Howard enjoys the maiden flight of
this beautiful slow flying scale model of a full size plane which has
taught thousands of pilots to fly. Read on to see if the model is as
good as the full size.
Howard enjoyed building his Flair Cub which
has to be one of the most popular kit versions of the well known
plane. It is powered by an OS 40LA 2 stroke engine and covered in
Solarfilm. After several months a window opened in the appalling spring
weather and a maiden flight was arranged.
On a cool spring day at the
Avonvale Model Flying Club field just outside Stratford-upon-Avon the
normal pre-flight checks were made and the model was pointed into a gentle
easterly wind. With full power the tail rapidly lifted and it
accelerated fast across the tarmac needing only minor left rudder to track
straight when after 30 yards and before any "up" elevator could be applied
it was airborne.
Keith, the test pilot, commented
during the climb out that it seemed to need no trim adjustments. A cross
wind leg was commenced using only ailerons and it responded crisply to the
maker's recommended throws and differential. Then followed the downwind
and final crosswind legs and soon it was returning upwind towards the
pilot box, having needed not a single click of trim on any
surface.
Howard had obviously built a very
straight and square model though he generously volunteered that perhaps
the various twists and warps were cancelling each other out!! Nice
one Howard but you can't hide quality - this is one very nicely built
model.
Soon the camera was out and the
flying photos taken. First a low pass, then a touch and go
etc.
The OS40LA began to "hunt"
slightly after about 8 minutes so, as it was brand new, it was decided to
land and check it out. Nothing more than a slightly lean needle
setting and as 3/4 of the fuel was unused a second take off commenced
without refilling.
Having explained to Howard that in
the stiffening wind the plane would veer right and require left rudder,
Keith commenced the take off when after only ten yards the left wheel fell
off and the plane ground looped hard left. Well you can't be
right all the time can you?! Having borrowed a couple of collets to
replace the rather weak spring clips supplied with the kit, the model was
soon airborne again and at a good height Howard had the transmitter thrust
into his hands and he became the pilot.
Howard had held a transmitter for
just a few minutes in the last 15 years but soon he was doing circuits and
figure 8s with confidence. He is one of those rare trainee pilots
who actually listens to what his instructor says and reacts in a very
positive and unflappable manner (other instructors will know just
what this means). He should progress very quickly towards earning
his "A" certificate this summer after which he's going to enjoy putting
this delightful Cub through its paces - solo.
After about 15 minutes flying it
was decided to land as this was still on the original tank of fuel so the
Cub was brought gently onto the tarmac. Inspection revealed the tank
was still more than 1/3 full so 25 minute flights will be quite
possible.
This all just goes to show
what an economical combination the Flair Cub and OS40LA make. In
conclusion:-
"an excellent model powered by
a reliable and economical engine - a perfect, confidence building
trainer - highly recommended"
