noob troubles with orientation

[kiosk]

been practicing with some good pilots, but in general i seem to be off on some things like....

1. a 45 upline, when I look the the experience pilots do it looks more like a 70deg...too steep, so i usually make mistake of keeping mines too shallow....however they appear like a 45 to me...

2. cant tell when slipping off a sideways on a straight line...the line is straight forward, but I slip sideways w/o noticing

i got basic nailed down ok. but these couple things are still hurting me...

[toad]

Kiosk -

On number one...the 45 upline. I ended up taking a carpenters 45degree angle to the field. With the help of a buddy we held this in my field of vision while I was flying 45 up and downs and guaging it on the angle. A couple days of doing this will help you immensely to "see" the proper 45.

On number two...the straight line. The most effective practice I have done with the ol' 0 of 8 is to have three friends out underneath the airplane. One directly under the flight path, one on the inside of the flight path and another on the outside of the flight path. With these three spotters out under the airplane and directing me with hand signals you will learn real quick what a straight line looks like AND you will probably discover that while your plane looks level...in fact your probably dipping a wing tip, in my case I wanted to dip the inside/closer wing tip.

Hope that helps some...and best of luck.

[bubbagates]

	Quote: Originally Posted by kiosk
	been practicing with some good pilots, but in general i seem to be off on some things like.... 1. a 45 upline, when I look the the experience pilots do it looks more like a 70deg...too steep, so i usually make mistake of keeping mines too shallow....however they appear like a 45 to me... 2. cant tell when slipping off a sideways on a straight line...the line is straight forward, but I slip sideways w/o noticing i got basic nailed down ok. but these couple things are still hurting me...

For the 45 line, when flown directly in front of you it will look like a 45 degree line, to the sides it will look steeper than it really is. Even in front of you, it's not uncommon to think it's too steep.

You also have a really good way with you to judge the 45 line. The Aresti has a 45 degree line right on it. I would suggest that you do not hold anything in front of you while flying, but have a helper stand directly behind you and hold the Aresti so that he/she can compare the line you are flying is actually at 45 and can tell you which way to go.

As far as a straight line is the most common thing is you are likely not flying level but with a wing down or you have some rudder trim and are flying faster or slower than what the rudder trim was originally set to.

It's best to trim you plane properly first. Trimming with the trim tabs on the radio is not enough, you really need to take the time to trim the plane using a trim chart. A typical trim flight is only a minute or two but you'll easily do upwards of 50 of these, depending on how much needs to be done.

The idea is to get the plane to fly perfectly straight and be as predictable as possible which takes a load of work of the pilot

There is one on the IMAC website, however you must be a member of IMAC to access it

[kiosk]

good tips gents, I am IMAC member so will check out the site.....but i am told by my trainers there is nothing wrong with setup of plane as they fly it just fine....is the operator (me) that has the issues!! also am told I use both fingers on the sticks and need to learn to use just thumb instead.....

[bubbagates]

	Quote: Originally Posted by kiosk
	good tips gents, I am IMAC member so will check out the site.....but i am told by my trainers there is nothing wrong with setup of plane as they fly it just fine....is the operator (me) that has the issues!! also am told I use both fingers on the sticks and need to learn to use just thumb instead.....

Amount of fingers on the sticks do not matter, I use both methods. For IMAC I use 2 fingers per stick, I get better control that way, I use thumbs only for everything else.

[kwilson]

I also use two fingers per stick and have for years. It give me a better feel. I have seen top pilots that use one or the other, really just personal preference.
As for the 45's just get a good old fashioned tire iron (x type) and hold it up while someone flies the 45. It is real easy to see if too steep or shallow.