RRCC Club Racer Flight Experiences

Kevin Krebs - 2/19/2003

I flew my RRCC Racer on Monday. Harold was out there briefly, and saw the first flight.

I measured the throw rates I had set, and thought I would pass them on so that others have a good starting point to work from.

First, I want to point out that I set two rates for Aileron and Elevator. Standard rate, and 50% (half) rate were set on each dual rate switch. I also set minus 30% exponential for aileron and elevator, to soften up the response around neutral. The plane flew very responsively on the standard rates, but was very lax on the half rates. While on half rates, full displacement on the controls was required to get the plane to maneuver at a reasonable rate, and even then it was too soft for pylon racing. I fully recommend the standard rates. For those without dual rates, and or an exponential setting, I would recommend at least setting up between my half rate settings and full rate. This plane is very stable and holds a heading quite well. Even better is it's aerobatic abilities. It doesn't snap very well, but it rolls and loops extremely well (inside loops are real easy, outside loops require a bit more control as it wants to come out of the loop to go right side up). Knife edge requires counter aileron as the rudder definitely makes the plane want to turn. This plane will make a great fun fly plane! I had a 4 oz tank, and got over 10 minutes on each flight (flew it 4 or 5 times) and a couple of the flights were at full throttle and running rich, as I was breaking in the engine.

My throw rates were as follows: (Measured from the aft edge of each surface,

The plane takes off and lands nicely. It was rather windy and gusty for most of the afternoon on Monday yet the plane did not have much issue with it. I had expected it to be tossed around quite a bit, and instead it penetrated very well. There were no bad characteristics at slow speed either. Slow turns for landing can be made without fear of dropping a wing. The only real negative thing I found was that I could not turn the plane around after landing. I made a skid in place of a tail wheel, and each time I got perpendicular to the runway, the wind kept the plane from turning any further. At one point I tried 4 or 5 times to get the plane to turn, trying left and then right, then left etc. and ended up way down the runway, and had to go out and get it. So, if you want to taxi back to the pits, a tail wheel is likely needed.

I have the CG set at 3.50 inches back from the leading edge. Not knowing any better, I set the CG on the print for 3-1/8" (1/3rd cord). I think this is still a good number, but I will amend the print to call for a range between 3.125" and 3.5". Incidentally, inverted flight is great. Hardly any down elevator is needed, no doubt helped out by the 3.5" CG location. Again, the plane was very stable.