Test flight after repairs

[sdg111]

Well, my son and I went out after he came home from school to test the Cub after my prop shaft and gearbox repairs. She flew quite well, but still had a tendency to turn left on half throttle (maybe not so noticeable here but was on the flight after). I'm still looking to fly her straight and level at half throttle but she doesn't seem to want to fly level, always wanting to turn.

Anyway, quite pleased considering this is only flight number seven or so. The flight after this she lost power and ended up a field away. I don't think it was the battery, could it have been because my prop nut next to the spinner had come slightly loose?

I'm having lots of fun but will only start flying her lower when I know I have full or almost full control of her, and that'll be when I get better and I manage to iron out the niggles.........

Hope you enjoy the video!

p.s. The heavy breathing at the start is Blair catching his breath after several attempts to climb onto a hay bale - he finally succeeded!!!!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XqmRM1K8c4&feature=youtube_gdata

[flydiver]

A pretty good flight! I could see the turning tendency. Check the L/R balance and especially check for warps and twists.
I'm assuming that when powered up and trimmed to neutral the rudder is perfectly straight?

I looked at your first flight also. You did MUCH better than I did first time out!

Keep up the good work.

[sdg111]

Thanks Fly, appreciate you saying that, means a lot to a newbie like me.

Yeah, the tendency to want to turn left is strange. The rudder is dead straight and returns dead straight when I centre the stick. I've checked the wings but haven't tested the left/right balance so will do that tomorrow (away to work soon). Haven't checked for warps or twists either.

Trim is fine and works as it should but has no effect on that left turn. I'm stumped as to what is wrong but will keep looking. Thanks for the advice again Fly, will let you know how I get on.

[flydiver]

For warps and twists put it on a flat level surface and look at it from eye level, front, back, and sideways. Then start measuring stuff for symmetry R to L., top to bottom.
It takes and eye to see subtle stuff and the only way to get it is to stare at things a lot.
Some people are just better than others. One of our group is remarkable on what he can pick out almost immediately. A couple others can barely tell their wingtip has a 90* tweak in it.