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This table is an excellent reference point for putting those finishing touches on your model that can transform it from a mediocre model into an outstanding perfomer. If nothing else, just running through this list of manuevers several times can help you recognise a deviation from normal flight characteristics and make the appropriate adjustments to overcome a misalignment in your airplane. |
Last updated: October 14 , 2011
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TRIM FEATURES |
MANEUVERS |
OBSERVATIONS |
CORRECTIONS |
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Control Centering |
Fly general circles and random maneuvers |
Try for hands off straight and level flight at 1/2 throttle |
Readjust linkages so that Tx trims are centered |
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Elevator ( Pitch ) Start with elevator level and trim neutral |
Fly 1/2 throttle level "hands off" |
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Ailerons ( Roll ) Start with both ailerons centered as good as possible and aileron trim centered. Before flying measure both ailerons' range of travel in both directions (should be equal). |
Assuming COG trim is set: Fly 1/2 throttle level "hands off" / neutral in regards to ailerons |
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Rudder ( Yaw ) Start with rudder centered (in line with fuselage) and trim centered. |
Assuming COG trim is set: Fly 1/2 throttle level "hands off" |
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Center of Gravity (COG) |
From level flight roll to 45 degree bank and neutralize controls |
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Center of Gravity for 3D (preferred by most 3D pilots, but adjust to your liking) |
From level flight set throttle to 1/2 and neutralize controls (trim so that airplane flies level "hands off") ...then roll to inverted (again fly level, 1/2 throttle, go "hands off") Note: If your airplane is close, the controls should be close to neutral even without going hands off, if not, do NOT go to hands off. Adjust COG (and elevator's trim for level upright flight) until it's close. |
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Control Throws |
Random maneuvers |
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Engine Thrust Angle |
From straight flight, chop throttle quickly |
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Aileron Rigging |
With wings level, pull to vertical climb and neutralize controls |
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If A, trim is correct If B, raise both ailerons very slightly If C, lower both ailerons very slightly |
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Wing Incidence |
Knife Edge Flight |
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If A, reduce wing incidence If B, Increase wing incidence |
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