Flight Technique: Becoming a Jet Jock

Flight Technique: Becoming a Jet Jock

The first thing you’ll notice when flying an EDF jet is the lack of propwash over the flying surfaces. Jets rely entirely on airspeed and smooth airflow over the wing and tail surfaces to generate the aerodynamic control forces for aileron, elevator and, if used, rudder control. While flying a jet more slowly, it will seem sluggish in control response. For this reason, it’s imperative during takeoffs and landings that you use the high-rate control throws recommended by the manufacturer. If you use low rates, there might not be enough control effectiveness to properly control the model. Also, it’s a good idea to use a fairly high percentage (40 to 50 percent) of expo to help tame your jet during high-speed flight. It’s also a good idea to use “energy management” just like pilots of full-scale jets do. While doing aerobatics, make your maneuvers larger and concentrate on performing smooth, less-abrupt transitions. For instance, when flying a loop, apply back pressure gradually, and let the jet fly smoothly around the maneuver. If you pull up abruptly, your jet’s airspeed will decay, and it may lose enough energy to prevent it from completing the maneuver.

Updated: August 10, 2011 — 8:54 AM

3 Comments

  1. John,
    I would like to get into edf rc airliners,like a380 airbus or 737, where
    can i purchase a rtf at a reasonable price.
    Thanks,
    J Smith

  2. Joe,
    You can look at the The Scale Super Airliner DF ARF from E-flite, that may fit the bill.

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