Flying Inverted - Flite Tip

Flying inverted is generally not something to sustain without some skill.  But with basic flying skills in performing loops and rolls you have what it takes to enter into inverted flight.

Loops and rolls are the two ways you are going to enter into inverted flight. A few principles to keep in mind when you're preparing to fly your RC plane inverted; stall speeds are higher, the dihedral of the wings will require you to fly "actively", as the plane will want to right itself and fly the way it was designed for.  

Also, on the radio, some of the controls are the same and some are different. Ailerons will stay the same, but your elevator and rudder are backwards.  You'll want to be sure your thumbs know this, otherwise your RC flyer will be taking a 'dirt nap' very quickly.

There are two types of ways to enter into inverted flight, rolling and looping. Rolling is the more complicated of the two. 

To roll into inverted flight you'll want to fly into the wind, stop and roll at the top and then apply just a little bit of forward pressure once inverted. Remember: forward pressure. Now, too much forward pressure your plane will stall out, too little you're going to bail out.  

The other method of entering inverted flight is looping into it.  Again, you'll want to enter into the wind to invert so begin by flying with the wind then pull back looping into the wind inverted. Forward pressure, and there you go, you're flying inverted!!    

Another flying tip to keep in mind while flying inverted, when you're ready to return back to normal flight be sure to roll out, don't pull out.  If you pull out at too low of an altitude you'll crash (aka: your plane takes dirt nap). 

Hope this Flite Tip was helpful! Be sure to check out the forum at the link below titled "join the discussion" where you can chat with other RC pilots and share your experiences with inverted flight!

Links to items mentioned in this episode:

E-flite Apprentice 15e Plane

Parachute Plane Episode

Durafly SE5a

D8x Radio Controller