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3D for Dummies
By Jim "3D Dummy" Kitt
Some pilots have a clever and macho call sign, like Iceman and Maverick, either because of their attitude or pilot prowess. My new reality conjures up a handle more like, well… 3D Dummy. Everything I learned about flying RC airplane has now been jettisoned out the Bombay doors along with my pride.
I was one of eight MCRC members who recently bought the 3D Hobby Shop Extra 300 SHP. My intent was to buy an airframe that can really fly the hardcore 3D maneuvers we witnessed at the inaugural Electric Fly-In at the MCRC field this past October. I was the first to assemble this beauty, and I have to admit that the build was the quickest and easiest I have ever been involved with. Thin CA here, medium CA there, some kicker, a few metric drivers, an Exacto knife, and a soldering iron for the Deans connectors, and a few hours later, I was already applying some of the ‘Fly Low’ decals with crossbones that came with the ARF. I even sent away for some shark’s teeth decals for the cowl, and it really turned out to be a very cool-looking airplane.
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Since it started out so easy, I guess it’s only fitting that it would get more complex from there. I can only report in full honesty that it did. The first thing I realized is that all the Touch-and-Goes I practiced with the Senior Falcon and the Frenzy meant nothing with a true 3D machine set to high rates.
Lesson 1: There is no such thing as a ‘Wheel Landing’ with an extreme 3D airplane setup on high rates.
In order to perform the basic 3D maneuvers, such as harriers, rolling harriers, elevators, rolling loops, inverted flat spins, and something called an Enemas, a tail heavy airplane with about a 45 degree elevator throw, is required. Since most RC pilots fear the tail heavy setup, this came as shock to me when my son, Tom, set up the control surfaces and CG to accommodate his radical 3D style of flying. Every moment of my first flight involved all the concentration I could muster.
An Elevator decent to a controlled throttle spot-landing is what is necessary to successfully bring this baby back to terra firma with its current setup.
Result of Lesson 1: One wheel pant repair later and I’m ready to resume my studies. The next landing will be on low rates and the low rate settings will me MY low rate setting and not my son’s.
The good news is that I traded one cracked wheel pant for my first, tight, inverted flat spin that actually looked like it was supposed to. In my book, that’s an even trade.
I decided that the only way I had a fighting chance was to engage the local expert with some Q & A and bone-up on as much information as I could before resuming. This may be the only smart thing a 3D Dummy will ever do, so here is what I learned from my conversation with my son, Tom (who else?):
1. The Left Stick: Rudder and Throttle are more important than elevator and aileron during 3D maneuvers. He told me that “it’s there for a reason, dad… USE IT!” ......Kids
2. Save with Speed: If you are low to the ground and get in a tough spot, go with your instincts and pin the throttle full. Unless, of course, you are certain you are going to hit the ground. Seems obvious to even a 3D Dummy.
3. Going In: If you are going to hit the deck, cut the power and pull full elevator to prevent as much damage as possible. I can do that. The deck is an easy target and I can hit it as good as anyone – Just ask my left wheel pant.
4. Control Stick Sweet Spots: They don’t exist! There is a very slim chance that you will find a sweet spot on any control for any maneuver… unless that sweet spot is full deflection and/or throttle. Wind conditions and different roll rates make you truly fly the maneuver in real time. This is true and I can attest to the fact that there is no sweet spot, no matter how hard I looked, and prayed.
5. Timing: You will eventually establish the timing for these maneuvers so that rudder or the elevator will be needed in order to maintain the proper high Alpha attitude. Once you get the timing down, you can speed up or slow down accordingly. I guess the optimal word is ‘eventually’, and so, we will see.
6. Learn High & Show Low: Learn the maneuvers at high altitudes and work your way down to just off the deck. Fly Low – it’s cool. Problem…. Nothing cool about a 56 year old bald guy crashing airplanes.
7. Buy a Beater: The SHP is the perfect inexpensive airframe that you can learn on without putting a huge investment at risk. But most extreme 3D maneuvers are still possible with it, unlike other airframes under $150. The small size also lets you practice flying your maneuvers close-in, instead of way out past the runway. Ah, frugal advice from the Kid. He’s learning something too, but if I crash three times, what’s the difference?
8. Wind: Get used to it. It’s a part of flying. Okay, let me get used to flying spastic maneuvers two feet off the ground first, and I’ll worry about getting used to the wind in some other lifetime.
9. Big Sky is Better: Try and find a time of day to fly when the sky isn’t crowded and you can get several flights in alone. This way you can concentrate on your maneuvers, and not worry about where the other airplanes are. No problem here. Most guys will not want to be in the air once they see me carrying this plane to the runway.
10. Buddy System: Find someone who is a better 3D pilot, and invite them out to the field to spend the day concentrating on new maneuvers. Take turns flying, discuss the pros and cons of each flight in more detail, then work out the bugs… it’s a fun learning experience. I like this one. You’re better than me, and you’re not old enough to drive yet. I know you didn’t have me in mind when you came up with this, but I think I got this one covered every day we fly.
Okay, so let me see if I have it right:
Left stick, throttle, GO!
Never find the sweet spot
Learn high, show low
Never mind the wind sock
Big sky, no crowds
Buddy system, take your turn
High Alpha, nose down
3D Dummies crash and burn
If you ask me how far I can go as a 3D pilot, the honest answer would be, “All the way… to the crash site!” Here is Tom showing me that my plane can do it, even though I can't.
Did anyone say Warbird?
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