Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / May 2004

No difference at all other than throwing the whole thing out of balance.
But if you don't mind taking the chance of vibration destroying the model,
go for it!  Just don't run the engine around me.

Sounds to me like you need a bigger spinner.  A 12 inch prop sounds to be on
the large side for a 2 inch spinner. Or, fly it without a spinner.  Nothing
saying you can't.

<SNIP>

Me thinks you need to do some high altitude SLOW flight practice so you
recognize when the plane is about to STOP flying and fall.  Then you might
think about the approach to flare a bit so you are ready next time.
Dissertation follows.

Before you do any of the following steps, make absolutely sure your CG is
correct.  A tail heavy plane will fly, just not for as long as a slightly
nose heavy one.

Set up the needles so the engine will idle for 3 to 5 minutes and not die
when you hammer the throttle.  This is the most important thing you MUST do
for it will mean learning or praying you can flare properly if the engine
dies.

Take off and turn when there is daylight between the fuselage and the
horizon.  When the plane is 45 degrees to you turn (down wind leg) and check
to see if the elevator is trimmed properly.  If it is, hammer the elevator
(with the throttle still at full) and hold it until the plane is back level.
If it will not complete the loop, recover and land carefully because you
have a dangerous situation that must be corrected.

If the plane snaps out of the loop you have too much elevator throw or the
bird is tail heavy.  Since you have already checked that, reduce the
elevator throw and return to the prior test.

Once the plane is capable of a complete loop, under control, you are ready
for the next step.

Begin this step at altitude - 4 mistakes high the first time or two until
you get comfortable with the procedure.  Once high enough, turn from base to
final leg and pull the throttle at the same time.  Do not let the plane come
down rather feed in enough elevator to keep it going level as the airspeed
decays.  The goal here is to be able to see the plane stall about the same
time (or just after) the elevator stick reaches full travel.  If the plane
falls off before you get that slow, you are probably slightly tail heavy and
than should be corrected.

Once you can get the plane to fly in the above condition, practice a few
circuits of the airfield at that altitude, airspeed, and without loosing
altitude.  It is HARD work but the knowledge you gain will be priceless
later on.

That is the beginning of learning how to land.  The next steps have to do
with learning how to set up the approach and flare which is where most
beginners break props.

Turn final, cut the power and allow the bird to come down to shoulder level
before you begin much in the way of elevator control (I teach at a SMALL and
TIGHT field).  When the plane is at shoulder level, begin to gently bring
the nose 1/2 way up from where it is to level.  The plane slows down its
descent.  When it reaches waist level, slowly and gently bring the nose 1/2
the remaining way to the level and hold it there.  As the speed decays the
plane will begin to sink.  When it gets to knee level the fuselage needs to
be gently and slowly brought to level.  At any of those places where 'gently
and slowly' was used you jerk the elevator, the plane will balloon and MOST
folks dork it in right there.  This is one good reason to practice slow
flight so you get knowledgeable about control responses when the bird is
SLOW.

At knee level with the fuselage level, the plane will slow and sink.  As it
sinks, gently pull back to raise the nose and arrest the sink.  Keep this up
until the wheels are on the ground.

Good luck.