Achieve Success on RC Model Test Flights
Planning and preparation are the keys to successful initial test flights
Air Camper on test flight
Few feelings match those experienced during the initial test flight of an RC model airplane. Your RC plane might be a ready to fly aircraft, one constructed from a kit or an original design. Whatever your model type, there is the exciting uncertainty and anticipation with your first attempt getting airborne. We have all witnessed spectacular crashes and wild flights during a test hop. Following is a discussion on how you can avoid some of these more exciting moments at the RC flying field.
The first item to do prior to any model maiden flight is to ensure you are rested and fully focused on the task at hand. If you had a long day at the office, or there is some pressing work or personal issue holding your attention, it is wise to postpone any first flight until these outside distractions are resolved.
Check and double check that all flight batteries are fully charged and secure. Verify the flight controls are free and move in the proper direction. I am continually amazed at the number of new aircraft that try to take off with the aileron controls reversed. While a rudder or elevator hooked up incorrectly can be coped with during takeoff, ailerons connected in reverse are just about impossible to detect and correct on that first sortie. Check that the center of gravity is in the proper location. To ensure all these critical design parameters are met, have a fellow modeler look over your shoulder to verify.
Minimize test flight variables
For any opening test flight, ensure other variables are in your favor. If you are flying outside, perform the test hop when the wind is calm. If indoors, see if you can obtain a flying period when there are fewer models in the air. With the advantages of today’s interference free 2.4 GHz radios, it is common to see numerous micro indoor models airborne at the same time. These extra models are a distraction for your first test flight. Fellow modelers will usually accommodate a request of this nature.
A Robin prototype made the first test flights with Horizon Hobby electronics
Have a fellow modeler take some video of your test flight. Today’s digital cameras are easy to use. You will be amazed at the amount of information you can pick up during a post-flight review of the tape. Events happen fast during a test flight. Your ability to accurately remember all the details is limited. It is very possible that a review of video taken during a model’s first flights will reveal an undetected aircraft design defect or piloting error.
When it comes time for the test flight, consider having a local expert pilot take your model up for its first sortie. This is especially relevant if you have invested a lot of time into a scale model or are rusty from lack of practice. Pilots that routinely take RC aircraft up for the first time gain a lot of unique aviation experience and will often catch a problem at its first indication, averting a crash.
For most first flights, take off with full power and get to altitude quickly. If the model exhibits any surprises once airborne, it is always better to sort these issues out as far away from the ground as possible. If control is uncertain and your model may hit the ground, cut the power before impact. This will minimize damage to both the airframe and the motor.
Blackburn RC plane in flight
Demoiselle test sortie
Some specialized model aircraft urge unique procedures for their first flights. A perfect example of this is the Sig Demoiselle.
I have been flying RC model aircraft since 1973. I have test flown airplanes from plans, kits and my own designs. However, I had to learn a completely new and different set of model test flight skills when taking the Demoiselle airborne for the first time.
Luckily, Sig provides a superb set of illustrated instructions to build and fly the Demoiselle. Readers are gently encouraged to follow Sig’s guidance for that initial takeoff.
The Sig Demoiselle is a stable and relaxing flyer
The model Demoiselle faithfully replicates the flying characteristics of its antique full scale version. The Demoiselle is an extremely high drag aircraft. The wing is set at an exaggerated positive incidence to provide plenty of lift at a low airspeed. The learning point is that power must be kept on for the entire flight. The Demoiselle does not settle into a stable glide when the motor throttle is cut to idle as with most RC aircraft.
Sig recommends that the new Demoiselle pilot get used to this flight characteristic with a series of powered straight ahead hops. I initially doubted this approach but gave it a try. I quickly realized that Sig’s method should be followed without deviation to properly learn how to fly this unique aircraft. I was soon rewarded with one of the most pleasing indoor RC model aircraft I have had the privilege to fly.
Model test flights are an integral part of your RC piloting skills. The more you fly and observe others maiden their new RC aircraft, the better prepared you will be to properly and safely take your new model airborne for that first time.