Super Cub arrived

[diamonddog]

Yes I picked it up today
Of course it's started to blow a gale that will probably last all weekend

Reading lot of threads- is it best to tape the wings leading edges before the first flight ? or do anything else to protect the plane in the ineventable crashes.
Is it best to hand launch with no motor running to check the elevator trim and c of g ? or is it best to trim by eye alone ?

[mrmugen]

Congrats! You in for a winter of fun....I swear!
1. Whenever you buy a new toy it rains, blows, snows......for me anyway.
2. Do tape the leading edges with 3M Extreme tape pre-maiden. It will save you in the long run.
3. may want to tape underside of wing in center from tip to tip. This help the struts a bit and helps with wing breakage.
4. Always have motor running if hand launching. I would use no less than 3/4 throttle when hand launching. I would try rolling take offs first. Just make sure to get plenty of speed before using your elevator.
5. CG is set at factory. Just plug in your charged battery and fly it.
6. Trim by eye or with straight edge. Either way you will most likely trim in flight anyway. Each plane is a touch different.
7. Once in air do not attemt to trim until you have enough altitude....or you will crash when you take your eye off plane. It helps to have a pal come with for the first flight or 2. This way he/she can make your subtle trim adjustments while you keep your eye's on the plane.

Kevin

[diamonddog]

Thanks for the tips, yeah I want to try rolling take offs straight away really, I just read somewhere that it is a good idea to hand launch the plane to test trim - see if it turns left or right, dives etc.

[mrmugen]

You will know if it turns/dives as soon as you get altitude and let go of the stick. It should fly straight at about 3/4 throttle. WHen you apply full throttle it should climb slightly. That is in the design of the wing. Kevin

[diamonddog]

Thanks - I will let you know how the first flight goes, if it ever stops blowing a gale here in the UK.

[mrmugen]

Well be patient. It is not a windy day flier stock. Remember to take off intot he wind if you do....land into it as well. Kevin

[mararra]

Hey there DDog !

Ditto to what MRM said. When I bought mine I had no experience, training or natural talent for that matter. And bein an old codger, no co-ordination or depth perception either. My only Ace was a long history over the years of big disapointments from NOT READING the instructions when fiddlin with somethin new. So, what I'm gettin at is DO READ the instructions that came with the cub and watch the video. That's what made my first launch a success.... we shan't speak of the landing other than to say it did come back down.
Also, be sure to do a proper range check, make sure controls are doing the correct functions glitch free.
E A S Y does it on the sticks, altitude is your friend, ACT is the enemy, tape and glue save the day.
My Motto:
If ya don't have to fix it ya ain't flown it! ;D

Let er rip!
M

[calven]

Hi DDog
Ditto what mararra said! RIP out those act sensors... get a good windup...and throw those suckers as far in the bush as you can! Gental on the sticks and it flys like a dream. Have fun DDog , your going to love this plane!

[diamonddog]

Can't wait to fly it. Been practising on FMS. Read the manual twice ! Connected all the bits on the plane, seen the video, watched the forecast and .... too windy yet again, frustrating or what !!

I do need to get a spare battery or two, just stock ones for now I think. I would like a wall charger too.

[tball]

All good advice from others.
The only thing that I would add is, charge your battries shortly before flight. You don't want them sitting around while you"re waiting for the wind to die down loosing their charge.
Kevin

[diamonddog]

I'm charging the batteries for the first time after discharging as per the manual. It's been 50 minutes now, is that normal. I thought it was supposed to be 30 - 40 mins?

They don't even feel warm to the touch - though it is a cold day here !!

[crashedagain]

it usually takes a bit longer than 30-40 mins. Mine is somewhere in the 1.5 hr range. (+/- a lot of minutes)

[diamonddog]

Thanks I was beginning to panic

Ahh 1.5 hours on the nose, so thats ok.

Maybe I'm being a bit naive, I thought you could charge a battery in the car, whilst putting a full one in the plane, go fly it, by the time you've messed about wondering why you crashed the battery in the car would be ready for the next flight - mmm seems not !

[cjg]

Yes, a 1100mah battery is 1.1 amp. Therefore charging at 1 amp takes about an hour, give or take. You need several batteries and chargers charging simultaneously to run continuously. I have 3 batteries and find that is about the amount of flying I like to do in an evening anyway.

[05prostock]

If you're looking for some more batteries, feel free to stop by the "electronics" section of Buy/Sell/Trade. (cough, cough) ;D