Beginner Series - Aerobatics

The Flite Test Beginner Series is brought to you by Horizon Hobby. 

Episode 10: Aerobatics

Aerobatics is a goal that most new pilots dream of. Trying your hand at aerobatics too soon can bring unwanted consequences.  

Buddy cord systems and flight simulators are great options for learning how to perform and practice aerobatic maneuvers. 

The Pheonix R/C Flight Simulator 4 is what we're using in today's episode. 

The Simple Loop
You can perform a loop with as little as 3 channels

• Throttle
• Rudder
• Elevator

• Get 3 mistakes high (Get Altitude)
• Point plane into the wind at cruising speed and if possible flying away from you.
• Use throttle and/or nose down to build up proper speed for entering the loop.
• Large loops require more power and/or speed than small loops.
• Too much spaed and too tight of a loop can fold your wings!
• With throttle advance to maintain speed, gently pull back on elevator and hold, then enter loop.
• Continue holding back pressure until plane is nearly inverted.
• At the point the plane is inverted, loosen back pressure slightly and decrease the throttle.
• Continue the downward portion of your loop until the plane is nearly level.
• Once the plane is level, use the throttle and elevator to bring plane back to proper speed and attitude.

The Simple Roll
You can perform a loop with as little as 3 channels.
(You will need an aircraft with Ailerons to perform a proper roll)

• Ailerons
• Elevator
• Throttle

Basic tips:

• You need an aircraft with ailerons to perform a proper roll!
• Get 3 mistakes high (Get Altitude).
• At cruising speed, point the plane into the wind and position yourself so the plane is traveling away from yourself if possible.
• Pitch the plane slightly up (you will lose altitude when your plane is on its side and inverted)
• Neutralize controls.
• Input aileron direction of desired roll and hold it until the aircraft is 3/4 of the way around.
• Begin moving your stick to center so that you cross the center point when the plane is almost level.
• Counter the roll with opposite stick input and stop the plane at level.
• Bring plane back to level if needed.

Tips For Making Your Roll Cleaner

• Start your roll flatter and input a touch of nose down once inverted if needed to keep your plane level through the roll.
• Use rudder to keep level while the plane is on its side

Inverted Flight

• Inverted flight can be entered through the roll or a loop.
• Practice rolls and loops before you attempt inverted flight.
• Roll Out (Do Not Pull Out)
• Elevator and rudder controls will be backwards

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