the most important things to remember with a tail dragger is
to always be ready to apply right rudder to counteract
engine torque. Smoothly applying power will decrease the
amount of right rudder required. Gain as much speed as the
runway and flying site will practically allow before gently
applying up elevator and lifting the model into the air. Be
smooth on the elevator, allowing the model to establish a
gentle climb to a safe altitude before turning into the traffic
pattern established at the field you are using.
For reassurance and safety, have an assistant on the flight
line with you. Tell him or her to remind you to throttle back
once the plane gets to a comfortable altitude. The
Shoestring is smooth and predictable at full throttle, but
flying at reduced speeds for the first flight will calm your
nerves and give you time to think and react.
Take it easy with the Shoestring for the first few flights, gradually
getting acquainted with it as you gain confidence. Adjust the
trims to maintain straight and level flight. After flying around for
a while, and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of fuel,
practice slow flight and execute practice landing approaches by
reducing the throttle to see how the model handles at slower
speeds. Add power to see how she climbs as well. Continue to
fly around, executing various maneuvers and making mental
notes (or having your assistant write them down) of what trim
or C.G. changes may be required to fine tune the model so it
flies the way you like. Mind your fuel level, but use this first flight
to become familiar with the Shoestring before landing.
The Shoestring is a “clean” model, so it doesn't slow as
rapidly as other models and may require a longer landing
approach. To initiate an approach, lower the throttle while on
the downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model to pitch
downward to gradually decrease altitude. Continue to lose
altitude, but maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down as
you turn onto the crosswind leg. Make the final turn toward
the runway (into the wind) keeping the nose down to maintain
airspeed and control. Level the attitude when the model
reaches the runway threshold, modulating the throttle as
necessary to maintain the glide path and airspeed. If you are
going to overshoot, smoothly advance the throttle and climb
out to make another attempt. When you are ready to make a
landing flare and the model is a foot or so off the deck,
smoothly increase up elevator until it gently touches down.
Three-point landings (on the main gear and tail gear) are
recommended, but require a slower landing speed to flare. If
the mains touch-down too hard, the model has a tendency to
bounce. Once the model is on the runway and has lost flying
speed, apply up elevator to hold the tail on the ground.
One final note about flying the Shoestring (or any model).
Have a goal or flight plan in mind for every flight. This can be
learning a new maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you
already know, or learning how the model behaves in certain
conditions (such as on high or low rates). This is not
necessarily to improve flight skills (
though it is never a bad
idea!), but more importantly so you do not surprise yourself by
impulsively attempting a maneuver and suddenly finding that
you've run out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver
should be deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if planning a
loop, check your altitude, note the wind direction (anticipating
rudder corrections that will be required to maintain heading),
remember to throttle back at the top, and make certain you
are on the desired rates (high/low rates). A flight plan greatly
reduces the chances of crashing just because of poor
planning and impulsive moves. Remember to think.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and fly in a
safe manner. GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
Landing
Flight
