Ventus Success! Aerotow

[pitviper51]

Well dispite some wind I was able to test fly the CMPro Ventus today. the maiden flight was a tow flight... which im sure some wont agree was the best way,, but I figure why risk a toss when it wont be fast enough anyway.. The take off was ok with the landing gear down, wing drag is not such a big deal with the winglets on this plane. I needed a ton of right ailiron tho to get it leveled off, i still dont know why. once i was able to get it level the tow was easy and fast kepted the wings level and put a touch of outside rudder in the turns. once getting to altitude that i could barly see the ventus i released without a hitch and got a few circuits in before coming in for the landing pictured below. We did one more tow after that with the same results but with landing gear in from take of to landing due to snaging the field. Now to tinker with nose wieght and figure out why i had to put soo much trim in.. heres the pics!
mike

ps, might have video of takeoff soon

[wizard]

Looks good.

[SleepyC]

Where's the motor?

[pitviper51]

	Quote: Originally Posted by SleepyC
	Where's the motor?

its got that new DA -AIR in it.. its cleaner and doesnt need to worry about noise restriction s
mike

[iflyrc3Dstyle]

I always wanted a glider but could never figure out how to tow it. I always thought maybe a Cub or a Telemaster would do but never thought the Giant Rascal would do.

I must give it a try.... how did they glider fly?

[pitviper51]

the ventus is a scale glider so it has odd feel compared to other floaters. the scale glider wants to go fast and will tipstall if you dont, if your looking to learn gliders and want pure no electric tower hobbies sells the vista 2m that i test flew today also but its alot easier to fly and to leanr how to find thermals with.. and all you need is a histart 2 servos and rx and battery and ahh... 4 hours to let glue dry. its a fun way to gain skill, youll never dread deadstick again. let me know how i can help
mike

ps, the tower vista is also has an ep model that with 2 minit motor climbs last year i flew for an hour off motor. and no walking involved

[pitviper51]

YouTube - HCRC Spirit Bird of Time

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this is a kitbash spirit 100 with bird of time wing, using a hi-start to launch. this is my field
mike

[RustyTumbles]

Well done,

Much more successful without the spoilers.

[pitviper51]

thanks, the weight i saved not installing thw airbrake will pay off, didnt really need it tho, i may try the flaparons once i have more setting dialed in.. the why about the right trim is bogling... the wing look fine, the wight is fine.. the tail is crooked just a bit. maybe??? now i need to find a easyer way to put the tow line in, since i am using tape for the canopy right now.. I would like to find a small hinge for the front to have it open like full scale.
mike

[pitviper51]

i got ahold of the small video clip taken by a club member, its not much, but what the heck

YouTube - 2.6 M Ventus First aerotow

more to come with better camera
mike

[pitviper51]

HI! got in a few more tows today, the added nose wieght made a huge change, flys alot better now. the tows were uneventful, found some lift but nothing great. i cant beleave how smooth this plane lands, its just like the real deal,, video was taken i hope it will be online soon. towing is soo fun
mike

[RustyTumbles]

Nice one mate

Still thinking about getting one while I build the woodstock. Are you using any flap or spoileron on landings?

[pitviper51]

havent had to yet.. i just judge my altitude like i should and bring it in at speed and hug the ground as long as i can. and it sets down right on the wheel. landing this direction is up hill so the ground comes up to the glider allowing it to look alot better then it is,, once i have to make a landing in the other direction this bird is not going to want to stop flying haha. My tow alts have been 3 turns climbing steady..its at the limit i can really tell whats going on with overcast sky , so once i get a tow with a blue sky day i hope to go alot higher on tow. we talked today about getting the video rig mounted looking back at the glider so i can judge my tow technique.
mike

[RustyTumbles]

Yeah in video from the tug would be awesome. Big Lazza has a vario/altimeter, just have to get him to put it in a glider. Would be great to know what heights we are releasing at.

[pitviper51]

yea, rusty the altitude would fun to know. i am considering this rig http://www.kennedycomposites.com/zlog.htm

looks like it would do all that i need. I may not tow again until the glider meet august 9th so i know for sure i have it ready. since ill be the tow display haha. everyone else will be winch and cradle.
mike