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Post by Cubflyer on Dec 24, 2013 17:07:21 GMT 1
Question for all who take to the sky when the mercury has fallen to the depths of the scale ... Took my cub out this morning in approx 7 mph winds and about 9 degrees Fahrenheit. Taxied into the wind, increased throttle, got to about 50% throttle and she lifted off! Only had about 3-5 feet of travel before leaving the pavement! She flew "normal" except that I had to give much more throttle than normal to fight against the very moderate wind and I admittedly was getting used to flying with gloves.
Does the cold air make the airfoil that much more efficient? She was felt strange enough that I put her on the ground and called it a morning. May go back out later;)
Anyone else experience "different" flight characteristics when flying in cold air?
thanks!
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Post by flydiver on Dec 24, 2013 21:00:53 GMT 1
Cold air is denser. Taking off into 7mph will seriously shorten the roll out.
More throttle may have been due to a cold battery? Lipos can lose a HUGE amount of power if they get too cold.
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Post by hghost on Dec 25, 2013 7:04:40 GMT 1
Have never flown in the cold and wondered the same thing, how would the plane react and the Lipo battery....as fly mentioned they do not like cold ( one reason i have not flown) here the winds are way to high to fly and we have had an abundance of diverse weather conditions, wind, rain, freezing rain, snow,and even over 60 degree weather in one week span...but when it is Not raining or snowing the winds howl....but have never flown in cold weather to find out how they react.
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Post by coupe1942 on Dec 25, 2013 8:15:36 GMT 1
Rumor has it that Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper and Richie Valens were all flying in a HobbyZone Super Cub during an ice storm and bad things happened. Of course, I could be totally mistaken and it may have been some other plane instead. You know how rumors are... :-) ... just joking...
I was thinking that flight time would likely be diminished a bit, due to the cold effect on batteries, but it was just as guess on my part and my arthritis would likely keep me from checking it out.
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Post by Cubflyer on Dec 27, 2013 2:44:51 GMT 1
Well, I took my trusty cub up again today, and while it was no longer 6 degrees, it only warmed up to a balmy 25. I flew without gloves this time and that made a world of difference. Maybe I just litteraly couldn't feel the controls last time. I did notice a decreased flight time though. This time I kept my charged batts in my pocket to stay warm before use. Still got 10 min flights in. Good times in the crisp clean winter air!
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Post by coupe1942 on Dec 27, 2013 5:56:18 GMT 1
Just a couple of interesting cold aircraft photos that were posted at the RCgroups.com website as"Ultimate HobbyZone SuperCub Help Thread (Part 4)." Not my photos, but funny to see the ice like that, even if it is likely just for a joke. :-)   |
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boreal
Flying officer
Posts: 8
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Post by boreal on Jan 10, 2014 4:53:09 GMT 1
These are some things I have found helpful flying in cold weather to 0 degrees farenheit
Make sure the transmitter batteries are fully charged and keep it in a bag inside your jacket
unless flying.Keep the charged lipos warm when not in the cub.Install snow screens on cowl behind
prop.Plug off ACT holes if sensors are removed.Move receiver to top of fueslage.Install battery in
vertical position.Limit the time the plane is exposed to these temps as control will deteriorate after
about an hour.Thin cotton gloves for flying and a pair of mitts to warm your paws in between.The performance on a cold clear day is excellent.This has worked in northern Alberta
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Post by hghost on Jan 11, 2014 3:12:10 GMT 1
I saw a video on Hobby King Web Site. The Daily I think it's called ,they were looking at their new Offices in New York. It is at an Airport and Flight Museum . But anyway they were out flying a few planes at the new field, and one of them had a pair of pants ( yeah pants) that fit their transmitter. You just put your hands up it's legs and controlled the Tx, thus keeping it warm. Looked like a pair of shorts for a doll or something. But it was made to fit the Transmitter perfectly. Thought that was a great idea and it also eliminated having to wear gloves that may hinder the stick input at times. Needless to say the one guy flew the T-28 into the tree's and then the camera guy stepped in a hole and fell....that was an awesome video. Tried to find it, but there is so many Daily video's I would be there for days looking for it.
Liked that pants for the transmitter idea. They also make pocket warmers and stuff like that, also a great idea to keep batteries warm or Tx....
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Post by Knackered Sailor on Jan 11, 2014 17:09:19 GMT 1
So, after waiting 6 weeks for some decent weather for first flight, today arrives, perfect although cold. Check the flying club website in the morning and yes, they said it's perfect weather get here here early, flying all day.
Made sandwiches, a flask of tea, got all the gear in the car plus extra warm clothing and off I go for the 50 mile round trip. Arrive and find the place swarming with arrogant hunt riders who ignored the obvious that I needed to drive through them and I actually had to get out and say 'excuse me I need to get to that track over there'. Finally got to the flying field only to find the gate locked and no one there.!!!!****
Waited an hour, someone else arrived to fly, gave up, drove home, pissed off. Web site changed to an apology, the day cancelled due to hunt 'event'. No reason why both activities couldn't have taken place as about 1/4 mile apart and anyway the nags rode off by the time I left.
Weather forecast for the next two weeks? Wet n windy again!
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Post by hghost on Jan 11, 2014 22:09:22 GMT 1
So, after waiting 6 weeks for some decent weather for first flight, today arrives, perfect although cold. Check the flying club website in the morning and yes, they said it's perfect weather get here here early, flying all day. Made sandwiches, a flask of tea, got all the gear in the car plus extra warm clothing and off I go for the 50 mile round trip. Arrive and find the place swarming with arrogant hunt riders who ignored the obvious that I needed to drive through them and I actually had to get out and say 'excuse me I need to get to that track over there'. Finally got to the flying field only to find the gate locked and no one there.!!!!**** Waited an hour, someone else arrived to fly, gave up, drove home, pissed off. Web site changed to an apology, the day cancelled due to hunt 'event'. No reason why both activities couldn't have taken place as about 1/4 mile apart and anyway the nags rode off by the time I left. Weather forecast for the next two weeks? Wet n windy again! Sailor, same story I hear and have read on many forums. Sad that happens far to often to people. Also another reason I gave up trying to contact my local one. I read their web site about family flights, time for the kids, cook outs, parties, etc etc.....but not one person will ever call you back or even allow you on the field to even view what they do. It is located in a Landfill, owned by the County, but still, how hard is it to return a call ? gave up trying. Also why i bought the Champ. That little plane alone has given me some experience, a great enjoyment and fun that can not be worded. It is different in flight than the Super Cub, but they are similar in many ways. That allowed me to fly the Cub easier i must say. Plus being able to fly it, in a smaller place.Sailor if you have a parking lot close by you, you can fly the Champ in it, get some Air Time and some experience and enjoyment on days you can't get to the Club or a day like you had when it is closed. Sorry you had to endure that discouragement, I know how you feel. |
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Post by hghost on Jan 12, 2014 6:56:51 GMT 1
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Post by hghost on Jan 12, 2014 7:20:16 GMT 1
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