Maiden Flight Today

[Spen]

Hi to everyone out there, got myself a SC last week and flew her for the first time today. I must admit to being quite nervous before I flew her as I've not flown "proper" rc planes before, but my worries were unfounded. I had perfect conditions-dead calm which I think helped alot-I flew circuits and figure of eights,got some altitude and then cut the power to see how she glides. I must say that this model flies brilliantly-so stable and forgiving for a newbie like myself! I had two flights today that both went much better than I thought-and no damage! Cant wait to get her airborne again. Cheers guys!

[SCC]

Hi Spen.

Welome to the Forum and congratulations on your maiden.

[mrmugen]

Awesome! Glad you were successful! Keep us posted on future meetings with earth. Hope they all go as well as the maiden. Kevin

[blamo]

Hey Spen - did you use the ACT on the first flight? I like that nervous feeling. Every flight is a new adventure. Nice job on the maiden.

[Spen]

Hi to everyone again and thanks for the welcome to this great forum. Blamo, yes I did have the ACT on for the whole of my first flight, I did switch it off for a brief time on my second flight and I immediatley noticed the increased sensitivity to my control inputs-a little too sensitive for me at the moment, so I switched it back on for the remainder of the flight. I know that a lot of people dislike using the ACT, but I think it's a very useful feature for beginners like myself.

[Spen]

Flown twice more since my last post. Yesterday(12th) was my first experience flying with some wind-when I got to the field, it was windier than I thought. I decided to go ahead anyway and found it quite challenging. I was surprised how quickly she picks up speed flying downwind, and heading into the wind she appeared to be hovering.I had a heavy(ish) landing and bent the gear back and cracked the scoop on the cowling, all easily repaired though. Today was windless so I decided to fly without the ACT switched on and all went very well. I could do with finding a smoother field to fly from as the ground is quite lumpy- bent the gear on landing again! I'm finding it all very enjoyable though.

[Spen]

Found myself a new field to fly from-a lot smoother, which has enabled me to practice my landings.Not used the ACT now since my 3rd flight, I now have 11 flights experience, with no crashes yet. I even had the confidence to try some loops today-brilliant fun! I broke a prop the other day doing a rog take-off, but have some spares ordered.

[flydiver]

Act does 2 things as I understand; it moderates control inputs (makes less sensitive) and intercedes with new inputs based on information from the sensors (cuts you off if you do newbie dumb stuff).

The first can be useful. Disconnect the sensor plugs inside and turn on ACT. Now you have less sensitive controls.

The 2nd is really only useful if you are up pretty high (uncontrolled dive or such). If ACT kicks in 50 feet above the ground because you did something that will crash your plane it will not help you and will actually interfere with the possibility you might be able to recover.

As a newbie not so long ago I realize that my first tendency was to NOT fly high up. It seemed like longer to FALL! So I flew closer to the ground. ACT is NOT your friend for this. If you are flying less then say 100 feet up ACT probably will not help.

New fliers should consider flying 100+ feet high, especially with new tricks. When coming in for landings it may be best to turn ACT off. Once comfortable with flying a bit disable it completely.

flydiver

[itchycods]

Spen, been doing any more flying?

[Spen]

Hi itchycods, I've had about 15 flights now, all have gone really well so far. Before my maiden, I was convinced I'd crash her but luck has been on my side! Got myself loads of spares before my maiden, but havent needed them yet except a prop I broke. The last few days have been windy so I havent been flying-I'm getting withdrawal symptoms! Cant wait to get her airborne again.

[itchycods]

LOL, I know about withdrawal!!

[jhnnybjhn186]

I havent made my first flight yet but i hope its as good as yours spen

[shortcircuit]

jhnnybjhn186 said:

I havent made my first flight yet but i hope its as good as yours spen

Same here. I don't get my plane till the middle of next week.
Congrats on your successful flights.

Mark

[phillipmorris]

Hi Everyone, no experience w/powered flights, years back did some sailplanes, but each time I tried power flying, smashed them in....but then the Super Cub, been flying about 2 weeks near daily and logged about 38 flights, no damages, can't believe it, a forgiving flyer, terrible at landings but takeoffs are farily stable, still doing grass landings, fortunate to have an open site nearby with few obstructions, maiden flight was zero wind, and now up to 5MPH steady with no problems but watch out for gusty conditions, having great fun, no aerobatics, just love to fly high, run the battery near empty to land, 15 plus minutes not uncommon w/stock batteries....darn thing flys right out of the box, a winner...<>...

BEST

[SCC]

Hi phillipmorris.
Welcome to the forum.
Good to hear the success your having with the Supercub.

Just a heads up.
Have a quick check of the two screws that hold the motor to the gearbox. After 30 flights, mine were loose.
Undo the four screws that holds the motor and gearbox to the firewall. Look in the back and you will see the two screws.



Cheers

Paul