Scale Soaring UK

I've had a hoot tonight doing endless short take-off and landings with my 1/3 Cub, exploring the effect of flap/power settings.

Question is, at what point in the landing circuit do you drop the flaps? I've got 2 stage flaps, so go 1/2 flap on the downwind leg, then drop to full on base leg, so I've got the feel of full flap before turning onto finals. What do others do? I've taught myself to fly power so don't know all the conventions.

All thoughts appreciated.

I like the registration...



BC

When I can be bothered to use the flaps on my Greenly tugs they are deployed straight after the glider is released and act as dive brakes during the descent as well. I do occasionally deploy them when doing circuits as you describe and put them down on the downwind leg so the model is good and settled before the final turns

Pat Marsden wrote: ↑02 Jun 2018, 06:56 When I can be bothered to use the flaps on my Greenly tugs they are deployed straight after the glider is released and act as dive brakes during the descent as well. I do occasionally deploy them when doing circuits as you describe and put them down on the downwind leg so the model is good and settled before the final turns

We do much the same with our Greenley. When the glider is released, the glider turns right, tug turns left,power down , point at the ground ,and deploy flaps. Then control height with the throttle and float in to land.
Stu

Thanks for the replies folks, especially Stu's useful reminder to use throttle to control descent. I'm still fighting that instinct to fly it in on elevator but get it right about 1 in 3 landings.

Hiya Rog!

on my wilgas, I too used the flaps (as much as poss) as dive brakes, and amazingly effective they were too. I like having to drag the model in on partial throttle, plenty of control with little airspeed.

Ell

Hey Ell! Good to hear from you.

Yes I've been surprised (OK, caught out...) by how much throttle you need to keep the Cub moving forwards when the flaps are down. Alternatively I can cut the throttle and dive suicidally at the ground and it still comes down as slow as a crisp packet. Loads of fun.

I'm also practicing doing up-hill landings (guess who's been watching videos of Super Cubs landing on Alaskan mountainsides...) because our field has a gentle valley at one end. Not sure how long the cheap landing gear will stand up to this shenanigans. May need to buy/fabricate a proppa sprung one.

Best wishes to you and yours.

Rog