[popeyepete]

Aircraft -HK Decathlon .46 EP 62.6"
Specs - G60 500kv
- Plush 80amp esc
- MAS 3 blade 10x7 prop
- Zippy 5S 5000mah 30C
- BMS 631MG 5kg Servos
- Orange RX & Satelite

Airfield - Area 51
Conditions - Slight breeze
Expo - 60% all round

Pre-fights checks complete with COG right on the wing spar.
Take off was very nice at 3/4 throttle with ever so slight elevator applied, prepared for simple circuit with a bank to the left, minor trim required on the ailerons. Then i attempted to level out and whooska! nose pointed to ground and had to react quickly to bring back to a level flight path (You can see this in the maiden video). Had to adjust to the sensativity of the elevator for the remainder of the flight, rather used air speed to adjust elevation. Noticed after the crazy dip that the tail was dragging apon turns, either COG shifted during flight or need to move battery further foward. Completed a few more curcuits and prepared for landing, glide approach was smooth with the Decathlon floating very nicely to the ground, touch down was uneventful.
Post flight check found that my throws set-up on the rear surfaces were "extreme" and i have to wind them down to about 33mm as shown in manual. COG was still around the wing spar but have more room to move the battery forward about 15mm which should do the trick.

I have an eye for Decathlons and have to say this is my absolute favourite.

Took the bird out for another attempt on Saturday, again weird characteristics during flight. When throttled up the tail dropped and i was flying straight up, half throttle and she was fine, nice and level?
I'm assuming its to do with the motor angle???
Turns were were sloppy, rudder was necessary for turns, i'm not used to that.....

Question - are the wing struts necessary or are they aesthestic??