The guy who taught me to fly many years ago told me I can do all the fancy flying I want. But when you call "landing" everyone will turn to watch. You nail the landing, you truly show your skills.
i can not agree more, practice is key, i sometimes spent whole days doing nothing else then...take off, go around, approach and land and repeat...repeat till you run out of batteries... :), good viedeo
Appreciate the comments as always. Something so relaxing about flying your confidence plane and doing T&G’s. So fun. Where as doing that with my new Spitfire is still a little work in progress. Getting better, but not automatic yet. Practice, practice, practice…. -Will
1. I learned to use landmarks off the ends of the runway many years ago while flying the RealFlight simulator. When it was set to automatically zoom in on the airplane so that I could see it better, the runway would go out of the field of view. I found I could turn toward myself over a particular feature on the horizon. As the plane got closer, the runway would come back into view, and the plane would come right down the runway. Michael Wargo doesn't like the landmark method. He apparently thinks a student can fly toward himself at a fairly large angle to the runway and make a last second turn to align with the runway centerline. I think it's a good way for the student to dump their airplane or crash into a pilot station or the pit area. I take my students out to the center of the runway (when no one is flying) and have them look down the centerline in each direction to see the landmarks on the horizon. Another reason for this is to show them that they shouldn't fly on the near side of those landmarks. 2. On final, I use the elevator to control the plane's angle of attack and the throttle to control the rate of descent. I don't think so much about the speed. If the nose is too high and it's descending, I know it's too slow. Also, I stand about 1/4th of the way down from the approach end of the runway and try to touch down just as the plane passes in front of me. 3. I think new pilots have a tendency to quit flying when they get the airplane to the runway. They seem to let go of the up elevator and let it drop in. They need to fly the plane down to a few inches off the ground and try to keep it from touching down until the speed has bled off and the nose wheel is a little higher than the main gear. I used to say that when my plane is just about to touch down, I shift my focus from the wings and fuselage to the wheels and fly them onto the ground.
Very well said.. I really like how you are approaching teaching new pilots. Its a wonderful hobby, but the price for success is a lot of stick time (to do it right...). Your techniques and tips are great. Thanks for sharing.
Brilliant video on landings. Everything you said is true. Most of the crashes I have saw at the flying club involved bad landings. Practice does make perfect. Thanks for sharing.
The technique of pointing the plane at you until it intersect the runway is excellent, especially for beginners. Just keep in mind that you need to stand near the beginning of the runway! If the club does not allow that, then point it between you and the beginning of the strip, lining-up before the plane passes behind you. Using landmarks aIso work well when having more experience. I found that for electrical airplanes, it also help to find a good combination of motor idle and elevator rate (use the "throttle cut" to stop the engine and the low rate for the elevator). Not using exponential on the low elevator rate helps keeping the plane's response predictable across the landing and flaring sequence and avoid over flaring and ballooning. I try to set up the elevator's low rate so that at the end of the flare (and before stalling), the stick is fully or nearly fully up. Many tend to use way too much amplitude on the control surface leading to over reaction, then counter-over reaction. Save the high control surface rate for aerobatic, on landing you need precise smooth and predictable control. If you are a little short on landing, add throttle but try to keep the same attitude and go back to idle once back on track. And practice. Often time after landing I check my battery level and if possible, go for a few take-off and landings. Treat landings as just another maneuver to perfect! And that will pay-off in the emergencies! If you fly electric, use some power on landing and do not have telemetry for battery level, regularly do a few practice with the motor completely cut-off too so that you are still comfortable in "dead stick" situations.
Nice video. Over the years I have struggled to help people learn to land. I ended up analyzing what it is I do and have come up with several points, the main one being that from the beginning of the downwind leg, you are going through a checklist of things. This leaves you at the end of the flight needing only to manage power to your touch down point. Never lose sight of the fact that your elevator is the speed control and the throttle is the altitude control. If your landings are consistently too fast, add a couple of clicks of up trim when you are starting your approach. I have more, but this is enough for now.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I just posted another video on landings for beginners. ua-cam.com/video/__ZmKMUJS-c/v-deo.html You are spot on.. The approach is so important and until a pilot can consistently make a good approach they will struggle. The other part that is hard for pilots, like you said is the speed is controlled with elevator and decent by throttle. Its a weird concept for the new pilot to grasp. But once they nail the approach and can control the speed and decent, the light bulb will turn on and their fears of landing will dissipate.. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. - Will
@@skupper672 Thanks for the compliment. FWIW, when I am landing I try to emulate a full scale landing pattern, with downwind, base and final. throttle is altitude control and elevator is speed control. In full scale the decent would start on the downwind, but I wait until the turn to base leg. This begins my internal checklist, or habit. During downwind establish a parallel path to the runway and begin slowing up. I plant my feet parallel to the center of the runway and look both right and left to help me visualize the big rectangle. For me, this helps with making the final approach directly down the runway. When looking to the upwind I am also trying to visualize a line running up the center of the runway and extending into the distance. If there is a tree or landmark in that line, I use it as my point to turn to final approach. Recognizing that throttle controls altitude, I establish rate of decent on the base leg by reducing throttle. Comparison to the horizon gives me a notion of how fast the decent rate is. With decent rate set, I can now wait for the plane to get to my turning to final landmark (horizon mark?). I try not to alter the decent rate when turning to final. I turn to final with that imaginary center line running away from the runway in mind. when I am on that line I can now think about flair and touch down. I do not want to make a long, flat approach. I want to make the turns to base and final leaving me in shape to continue a definite nose down attitude. As long as the nose is a bit down I am not going to get into a stall situation. If I find I am short of the runway the throttle gets reduced more, or if long, the throttle is increased slightly. As long as I am on that enter line I do not need to take the wing away from level. I can just concentrate on dropping the throttle more (depending on the plane type) and finessing the touchdown with the elevator (which is the speed control). And I practice landings. You have to practice to gain proficiency. There is also an element of child’s play, where you do things over and over until you get good at it. You know how many beginners have a landing set up pretty well, but a bit too far out, and then as they are nearly to the runway the plane rolls slightly lift or right and drifts away on them? I think the wings tilt because of a mild tip stall. Our trainers are so very forgiving, they do not snap like a full scale or a scale model would. Even Cubs and Taylorcraft type planes can bite a beginner, big time!
@@dginia Thank you for taking the time to craft a thougthful response. I really appreacite it. Two things jumped out at me “As long as the nose is a bit down I am not going to get into a stall situation.” And “You know how many beginners have a landing set up pretty well, but a bit too far out, and then as they are nearly to the runway the plane rolls slightly lift or right and drifts away on them? I think the wings tilt because of a mild tip stall” I also seem to have trouble lining up when flying LOS, although i can nail it when FPV! I will take these tips to the field and just practice with my foamie!
There is something about mastering that perfect landing. I love the challenge and it creates that confidence, which makes landings less stressful. I hope more pilots participate in your thoughts...
Since I don't fly in the winter months, usually November to April. I keep a simple flyer to start every season with. Fixed gear, high lift, slow qualities, and I spend 3 or 4 days minimum just going around and setting up for final and before touch down, throttle up, and come around again. After a week or 2, I like to move up to an A6M Zeke. They handle a lot like a low wing trainer, and balance nicely for a smooth approach, working the throttle, and the pitch. The roll is very nice and I have the wing balanced so that it stalls straight forward, and doesn't drop a wing left or right, clean or dirty. The one I wait for and usually fly last in the 109 E4. I even installed a 3 axis gyro for takeoff and landing assistance. The narrow landing gear, combined with the steep angle of decent on landing with no leading edge slats makes it a tricky one. But that's the way I usually go about the new season.
Hello I have that same exact cirrus it’s my first electric plane so mine was alittle nose heavy I added total of 1 oz weight to tail it’s slightly nose heavy. I haven’t flown it yet the guys helped me set it up at club feild only thing is can’t get the assigned switch to on or off for the safe mode any help would be Awsome you did great with yours I enjoyed your video thank you
Congrats on you Cirrus. they are wonderful planes. I've created several videos on this plane. Very impressive capabilities. I'm flying mine with a 4s 2200 battery, but didn't experience any nose heavy. Keep in mind, Eflite will typically make most of their planes a bit nose heavy for better first flight potential. Tail heavy planes are more aerobatic, but can be tricky... Not sure why your Safe button isn't assigned. I don't use SAFE, but I'm sure there are a mess of Spektrum videos about setting that up. Good luck on flying this great plane.
Nice video. Remember that unless you are flying something with characteristics similar to a Gee Bee R1/R which basically is flown under power until touchdown, the landing should coincide with the wings stalling. To do this is extremely difficult since we don't have airspeed indicators so what I have always done is a small aileron wing wag as I approach. When still too high and the wings do not respond to the input, I add power. Ideally you want the plane to stall just at touchdown. The other thing I noticed in this video which kinda drove me nuts was how far down the runway it touched down. Not a problem for touch and goes but everyone of those would have rolled into the grass. Standing as close to the threshold as possible can help if you find yourself touching down late.
@@jerryvikla3925 thanks for the feedback. The reason for touching down late was to get as much of the landing close to me for video purposes. Yes, normally I like to hit the first 25% of the runway. Thanks for commenting, Will
It is important to learn how to land executing left and right hand approaches. More than half of our club members can only fly a left hand pattern! The #1 issue I see with most inexperienced pilots is not getting slow enough before touching down. If you are constantly bouncing, that means the plane still wants to fly, and is not stalling.
Really appreciate that you left in the last example of what happens even when there's a little too much energy left on your final flare. Shows the importance of always being ready for it and that there is never any shame in going around (if you can).
I have been practicing with a Rc aircraft game on my I pad and I crashed hundreds and hundreds of times and couldn’t get it I watched your video and immediately started landing, can’t wait to practice for real, I am flying toy grade RC at the moment so no real damage.
Great video, very important topic. Just getting back to the hobby after a couple of years and on my first flight, defaulted straight to setting up for a landing almost immediately after take off, just to be sure I remembered how to do it when I no longer have a choice 😅
When I'm teaching students to fly. We get the plane up and start doing circuits.. Then get them making approaches in that circuit.. Once they nail that, the rest is easy.... Thanks for watching and commenting..
Its the Eflite Cirrus SR22T 1.5M. I purchased it from Horizon Hobby. Its a fantastic plane to practicing your skills due to durability and performance.. As you noticed, the landing gear is tough... Thanks for watching - Will
Definitely good advice that I picked up on at my club as well. On the same idea, i always try to stand in the same spot as you fly. It promotes muscle memory, so I'm told lol😂.
So many drills to become a better pilot. All are good. Just keep practicing. I did another video on landing for beginners in my "Learn to fly rc planes" series..
Appreciate the comments. This is a 101 landing video. Most pilots can't even hit the runway or the slam into the pavements and rip off a gear.. Since I'm filming with a hat mounted Gopro, I like to land in front of me so it shows up on camera. With this plane, doesn't matter so much where I touchdown. I guess if you are focused on flying scale, then yes, I should land in that first 20% of the runway. Thanks for watching Will
@@SteffenRC Well not so much if “focused on flying scale” but avoiding running out of runway (like you nearly did a couple of times). Not really a training video as there aren’t any tips on how to approach and line up. Thanks for the videos, I enjoy them :)
I had an epiphany one day after another attempt at learning to fly my RC plane and so told it to my wife, “You can’t fly if you can’t land”. Like you who are reading this, she was not impresses.
You are spot on. Too many pilots get there plane in the air, fly around and then feel terrified they are going to crash on landing. They don't practice. Obviously, I'm a big advocate of landing practice. So, much practice that you actually enjoy landings.. Then, you'll be able to impress your wife, with a beautiful scale landing... (if she's like mine, she won't care....)
As a newbie my biggest problem is when the a/c is on final and I can't seem to get the aileron inputs correct when the a/c is coming towards me I get the inputs reversed. I wish someone would explain that skill and how to do it correctly.
There are a few things you can do to help you basically reprogram your brain.. One, whichever wing dips, move the stick in that direction to level the plane. Two, turn your back slightly to the plane and look over your shoulder. Three, get a flight simulator and practice, practice and more practice. Or a RC Car.... Four, you can pretend you are in the pilot seat of the plane and visualize. This is part of the hobby that will take time for your brain to figure out.. But rest assured it will get easier...
It always seemed harder to land from the left hand side guys would swap sides depending on the wind direction but during displays you would have to stand with the public behind you so had to learn to fly from either side
Virtually every normal flight I practice landings It does take time, each plane is different, wind, not wind, cross wind, blustery wind, all change your landings. Some planes can be easily dead sticked in, most require some prop. I feel like I can count on greasing my landings on only one of my planes, Eflite 1.2 Valient.
Thomas, you get it.. takes practice to really consistently grease those landings on each plane. As you know, having lots and lots of planes makes it hard to become an expert of each plane. That said, the fundamentals are the same. So becoming an expert on landings all planes is possible. I don’t have the Valiant, but I’ve seen them at the field and love them. Good luck and keep practicing. - Will
Glad you think so! Just keep practicing.. So many pilots get up in the air and just land once per flight. They never really get good at it... Don't be that pilot.. Thanks for watching, Will
Thanks for watching. I’ve found the pros/cons of tarmac vs grass depend on the plane. Also, depends on the quality of grass runway. Golf course greens would be the best. I wish are club had that.
The approach is so important. Also, if you watch my other landing video, I talk about that throttle control. I'm always moving that throttle.. Might be small amounts, but its not static for long.
Ye, when I had my pilot's certificate for the Cessna 182 in 1985 - 86, this is probably a completely different way to fly when you are not sitting in the plane, but you can fully control the wheels and lift the nose of the plane before the wheels touch the ground, and during landing the gas at minimum and use at least gas on the finel only for small adjustments so that it does not lose speed and thunder down the runway with a bang. BOM. Yes, it's easy to take off, ok, easy to get down, but the question is how, with a completely full or a bunch of bosses that cannot be repaired, you can't hope for that. It is very windy at Jæren in south west Norway 50 km south of Stavanger, everything is clear as long as the weather is good. Then it gets a little nerve-wracking if it goes bare, but I don't know any acrobatics, slow down and take as many landing rounds as possible to practice only manning and taking off for down and up one always comes.
There are two type of approaches and landings. 1. flying it to the ground which is basically these kind of landings and 2. constant descent speed/angle approaches where the landing takes place in a regular flair instead of just flying it to the ground. Shorter landings can be made from the steady-descent to flair landing as the flair kills the forward energy where flying it to the ground, not so much. Second, speed across the ground does not translate to airspeed except on a day with zero wind. To nail airspeed is to look at the position of the tail to the wing. This gives you angle of attack. When you see the tail drop, your too slow. When the tail is high, your too fast. Each airplane has it's own sweet spot and works regardless of wind. Third, in the constant descent to flair, which is typically more scale, the flair can be accomplished by picking a point and halving your descent, then half your descent . . .trying never to completely level off, until you grease the wheels on. Also, if you are fast or high on approach, especially in light airplanes, you can dive to a low altitude as you will only pick up so much speed then level off until you set you descent. This will shorten your approach distance. By staying at best glide, you would greatly increase the approach distance. Meaning, you can prevent an overshoot by diving down early. Double your speed, 4x your drag. These are things to play with and are fun.
On the last point as an example, I like to make a flyby into a half Cubin-8. Coming back to the runway, I keep the nose pointed down and it bleeds off energy setting me up for a touch and go from the half Cubin-8. If I did not dive down, it would over shoot.
For an example of watching the horizontal stab versus the wing, watch a bunch of RC videos on landings and you can see the good approaches and the bad. You can see the tail drop and the airplane pivot and cartwheel on landing. Or you can see the tail never come down at all and the airplane flown off the end of the runway in an overshoot.
That sounds like a fun practice maneuver. I gotta try that, back and forth a bunch of times. Thanks again for watching and sharing your experience. - Will
1 of my flying buds told me this. (which seems like a no brainer, but it helped me a lot!) get it down into level flight at wing effect altitude over the runway (for those who do not know wing effect is equal to your wingspan high off of the ground), and then start slowing down with combination of less throttle and more elevator. with most of my EDF jets i get into final than cut throttle to a little more than idle until I get a good sink rate (which is you have enough airspeed to be able to level off at ground effect over the runway. which depending on the amount of wind that landing might require adding some throttle or less throttle.)
Good technique. There are many thoughts on that last few seconds to land with a smooth touchdown. The ground effects play a big part, as does throttle management. You can power off and keep feeding elevator until you have that nose up smooth landing. However, I tend to continue to modulate that throttle a little (very small movements) to get that consistent smooth landing. Lots of options and techniques... The weather can really play a factor as you mentioned.. Thanks for sharing.... - Will
It takes a certain amount of practice and experimenting with different AOA's on approach to find the perfect way to come in on final. Some planes can glide in with a nose slightly up at a nice easy decent rate. Others come in more level and some come in better with nose down slightly. It's what happens after going into ground effect that really matters. The nose better be up or at least level so the gear is not damaged. If the plane has higher wing loading, best to use some power to arrest the decent rate. The amount used is learned from repeated approach practice just as demoed in this video. Faster planes and jets tend to have certian speeds where the decent rate suddenly increases and this takes some skill to get used to anticipating where that will occur and give a small burst of power to arrest that drop at just the right time. I'll go around if I use too much power or apply it too early and try again.
Michael, You get it.. As you first mentioned, It takes practice to get good at landing. I agree every plane has a preferred landing technique. Thanks for the comments... Will
There was an article in one of the R/C modeler magazines, where I first saw the best way to set up for the perfect landings. In it you set up your plane for the best power off glide in the air a good distance above the runway, find the slowest speed you can glide before stall using your elevator trim. Land and record where the elevator is set on the plane after landing. Then move your trim tab on the transmitter to the full back setting. Then re-adjust the elevator to match this recorded position you observed after landing. You would have also recorded where the idle setting trim is just before it will kill the engine. Now all you have to do is pull back throttle and elevator trims so those full back positions, no quess-work. Just fly the plane using the throttle to adjust the elevation of the plane as it gently glides to a perfect landing. No jumping on the elevator up or down to get it to settle on the ground. I used this method from then on, with all my models. It works perfectly. The trick is learning where your plane stalls with the power set to idle, high enough in the air to recover. Make the corrected adjustments on the elevator horn to reset it to the best-glide position.
Thats one way to do it.. If it works for you, that the best.... I find there are way too many variables while landing to create a set it and forget it type of trimming. Depending on weather/wind condition and all planes require adjustments that are a bit different depending. I land using throttle to adjust rate of decent and elevator to control the speed of the plane. I really appreciate you sharing your approach on landings.. Thanks for watching and sharing.. - Will
Try that with a war bird that way in 30 to 40 pounds, and you’ll be building another one! There are these programs on computer radios that allow you to set different trims for different air speeds, as in flaps. Spectrum radios it’s called flight modes. Futaba radios it’s a little different but basically the same it’s called conditions, but there’s another step you have to do and that is in the functions/trim. You have to change from group trim to single trim. Flight modes is much easier. You can also allow different trim settings for aileron and rudder if so desire. Most of these radios allow you to use a flap setting but limit you to a three position switch. I use the flight modes or conditions so I can use a slider so I have full proportional control of the flap system. In other words on takeoff if I only want 10° of flap I can do it or set it at any position I want. I realize most electrics in this video are comparatively light, but it’s a different story with these high-performance Warbirds. be safe and have fun flying, and yes, I agree the landings and approach are the most satisfying aspect of flying model airplanes and full scale.😊
Sorry you didn't get anything out of that video, the point of that video is about practicing. I made a more recent video you might find useful - ua-cam.com/video/__ZmKMUJS-c/v-deo.html
c'est bien, mais l'approche n'est pas bonne. Beaucoup trop de piste effacée. Il faut décomposer en deux virages au lieu d'un seul : de vent arrière à étape de base (un peu plus longue) PUIS pour une finale longue et bien dans l'axe, pas déporté comme montré ici à chaque fois. Ainsi on peut stabiliser tranquillement l'appareil dans sa descente et tenter le flare.
Thanks.. I use a single turn since these planes need to be close to see them. two short 90 degree turns isn't ideal. Its easier for one longer turn for base to final. I show landing in the middle of the runway so my camera gets better video. Not sure I understand the "Offset" comment. But maybe your mentioning my short approach from the side, not a long straight approach. This was to introduce a short quick landing which is a good drill for rc pilots to perform as they improve their skills. Thanks for the comments.. - Will
@@SteffenRC Sorry if my english is not really good 😁 French I am and I will stay 😅... I was actually talking about a quiet two-turn approach, or a single turn but a bit wider than this, with less incline, so as to go a bit further and get on glide and slope sooner, to be easy making corrections. As I was pilot (Cessna), I can see the lack of realism in the pre-landing approaches. Knowing that it doesn't help to have a good control either. For greater comfort : a long, straightforward finish, with a constant slope and a pitch close to the threshold. This allows you to clear a little of the track if you arrive too quickly. The same goes for take-offs, where we often apply too much throttle and too high a climb rate. It's easier to write than to do... 😏
@@LonewolfCBX Yes, I have some limited experience with general aviation and the long approach is the norm. RC Planes are harder to see and control speed on those long approaches, especially with my old eyes. So, keeping the plane closer and shorter approach is easier to see, but harder to get that nice long, controlled approach.. I have many videos showing those longer approaches. Thanks for watching my video.. Appreciate it..
@@Leedledlee watch some other videos that tell how to use methods using elevator and throttle to control speed and different approach scenarios. All this does is show that he can land a plane. Only instruction is to find an alignment point down from the end of the runway.
When you say "Toy". its a flying model? If so, then the F16 lands a bit hot and requires some skills... for sure... I've done several videos of my landings of F16....
Well, that elevator is pretty important on those landings. That throttle isn’t going to get the nose of the plane up. I get what you’re saying about throttle management as it’s a critical component to a great landing.
I got a plane, flown it twice right now, tip one, don't fly in a fairly small front yard, not enough time to line up, tip two, don't land like me (nose first into the grass)
Ha, you gotta give yourself lots of room, when you first start learning to fly. The planes will get ahead of you quickly.. When you get better, you'll find you can fly anywhere... Keep at it... - Will
Very good video, thanks! Beautiful plane! I fly small foamy planes, 50cm wingspan or less. Very sensitive to wind, of course. Crashed often but they don't tend to break because they're so light. Easy to fix too if they do break. I'm getting better at landing though, once I master it, I'll consider getting something bigger.
Every plane and condition requires a little difference technique. I have a more recent video as part of my beginner series that speaks specifically about the basic landing process.. Hope you give it a watch... ua-cam.com/video/__ZmKMUJS-c/v-deo.html
Steffen, your title is "how to land RC planes...." ....in your descriptions, you mentioned, once, "ground effect." But, you didn't mention what it is and how to overcome the effect. Some of your landings, or should I say missed landings, were because of the ground effect. I AM a certified fixed wing, single engine pilot and pilots know what the "ground effect" does and we know how to overcome it. Your missed landings were because of the ground effect, but you chose to bypass the reason for your missed landings. To those who are not proficient at landings (just above the ground the plane hits a cushion of air, which is equal to the wingspan of your RC plane). Once you see your plane hit that cushion, a little down elevator corrects this for a smooth landing.
Full size pilots fly with trimmed out airplanes. RC pilot trim their models in cruising speed trim and land .than we see all kinds of videos how to crash rc planes. Not to many pilots know how slow their models fly trimmed for slow speed and when they quit flying. Trim is VERY important part of controlling the plane. Real plane pilots practice landings all the time, not one flight one landing….
Lots of variable on the trimming RC Planes. You can setup flaps and elevator to trim for slow flight. Many rc pilots will do this to help with the out of trim plane issues when the flaps are deployed. I'm all about landing practice.
Not particularly useful vid except landing is a skill that needs to be practiced. I don’t advocate an 180 turn onto final I think it makes for a rushed approach. 2 90 are in my opinion better. Give yourself room. I teach people to start slowing the plan down on the downwind leg. But not to much . Every plane is different. The main thing is fly the plane and listen to the plane. It will tell you if it is not happy and you are to close to stall.
Michael, Sorry you didn't find it useful.. I find new pilots have an issue with 2 90 degree turns while they find a gentle 180 to be very easy to line up the approach and less prone to stalls. But, thats what I found that works. Lots of ways to land and all planes require a little different technique. Thanks Will
All you need is a FPV VTX and some googels. The hard part is that you can't see shit, ANYONE can land a plane with FPV . Now go get a Air unit and you all well see I'm right.
I keep thinking about putting that spare DJI unit in one of my planes. (I have it on my AR Wings and T1 Ranger). Hmmmmm. Could be a fun project.. Thanks..
The guy who taught me to fly many years ago told me I can do all the fancy flying I want. But when you call "landing" everyone will turn to watch. You nail the landing, you truly show your skills.
Spot on true.. Guys at the field will stop chatting and watch a landing for sure....
I always was taught to fly a pattern like the real birds do on landing any rc airplane landing and taking off will show your true flying skills
Cant agree more! Took the words right out of my mouth. Its an instinct to watch the landing.
That's because landing is perceived as the biggest chances of getting hit by a plane.
Absolutely spot on
i can not agree more, practice is key, i sometimes spent whole days doing nothing else then...take off, go around, approach and land and repeat...repeat till you run out of batteries... :), good viedeo
Appreciate the comments as always. Something so relaxing about flying your confidence plane and doing T&G’s. So fun. Where as doing that with my new Spitfire is still a little work in progress. Getting better, but not automatic yet. Practice, practice, practice…. -Will
I do the same thing on my realflight 9.5 just to stay proficient.
Exactly
Very nicely done Will. Useful information for sure. Practice practice practice.
Thanks Adam. Appreciate all the support and coaching..
1. I learned to use landmarks off the ends of the runway many years ago while flying the RealFlight simulator. When it was set to automatically zoom in on the airplane so that I could see it better, the runway would go out of the field of view. I found I could turn toward myself over a particular feature on the horizon. As the plane got closer, the runway would come back into view, and the plane would come right down the runway. Michael Wargo doesn't like the landmark method. He apparently thinks a student can fly toward himself at a fairly large angle to the runway and make a last second turn to align with the runway centerline. I think it's a good way for the student to dump their airplane or crash into a pilot station or the pit area. I take my students out to the center of the runway (when no one is flying) and have them look down the centerline in each direction to see the landmarks on the horizon. Another reason for this is to show them that they shouldn't fly on the near side of those landmarks.
2. On final, I use the elevator to control the plane's angle of attack and the throttle to control the rate of descent. I don't think so much about the speed. If the nose is too high and it's descending, I know it's too slow. Also, I stand about 1/4th of the way down from the approach end of the runway and try to touch down just as the plane passes in front of me.
3. I think new pilots have a tendency to quit flying when they get the airplane to the runway. They seem to let go of the up elevator and let it drop in. They need to fly the plane down to a few inches off the ground and try to keep it from touching down until the speed has bled off and the nose wheel is a little higher than the main gear. I used to say that when my plane is just about to touch down, I shift my focus from the wings and fuselage to the wheels and fly them onto the ground.
Very well said.. I really like how you are approaching teaching new pilots. Its a wonderful hobby, but the price for success is a lot of stick time (to do it right...). Your techniques and tips are great. Thanks for sharing.
Brilliant video on landings. Everything you said is true. Most of the crashes I have saw at the flying club involved bad landings. Practice does make perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Appreciate the comments for sure.
I can't stress enough about the importance of keeping successful landings equal to the number of takeoffs.
100%.. Thats why I try and get one takeoff and 2-4 good landings... So much fun doing beautiful touch and go's
The technique of pointing the plane at you until it intersect the runway is excellent, especially for beginners. Just keep in mind that you need to stand near the beginning of the runway! If the club does not allow that, then point it between you and the beginning of the strip, lining-up before the plane passes behind you. Using landmarks aIso work well when having more experience. I found that for electrical airplanes, it also help to find a good combination of motor idle and elevator rate (use the "throttle cut" to stop the engine and the low rate for the elevator). Not using exponential on the low elevator rate helps keeping the plane's response predictable across the landing and flaring sequence and avoid over flaring and ballooning. I try to set up the elevator's low rate so that at the end of the flare (and before stalling), the stick is fully or nearly fully up. Many tend to use way too much amplitude on the control surface leading to over reaction, then counter-over reaction. Save the high control surface rate for aerobatic, on landing you need precise smooth and predictable control. If you are a little short on landing, add throttle but try to keep the same attitude and go back to idle once back on track. And practice. Often time after landing I check my battery level and if possible, go for a few take-off and landings. Treat landings as just another maneuver to perfect! And that will pay-off in the emergencies! If you fly electric, use some power on landing and do not have telemetry for battery level, regularly do a few practice with the motor completely cut-off too so that you are still comfortable in "dead stick" situations.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Thanks for sharing your insight on landings, great info. Appreciate it very much....
I love watching landings over everything else,as they best show the pilot's skills.
Bingo.. Spot on..
Definitely, you are dealing with critical speed when control become less responsive
Nice video. Over the years I have struggled to help people learn to land. I ended up analyzing what it is I do and have come up with several points, the main one being that from the beginning of the downwind leg, you are going through a checklist of things. This leaves you at the end of the flight needing only to manage power to your touch down point. Never lose sight of the fact that your elevator is the speed control and the throttle is the altitude control. If your landings are consistently too fast, add a couple of clicks of up trim when you are starting your approach. I have more, but this is enough for now.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I just posted another video on landings for beginners. ua-cam.com/video/__ZmKMUJS-c/v-deo.html You are spot on.. The approach is so important and until a pilot can consistently make a good approach they will struggle. The other part that is hard for pilots, like you said is the speed is controlled with elevator and decent by throttle. Its a weird concept for the new pilot to grasp. But once they nail the approach and can control the speed and decent, the light bulb will turn on and their fears of landing will dissipate.. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. - Will
Thank you! I would like to know more. Please expand if you have time.
@@skupper672 Thanks for the compliment. FWIW, when I am landing I try to emulate a full scale landing pattern, with downwind, base and final. throttle is altitude control and elevator is speed control. In full scale the decent would start on the downwind, but I wait until the turn to base leg. This begins my internal checklist, or habit. During downwind establish a parallel path to the runway and begin slowing up. I plant my feet parallel to the center of the runway and look both right and left to help me visualize the big rectangle. For me, this helps with making the final approach directly down the runway. When looking to the upwind I am also trying to visualize a line running up the center of the runway and extending into the distance. If there is a tree or landmark in that line, I use it as my point to turn to final approach. Recognizing that throttle controls altitude, I establish rate of decent on the base leg by reducing throttle. Comparison to the horizon gives me a notion of how fast the decent rate is. With decent rate set, I can now wait for the plane to get to my turning to final landmark (horizon mark?). I try not to alter the decent rate when turning to final. I turn to final with that imaginary center line running away from the runway in mind. when I am on that line I can now think about flair and touch down. I do not want to make a long, flat approach. I want to make the turns to base and final leaving me in shape to continue a definite nose down attitude. As long as the nose is a bit down I am not going to get into a stall situation. If I find I am short of the runway the throttle gets reduced more, or if long, the throttle is increased slightly. As long as I am on that enter line I do not need to take the wing away from level. I can just concentrate on dropping the throttle more (depending on the plane type) and finessing the touchdown with the elevator (which is the speed control). And I practice landings. You have to practice to gain proficiency. There is also an element of child’s play, where you do things over and over until you get good at it. You know how many beginners have a landing set up pretty well, but a bit too far out, and then as they are nearly to the runway the plane rolls slightly lift or right and drifts away on them? I think the wings tilt because of a mild tip stall. Our trainers are so very forgiving, they do not snap like a full scale or a scale model would. Even Cubs and Taylorcraft type planes can bite a beginner, big time!
@@dginia Thank you for taking the time to craft a thougthful response. I really appreacite it. Two things jumped out at me “As long as the nose is a bit down I am not going to get into a stall situation.” And “You know how many beginners have a landing set up pretty well, but a bit too far out, and then as they are nearly to the runway the plane rolls slightly lift or right and drifts away on them? I think the wings tilt because of a mild tip stall” I also seem to have trouble lining up when flying LOS, although i can nail it when FPV! I will take these tips to the field and just practice with my foamie!
I always thought landing was the best part enjoyed it more than anything.
There is something about mastering that perfect landing. I love the challenge and it creates that confidence, which makes landings less stressful. I hope more pilots participate in your thoughts...
Since I don't fly in the winter months, usually November to April. I keep a simple flyer to start every season with. Fixed gear, high lift, slow qualities, and I spend 3 or 4 days minimum just going around and setting up for final and before touch down, throttle up, and come around again.
After a week or 2, I like to move up to an A6M Zeke. They handle a lot like a low wing trainer, and balance nicely for a smooth approach, working the throttle, and the pitch. The roll is very nice and I have the wing balanced so that it stalls straight forward, and doesn't drop a wing left or right, clean or dirty.
The one I wait for and usually fly last in the 109 E4. I even installed a 3 axis gyro for takeoff and landing assistance. The narrow landing gear, combined with the steep angle of decent on landing with no leading edge slats makes it a tricky one.
But that's the way I usually go about the new season.
Good process..
Great landings and great advice! Thank you!
Thanks.. Glad you enjoyed it got some tips from it.. Really appreciate the comments. - Will
So nice to have those asphalt runways, isn't it?! Great job!
Yes they are! Thanks for watching.
Thanks for the tips
Any time
Hello I have that same exact cirrus it’s my first electric plane so mine was alittle nose heavy I added total of 1 oz weight to tail it’s slightly nose heavy. I haven’t flown it yet the guys helped me set it up at club feild only thing is can’t get the assigned switch to on or off for the safe mode any help would be Awsome you did great with yours I enjoyed your video thank you
Congrats on you Cirrus. they are wonderful planes. I've created several videos on this plane. Very impressive capabilities. I'm flying mine with a 4s 2200 battery, but didn't experience any nose heavy. Keep in mind, Eflite will typically make most of their planes a bit nose heavy for better first flight potential. Tail heavy planes are more aerobatic, but can be tricky... Not sure why your Safe button isn't assigned. I don't use SAFE, but I'm sure there are a mess of Spektrum videos about setting that up. Good luck on flying this great plane.
Thanks for the helpful reminder! I enjoy that the aeroplane is easy to see when recording. Very clear! 😃👍
Glad it was helpful! - Will
Nice video. Remember that unless you are flying something with characteristics similar to a Gee Bee R1/R which basically is flown under power until touchdown, the landing should coincide with the wings stalling. To do this is extremely difficult since we don't have airspeed indicators so what I have always done is a small aileron wing wag as I approach. When still too high and the wings do not respond to the input, I add power. Ideally you want the plane to stall just at touchdown. The other thing I noticed in this video which kinda drove me nuts was how far down the runway it touched down. Not a problem for touch and goes but everyone of those would have rolled into the grass. Standing as close to the threshold as possible can help if you find yourself touching down late.
@@jerryvikla3925 thanks for the feedback. The reason for touching down late was to get as much of the landing close to me for video purposes. Yes, normally I like to hit the first 25% of the runway. Thanks for commenting, Will
It is important to learn how to land executing left and right hand approaches. More than half of our club members can only fly a left hand pattern! The #1 issue I see with most inexperienced pilots is not getting slow enough before touching down. If you are constantly bouncing, that means the plane still wants to fly, and is not stalling.
Great advice. Really need to practice both patterns. Also, practice in less than desirable weather.
Really appreciate that you left in the last example of what happens even when there's a little too much energy left on your final flare. Shows the importance of always being ready for it and that there is never any shame in going around (if you can).
Appreciate your comments.. Thanks for watching.. - Will
I learned a lot from this especially liked the pointing the aeroplane at me tip on approach 👍🏻
Glad it was helpful!
I have been practicing with a Rc aircraft game on my I pad and I crashed hundreds and hundreds of times and couldn’t get it I watched your video and immediately started landing, can’t wait to practice for real, I am flying toy grade RC at the moment so no real damage.
Great video, very important topic. Just getting back to the hobby after a couple of years and on my first flight, defaulted straight to setting up for a landing almost immediately after take off, just to be sure I remembered how to do it when I no longer have a choice 😅
When I'm teaching students to fly. We get the plane up and start doing circuits.. Then get them making approaches in that circuit.. Once they nail that, the rest is easy.... Thanks for watching and commenting..
❤@@SteffenRC
May I know the plane model in the video? It's cool to have non-flimsy landing gears
Its the Eflite Cirrus SR22T 1.5M. I purchased it from Horizon Hobby. Its a fantastic plane to practicing your skills due to durability and performance.. As you noticed, the landing gear is tough... Thanks for watching - Will
Definitely good advice that I picked up on at my club as well. On the same idea, i always try to stand in the same spot as you fly. It promotes muscle memory, so I'm told lol😂.
Always appreciate the comments. Thanks..
I have a lil samll bf109 plane and i got good at it.Would that that e fite sr22t be good for my Second plane or ranger c152 rtf ... pls help
I’d recommend the FMS Ranger 1220mm. It’s a very capable plane. Easy, slow and durable.
@@SteffenRC thanks
@@SteffenRC is there a sound System i can put on on the ranger to sound more pop plane
Too much weight for a sound system.
Practicing flying in a figure of eight either side of the runway is a good start.
So many drills to become a better pilot. All are good. Just keep practicing. I did another video on landing for beginners in my "Learn to fly rc planes" series..
Great video Will, see you at the field soon!
Thanks.. Appreciate you watching..
Your landings were OK you just need to practice your touch down point. That should be near the threshold not half way down the strip.
Appreciate the comments. This is a 101 landing video. Most pilots can't even hit the runway or the slam into the pavements and rip off a gear.. Since I'm filming with a hat mounted Gopro, I like to land in front of me so it shows up on camera. With this plane, doesn't matter so much where I touchdown. I guess if you are focused on flying scale, then yes, I should land in that first 20% of the runway. Thanks for watching Will
@@SteffenRC Well not so much if “focused on flying scale” but avoiding running out of runway (like you nearly did a couple of times). Not really a training video as there aren’t any tips on how to approach and line up. Thanks for the videos, I enjoy them :)
I had an epiphany one day after another attempt at learning to fly my RC plane and so told it to my wife, “You can’t fly if you can’t land”. Like you who are reading this, she was not impresses.
You are spot on. Too many pilots get there plane in the air, fly around and then feel terrified they are going to crash on landing. They don't practice. Obviously, I'm a big advocate of landing practice. So, much practice that you actually enjoy landings.. Then, you'll be able to impress your wife, with a beautiful scale landing... (if she's like mine, she won't care....)
Great content!
Appreciate that comment. Thanks Will
Great video Will. 👊🏻🇬🇧
Thanks Dave. Appreciate it….
As a newbie my biggest problem is when the a/c is on final and I can't seem to get the aileron inputs correct when the a/c is coming towards me I get the inputs reversed. I wish someone would explain that skill and how to do it correctly.
There are a few things you can do to help you basically reprogram your brain.. One, whichever wing dips, move the stick in that direction to level the plane. Two, turn your back slightly to the plane and look over your shoulder. Three, get a flight simulator and practice, practice and more practice. Or a RC Car.... Four, you can pretend you are in the pilot seat of the plane and visualize. This is part of the hobby that will take time for your brain to figure out.. But rest assured it will get easier...
It always seemed harder to land from the left hand side guys would swap sides depending on the wind direction but during displays you would have to stand with the public behind you so had to learn to fly from either side
Yes. I favor the landings left to right, but I often practice right to left so when the wind shifts, I don't look like an idiot on landings..😂
Virtually every normal flight I practice landings It does take time, each plane is different, wind, not wind, cross wind, blustery wind, all change your landings. Some planes can be easily dead sticked in, most require some prop.
I feel like I can count on greasing my landings on only one of my planes, Eflite 1.2 Valient.
Thomas, you get it.. takes practice to really consistently grease those landings on each plane. As you know, having lots and lots of planes makes it hard to become an expert of each plane. That said, the fundamentals are the same. So becoming an expert on landings all planes is possible. I don’t have the Valiant, but I’ve seen them at the field and love them. Good luck and keep practicing. - Will
Why do you eat up 75% of the runway before your wheels even touch?
@@DontWatchProductions well…. I like trying to touch down right in front of me. Sometimes I over shoot. Guess I need more practice.
Nice and useful information for sure
Glad you think so! Just keep practicing.. So many pilots get up in the air and just land once per flight. They never really get good at it... Don't be that pilot.. Thanks for watching, Will
Good vid and agree practice makes almost perfect in this hobby. Must add though,, take off and landing much easier off tarmac than grass.
Thanks for watching. I’ve found the pros/cons of tarmac vs grass depend on the plane. Also, depends on the quality of grass runway. Golf course greens would be the best. I wish are club had that.
It was way better than anything I was able to do till today ,the proper set up for throttle ascent - descent is crucial I guess.
The approach is so important. Also, if you watch my other landing video, I talk about that throttle control. I'm always moving that throttle.. Might be small amounts, but its not static for long.
Nice tip
Thanks for the comment. Appreciate it.
@SteffenRC welcome
Thanks! Now I totally know how to land and airplane! Now I just need to pass my medical.
Well, I don't know if that video will get you to the "Totally" part of landing. But, it can't hurt... Good luck with the medical.😂
Ye, when I had my pilot's certificate for the Cessna 182 in 1985 - 86, this is probably a completely different way to fly when you are not sitting in the plane, but you can fully control the wheels and lift the nose of the plane before the wheels touch the ground, and during landing the gas at minimum and use at least gas on the finel only for small adjustments so that it does not lose speed and thunder down the runway with a bang. BOM. Yes, it's easy to take off, ok, easy to get down, but the question is how, with a completely full or a bunch of bosses that cannot be repaired, you can't hope for that. It is very windy at Jæren in south west Norway 50 km south of Stavanger, everything is clear as long as the weather is good. Then it gets a little nerve-wracking if it goes bare, but I don't know any acrobatics, slow down and take as many landing rounds as possible to practice only manning and taking off for down and up one always comes.
There are two type of approaches and landings. 1. flying it to the ground which is basically these kind of landings and 2. constant descent speed/angle approaches where the landing takes place in a regular flair instead of just flying it to the ground. Shorter landings can be made from the steady-descent to flair landing as the flair kills the forward energy where flying it to the ground, not so much. Second, speed across the ground does not translate to airspeed except on a day with zero wind. To nail airspeed is to look at the position of the tail to the wing. This gives you angle of attack. When you see the tail drop, your too slow. When the tail is high, your too fast. Each airplane has it's own sweet spot and works regardless of wind. Third, in the constant descent to flair, which is typically more scale, the flair can be accomplished by picking a point and halving your descent, then half your descent . . .trying never to completely level off, until you grease the wheels on. Also, if you are fast or high on approach, especially in light airplanes, you can dive to a low altitude as you will only pick up so much speed then level off until you set you descent. This will shorten your approach distance. By staying at best glide, you would greatly increase the approach distance. Meaning, you can prevent an overshoot by diving down early. Double your speed, 4x your drag. These are things to play with and are fun.
On the last point as an example, I like to make a flyby into a half Cubin-8. Coming back to the runway, I keep the nose pointed down and it bleeds off energy setting me up for a touch and go from the half Cubin-8. If I did not dive down, it would over shoot.
For an example of watching the horizontal stab versus the wing, watch a bunch of RC videos on landings and you can see the good approaches and the bad. You can see the tail drop and the airplane pivot and cartwheel on landing. Or you can see the tail never come down at all and the airplane flown off the end of the runway in an overshoot.
That sounds like a fun practice maneuver. I gotta try that, back and forth a bunch of times. Thanks again for watching and sharing your experience. - Will
1 of my flying buds told me this. (which seems like a no brainer, but it helped me a lot!) get it down into level flight at wing effect altitude over the runway (for those who do not know wing effect is equal to your wingspan high off of the ground), and then start slowing down with combination of less throttle and more elevator. with most of my EDF jets i get into final than cut throttle to a little more than idle until I get a good sink rate (which is you have enough airspeed to be able to level off at ground effect over the runway. which depending on the amount of wind that landing might require adding some throttle or less throttle.)
Good technique. There are many thoughts on that last few seconds to land with a smooth touchdown. The ground effects play a big part, as does throttle management. You can power off and keep feeding elevator until you have that nose up smooth landing. However, I tend to continue to modulate that throttle a little (very small movements) to get that consistent smooth landing. Lots of options and techniques... The weather can really play a factor as you mentioned.. Thanks for sharing.... - Will
I call it circuits and bumps Will 🙂 Well worth a video 👍
For some reason I love to those perfect landings. So, Touch and Go’s are my favorite thing at my field, when it’s not too crowded. Thanks Cliff
It takes a certain amount of practice and experimenting with different AOA's on approach to find the perfect way to come in on final. Some planes can glide in with a nose slightly up at a nice easy decent rate. Others come in more level and some come in better with nose down slightly. It's what happens after going into ground effect that really matters. The nose better be up or at least level so the gear is not damaged. If the plane has higher wing loading, best to use some power to arrest the decent rate. The amount used is learned from repeated approach practice just as demoed in this video.
Faster planes and jets tend to have certian speeds where the decent rate suddenly increases and this takes some skill to get used to anticipating where that will occur and give a small burst of power to arrest that drop at just the right time. I'll go around if I use too much power or apply it too early and try again.
Michael, You get it.. As you first mentioned, It takes practice to get good at landing. I agree every plane has a preferred landing technique. Thanks for the comments... Will
There was an article in one of the R/C modeler magazines, where I first saw the best way to set up for the perfect landings.
In it you set up your plane for the best power off glide in the air a good distance above the runway, find the slowest speed you can glide before stall using your elevator trim. Land and record where the elevator is set on the plane after landing. Then move your trim tab on the transmitter to the full back setting. Then re-adjust the elevator to match this recorded position you observed after landing. You would have also recorded where the idle setting trim is just before it will kill the engine. Now all you have to do is pull back throttle and elevator trims so those full back positions, no quess-work. Just fly the plane using the throttle to adjust the elevation of the plane as it gently glides to a perfect landing. No jumping on the elevator up or down to get it to settle on the ground. I used this method from then on, with all my models. It works perfectly. The trick is learning where your plane stalls with the power set to idle, high enough in the air to recover. Make the corrected adjustments on the elevator horn to reset it to the best-glide position.
Thats one way to do it.. If it works for you, that the best.... I find there are way too many variables while landing to create a set it and forget it type of trimming. Depending on weather/wind condition and all planes require adjustments that are a bit different depending. I land using throttle to adjust rate of decent and elevator to control the speed of the plane. I really appreciate you sharing your approach on landings.. Thanks for watching and sharing.. - Will
@@SteffenRC Thanks for putting out a great vidoe!!
Try that with a war bird that way in 30 to 40 pounds, and you’ll be building another one!
There are these programs on computer radios that allow you to set different trims for different air speeds, as in flaps. Spectrum radios it’s called flight modes. Futaba radios it’s a little different but basically the same it’s called conditions, but there’s another step you have to do and that is in the functions/trim. You have to change from group trim to single trim. Flight modes is much easier. You can also allow different trim settings for aileron and rudder if so desire. Most of these radios allow you to use a flap setting but limit you to a three position switch. I use the flight modes or conditions so I can use a slider so I have full proportional control of the flap system. In other words on takeoff if I only want 10° of flap I can do it or set it at any position I want.
I realize most electrics in this video are comparatively light, but it’s a different story with these high-performance Warbirds. be safe and have fun flying, and yes, I agree the landings and approach are the most satisfying aspect of flying model airplanes and full scale.😊
@@nealrehm6900 I understand,, The technology has progressed much since my training days.
no advice on angle or speed or throtle .... juste demo
Sorry you didn't get anything out of that video, the point of that video is about practicing. I made a more recent video you might find useful - ua-cam.com/video/__ZmKMUJS-c/v-deo.html
We flew off a disused 2nd world war airfield in the winter we would clear a path through the snow made for a bit of concentration during landing
That must of made for some fun practice.. Nice....
c'est bien, mais l'approche n'est pas bonne. Beaucoup trop de piste effacée. Il faut décomposer en deux virages au lieu d'un seul : de vent arrière à étape de base (un peu plus longue) PUIS pour une finale longue et bien dans l'axe, pas déporté comme montré ici à chaque fois. Ainsi on peut stabiliser tranquillement l'appareil dans sa descente et tenter le flare.
Thanks.. I use a single turn since these planes need to be close to see them. two short 90 degree turns isn't ideal. Its easier for one longer turn for base to final. I show landing in the middle of the runway so my camera gets better video. Not sure I understand the "Offset" comment. But maybe your mentioning my short approach from the side, not a long straight approach. This was to introduce a short quick landing which is a good drill for rc pilots to perform as they improve their skills. Thanks for the comments.. - Will
@@SteffenRC Sorry if my english is not really good 😁 French I am and I will stay 😅... I was actually talking about a quiet two-turn approach, or a single turn but a bit wider than this, with less incline, so as to go a bit further and get on glide and slope sooner, to be easy making corrections. As I was pilot (Cessna), I can see the lack of realism in the pre-landing approaches. Knowing that it doesn't help to have a good control either. For greater comfort : a long, straightforward finish, with a constant slope and a pitch close to the threshold. This allows you to clear a little of the track if you arrive too quickly.
The same goes for take-offs, where we often apply too much throttle and too high a climb rate.
It's easier to write than to do... 😏
@@LonewolfCBX Yes, I have some limited experience with general aviation and the long approach is the norm. RC Planes are harder to see and control speed on those long approaches, especially with my old eyes. So, keeping the plane closer and shorter approach is easier to see, but harder to get that nice long, controlled approach.. I have many videos showing those longer approaches. Thanks for watching my video.. Appreciate it..
More narrative than instructional. Title said "how to...."
ok.. I guess....
@@SteffenRC You guess right!
@@340phil3 actually I don’t understand what your getting at. But thanks for commenting.
Ya gotta talk about what happens durring landing to instruct on how to land. Were you expecting landing a plane to be simple?
@@Leedledlee watch some other videos that tell how to use methods using elevator and throttle to control speed and different approach scenarios. All this does is show that he can land a plane. Only instruction is to find an alignment point down from the end of the runway.
I have a toy jet f16 I don't know how to land it
When you say "Toy". its a flying model? If so, then the F16 lands a bit hot and requires some skills... for sure... I've done several videos of my landings of F16....
Who would have thought....?
Don't flare, Just lan on throttle alone
Well, that elevator is pretty important on those landings. That throttle isn’t going to get the nose of the plane up. I get what you’re saying about throttle management as it’s a critical component to a great landing.
Takeoffs optional, landings required!
No doubt...
I got a plane, flown it twice right now, tip one, don't fly in a fairly small front yard, not enough time to line up, tip two, don't land like me (nose first into the grass)
Ha, you gotta give yourself lots of room, when you first start learning to fly. The planes will get ahead of you quickly.. When you get better, you'll find you can fly anywhere... Keep at it... - Will
no problem with me since landing is the most fun part of rc flying anyways for me
I'm with you...
Very good video, thanks! Beautiful plane! I fly small foamy planes, 50cm wingspan or less. Very sensitive to wind, of course. Crashed often but they don't tend to break because they're so light. Easy to fix too if they do break. I'm getting better at landing though, once I master it, I'll consider getting something bigger.
Just keep at it. Have fun and don't take it too seriously.. Good luck.
I don’t want to just watch a bunch of landings. Give us some specific information, such as when to reduce speed when to cut throttle.
Every plane and condition requires a little difference technique. I have a more recent video as part of my beginner series that speaks specifically about the basic landing process.. Hope you give it a watch... ua-cam.com/video/__ZmKMUJS-c/v-deo.html
Steffen, your title is "how to land RC planes...." ....in your descriptions, you mentioned, once, "ground effect." But, you didn't mention what it is and how to overcome the effect. Some of your landings, or should I say missed landings, were because of the ground effect. I AM a certified fixed wing, single engine pilot and pilots know what the "ground effect" does and we know how to overcome it. Your missed landings were because of the ground effect, but you chose to bypass the reason for your missed landings. To those who are not proficient at landings (just above the ground the plane hits a cushion of air, which is equal to the wingspan of your RC plane). Once you see your plane hit that cushion, a little down elevator corrects this for a smooth landing.
Thanks for your insight on this topic..
I would say landing is the _least_ important to know, because it will happen anyway.
I think you are confusing landing and crashing..😂
Dont force it to land.
Your going to wear out your wheels. ;D
No doubt, but thats the price you pay for seeking perfections.. :-)
Full size pilots fly with trimmed out airplanes. RC pilot trim their models in cruising speed trim and land .than we see all kinds of videos how to crash rc planes. Not to many pilots know how slow their models fly trimmed for slow speed and when they quit flying. Trim is VERY important part of controlling the plane. Real plane pilots practice landings all the time, not one flight one landing….
Lots of variable on the trimming RC Planes. You can setup flaps and elevator to trim for slow flight. Many rc pilots will do this to help with the out of trim plane issues when the flaps are deployed. I'm all about landing practice.
My first plane was a 6 ft. Comanche, crashed it and bought a new one.
Sorry for your loss. Glad you grabbed another.. 6' ws? What model is that..
@SteffenRC it was 45 years ago, a gas flyer. But it started a life in rc. Before that it was rubber band cessnas
Not particularly useful vid except landing is a skill that needs to be practiced. I don’t advocate an 180 turn onto final I think it makes for a rushed approach. 2 90 are in my opinion better. Give yourself room.
I teach people to start slowing the plan down on the downwind leg. But not to much .
Every plane is different. The main thing is fly the plane and listen to the plane. It will tell you if it is not happy and you are to close to stall.
Michael, Sorry you didn't find it useful.. I find new pilots have an issue with 2 90 degree turns while they find a gentle 180 to be very easy to line up the approach and less prone to stalls. But, thats what I found that works. Lots of ways to land and all planes require a little different technique. Thanks Will
No two landings are the same.
So true Chris....
Alright alright alright
Bingo..
But he didn't.
Not sure I understand the context of your comment Phil...
All you need is a FPV VTX and some googels.
The hard part is that you can't see shit, ANYONE can land a plane with FPV .
Now go get a Air unit and you all well see I'm right.
I keep thinking about putting that spare DJI unit in one of my planes. (I have it on my AR Wings and T1 Ranger). Hmmmmm. Could be a fun project.. Thanks..