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From TRAC News, Tampa Radio-Control Aircraft Club, Tampa, FloridaImproving Poorly Controlled, Dangerous Takeoffsby Jim DevineHow often have you seen an airplane that is taking off veer toward the pilot stations? Usually the pilot gives the engine more gas and, using the ailerons, yanks the airplane back to the right. Occasionally, the airplane continues to the left, clears the safety barriers, and heads for the people in the pits and the cars just beyond. If you have poorly controlled, potentially dangerous takeoffs, try practicing control of your aircraft on the runway. First, check the wheels and make sure they have a little toe-in. Also, the wheels should not continue to spin when given a flick. To create friction and avoid free-wheeling, slip a 3/16-inch long piece of fuel line on the axle and push the retainer collar in tight. With proper adjustment, the wheels will turn only if you push them with your finger. This braking action allows for a high idle speed without the airplane moving, which reduces the chance of the engine dying when the idle is too low. This also helps stop an airplane that might otherwise roll off the end of a runway during landing. Choose a day when the wind is light and the runway isn’t being used. Practice taxiing back and forth the length of the runway, using the rudder for control. Stay within a few feet of the yellow center line. When you have mastered taxiing at slow speed, click the throttle up another notch or two and keep practicing. With enough practice and a slow, smooth application of power, you can approach takeoff speed while moving down the center of the runway. You also can practice aborting the flight by shutting off fuel when you’re about to lose directional control of the airplane. With this improved directional
control and practice at aborting a poorly controlled
airplane, your takeoffs will be much safer and a
pleasure to watch. Q |
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