Model Airplane News - September 2013

Fix Bad Flight Habits

that comes from feeling more connected to the airplane. Rather than the airplane just responding to inputs, there’s the sense that it’s responding in ways that more closely match your exact inputs and intentions.

Turn example

A typical reactive pilot’s approach to turning is to enter the turn applying aileron and elevator and then start to adjust the bank angle and elevator in response to seeing the turn becoming too wide or tight, climb or

Standard turn procedure: “Set the bank (neutral) and pull”

A proficient two-finger pilot’s consistent turn inputs reinforce the muscle-memory that enables him to perform consistent turns without thinking. When a wider or tighter turn is required, rather than relying on adjustments and reflexes, he proactively changes the size of the inputs he initiates the turn with.

descend. When variables such as different planes, setups, wind, etc., are introduced into this already busy turn technique, consistency can be difficult to achieve.

A proficient two-finger pilot, on the
other hand, uses his ability to precisely
manage his inputs to pinpoint the aileron
input that consistently results in the bank/
turn that he’s comfortable with. He then
pinpoints the exact amount of elevator
that keeps his standard turn level with little
or no additional adjustments needed. After
repeating the favorable inputs a few times,
he’s able to consistently perform level turns
without even thinking. And when a situa-
tion calls for a wider or tighter turn than
standard, he simply changes the size of the
inputs that he initiates the turn with.

Small aileron input= gradual turn

Medium aileron input= standard turn

Large aileron input= tight turn

standard turn despite the different control response. Furthermore, if his first turn with a new airplane climbs or descends, instead of trying to react faster to altitude changes for the remainder of the flight, he simply changes the amount of elevator that he inputs at the start and is rewarded with level turns for the remainder of the flight. This efficient process applies to loops, rolls, landings, etc., as well. In other words, not only does using two fingers make good inputs easier to repeat, mistakes are also more consistent and therefore easier to diagnose and achieve a better outcome.

Some people initially find it difficult to use the two-finger technique because they go about it backward. They first place their thumb and index finger on the sticks, but then find it difficult to grip the transmitter. Instead, you should first get a comfortable grip on the transmitter, then place your thumbs on top of the sticks. Next, without any tension in your fingers or hands, bring the tips of your index fingers to the side of the sticks near your thumbs while allowing the remaining fingers to naturally come to rest in the positions that are comfortable. Most importantly, always keep your thumb prints on top of the sticks, versus “pinching” the sticks, to maintain a better feel for where the sticks are positioned. Note that those who pinch the sticks are more prone to using either their thumb or index finger (one or the other) to jerk the stick. The objective is to control the inputs with the thumb on top of the stick and use the index finger on the side merely for support.

enhancing feedback
Increasing the stick tension
in your radio as high as pos-
sible will significantly help
to minimize over-controlling
and improve consistency by
improving your feel for the
types of control inputs you
apply. Furthermore, increas-
ing spring tension reduces the
likelihood of accidently apply-
ing unintended inputs along
with your intended inputs. In
fact, 1st U.S. R/C Flight School
has found these benefits to be
so substantial that it installs
stiffer after-market springs into
all of its radios.

STrapS, TrayS, or free-hold?

Pilots must always guard against developing the bad habit of taking their fingers off of the control sticks, resulting in a tendency to take jabs at the controls and thus making it impossible to fly with consistency or precision. Note that this bad habit tends to be far more common when using a transmitter strap or tray.