or OS#4. So for the weekend I will buy some plugs and a new crap trap. Install tomorrow night when I get home.

Al in all I think this combo will be the plane I fly this year. Funny I only spent 3 weeks on this one and it turned out to be the best one. oh well.

[Randy Powell]

That first flight is always interesting...in a I need nitro pills sort of way. It seem no matter how much bench trimming you do and how much experience you have, you never REALLY know what you're going to get. I recently had the first flights on my new plane. I flew mostly in a circle with some climbs and dives. After I landed my flying buddy asked how it went. I said, well, the line spacing need to be a LOT closer, the elevator pushrod needs to be shortened quite a bit and I really, really need some nose weight. It was, ah, exciting,  I'm hoping to get some more trim flights at the local contest tomorrow.

[john e. holliday]

Robert, glad to hear the plane is working.  Great looking design.  Maybe if the designers had thought of longer tail gear we would not have the tricycle gear we have today.  Hope to see it fly soon.  Also, will plans be available for this or a kit?  DOC Holliday

[Mike Clark]

Hi Guys,

What are the rules for length of controll lines, eye to eye flying F2B at the nats?
Either L-pad or Grass?

Is it 60 foot Maximum or longer?

Mike Clark

[RC Storick]

No longer than 70 foot center of the handle to the center of the airplane.

[wwwarbird]

Maybe Sig will become the new "Top Gun"!