Bought me a Fling

[jase]

Well i decided i wanted to get into Thermal gliding so i went to the local hobby store today and i decided to buy a fling... they did have a powered glider there which was 1.5m wing span, but i didn't want to spend much $$$.

picked it up for $105, servo for $20 and battery for $20.

should be fun in our climate up here.. hot days with and without storms also have some nice sand dunes a short drive north about 5m high.

[windsock]

Nice one Jase

I'm not sure how much they normally cost but sounds like you got a good buy.

Gerard

[jase]

model flight has them for $179

i made a bit of a boo boo though. i put the elevator surface on upside down... shouldn't affect performance though.

[jase]

build complete.. time of completion. 2 - 3 hrs as per user manual.

extremely easy build, but with all builds there is always a bit of modifying to be done to fit receivers and servos... but no headaches.

now if this rain goes away i might be able to test her out tomorrow.

[jase]

well. maiden flight was today in a friend back paddock.... needless to say it was a successful failure.
plane on release pitched up rather quick. i'm guessing either a CG problem or trim problem.
tailwing fell off.... i only used standard superglue, not modelshop Medium CA glue. so i'll epoxy that on tonight.
and plane wanted to pitch right. but i think this is because of it pitching up so sharply and the wind pushing the plane across.

[nige]

Hi Jase,
I assume you are using the bungy?
If it was me on a maiden flight I would be doing a handlaunch glide test. Hey no guts no glory though.

Nigel

[jase]

nah. was using a hand launch.

like i said to my mate... i'm glad things failed on the ground than off a cliff.

[nige]

Hi jase, you should be able to test it with no wind. I am lucky to have long grass on a slight slope which together are a very forgiving combination.

Nigel

[jase]

problem solved...
moved batterypack back further and also relocated receiver under the wing.. i still think CG could go a fraction more aft, but until i test the plane out on a calm day with the bungee i think it's setup is preety good now.

flys straight and level and glides for about 15 - 20m and this was into 10kt gusts of wind between calm spots.

[matt111]

Hi Jase,

Flings are a pretty awsome, cool and zingy little glider I reckon. I had a few teething problems too, but now I'm really happy. It now has a Solarfilm covered green wing though heheh. Mine needed to be way more nose heavy than the recommended CG ..like 5mm forward, only to turn out just the other side of tail heavy. Blows me away how it can turn on a dime sometimes, even at speed. Must be something to do with the skinny tail and mega rudder throws. In high speed dives I couldnt get the feathers to flutter.. although I did change to a heavier grade nylon line (only because I loosened my lines by ironing too close heheh ). My tail is epoxied on too - I remember going "huh!?" when instructions said cyano on elv & rud. Looks like a mouldie when whistling past on the slope. Youre gonna love it man!

Matt S

[jase]

matt, can you tell me the throws you have on your fling.

not having measured mine the rudder seams to throw out about 13mm and the elevator about 8mm.

my CG is on the very tip of the toe hook......

does this sound about right to you.

[matt111]

Hi Jase,

Your CG sounds pretty good, mine is about 3mm forward of the end of the tow hook.

My rudder throws though are exactly 45deg or about 30mm (recommended is 17-20mm). Elevator is standard at 12.5mm (recommended is 11-14mm).

Cheers
Matt S

[jase]

thanks mate, i'll check it when i get the chance....

if only it wasn't blowing 20 - 30kts atm, and i don't have any other slopey in working condition..