How to Fly CL for the Beginner

thinks for posting! we finally got out today and as you said... straight up and straight down for my son's first three attempts. i tried running the engine a bit rich but, it was a bit gusty today for that.

rogermharris wrote:thinks for posting!  we finally got out today and as you said... straight up and straight down for my son's first three attempts.  i tried running the engine a bit rich but, it was a bit gusty today for that.

Have your son whip a plane around on short lines with the engine off, then with the engine on on short lines, it will teach him to fly CL real fast Take care, Chellie

Greetings, all!

When my son was having difficulties in the beginning I took the little Wizard and made up some lines to the handle about three feet long for him.  Then we went outside and I walked (jogged) the plane around him watching the elevator and moving the plane in whatever attitude the elevator would suggest.  If he gave it full up I would make it climb and go over in a wingover, if he went down too much I would go into the ground with it.  And when the wind blew I would move it towards him wavering so that he would step back and take up the slack.  It was also easy to give instructions since he could hear me without the engine running.  When he took up the slack whatever the attitude of the elevator is what he got.

After about five minutes of this he was flying level even when I induced deviations from level flight.  Then he proceeded to solo a full tank where previously he only went around just a little bit, which we fully celebrated.      

The advantage here is that the plane sustains no damage and you can instruct as necessary.  Go at whatever pace the kid needs until he can hold level flight and introduce challenges as you see fit from your experiences.  I could even demonstrate changes in the Carl Goldberg -- the C of G.  Also what happens when you pick the handle up the wrong way.  

Try it!  It worked for us and there is nothing to lose, not even fuel being burned up.

Forgetful John

Forgetful John wrote:Greetings, all!

When my son was having difficulties in the beginning I took the little Wizard and made up some lines to the handle about three feet long for him.  Then we went outside and I walked (jogged) the plane around him watching the elevator and moving the plane in whatever attitude the elevator would suggest.  If he gave it full up I would make it climb and go over in a wingover, if he went down too much I would go into the ground with it.  And when the wind blew I would move it towards him wavering so that he would step back and take up the slack.  It was also easy to give instructions since he could hear me without the engine running.  When he took up the slack whatever the attitude of the elevator is what he got.

After about five minutes of this he was flying level even when I induced deviations from level flight.  Then he proceeded to solo a full tank where previously he only went around just a little bit, which we fully celebrated.      

The advantage here is that the plane sustains no damage and you can instruct as necessary.  Go at whatever pace the kid needs until he can hold level flight and introduce challenges as you see fit from your experiences.  I could even demonstrate changes in the Carl Goldberg -- the C of G.  Also what happens when you pick the handle up the wrong way.  

Try it!  It worked for us and there is nothing to lose, not even fuel being burned up.

Forgetful John

That's a great idea John. I'll definitely be doing that during pilot training. Thanks. My turn is coming up soon to introduce my boy to the circle of thrills.

I had a local CL veteran tell me to have my son join me in the circle while I'm flying and have him put his hand on the handle on top of mine to get the feel for the planes reactions to input. He'll stand between me and my handle and rotate just as if he's piloting the craft. We're building from kits and it's taking awhile so I'd rather not see his or mine splinter first time out. Hey, I might even splinter the craft, haven't flown in 38 years nearest I can estimate. Again, it's all good whatever happens. We'll make sure to laugh and smile all the way.

Greg

lots of great ideas to try! i'm going to try some short line stuff in the yard with my boy. i was tempted to have him join me in the circle after liftoff but, thought i better wait till im over the dizzyness