Inverted Harrier... Words of Wisdom????

[dirtdr]

I learned to fly r/c airplanes about 20 years ago. The fellow who instructed me was very helpful and had many anacdotes and words of wisdom when I started (I was 14-- he was ??? (seemed 100 then!).

One thing that has stayed with me from day one, is he told me when the plane is flying towards me to "push" the low wing up to keep it level. I'm sure some of you have heard this too, the wing on the right side is low, so you push the stick to the right.

I find myself saying phrase this to myself even when I am down on the deck 3-ding.

So my question for all you 3d experts here is--- Is there a simple way to remember which way to steer with the rudder when you are inverted (harrier or otherwise)????? My method is still to push the stick one way and see which way it goes...... In theory I have a 50/50 chance of going the right way, but it seems in practice, I am not getting those odds...

[S1Pitts]

Just like driving the little red wagon down a hill...push left to go right & right to go left.
KR

[Shawnlh]

What I did, was to imagine myself in the cockpit. That helped me figure out what direction I needed to go. It use to take a few seconds to think about it, but the more I did it, the faster my reactions became. It took a few hours of flying (sim and real) but now it's more like instinct than having to think about it.

[Real Gambler]

What I did, was to imagine myself in the cockpit.

Somehow, that's the last thing I want to do during an inverted harrier. I know myself, I may end up sick! :D Heck, the way I fly, the last thing I want to imagine, is anybody in that poor plane! Better have a good barf bag stock!

[VA6WGO]

One thing that may help is start practicing knife edges with the landing gear towards to you another thing is just fly upside down and stear the airplane with the rudder in a non-harrier attitude, just fly it that way for awhile, once it starts feeling "right" then pin the elevator and start practicing the inverted harrier. They are easier than upright harriers.


The last thing is to burn about 40 gallons of fuel doing so and you will get the hang of it :)

Cheers,
Will

[tommy321]

What really helped me is this:

When the aircraft is inverted, think of the rudder stick as being "attached" to the wingtip closest to you. i.e. inverted harrier from right to left, if you push the rudder stick left, the closer wingtip will get dragged along with it and the aircraft will turn away from you. If you push the rudder stick right, the closer wingtip will get dragged with the stick and the aircraft will turn towards you.

This trick also works great for rudder corrections while inverted in IMAC maneuvers.

When the aircraft is in inverted harrier coming towards you, just push the rudder stick in the direction you want it to go. If you push the stick to the left, the plane will turn towards your left side.

Those mental mnemonics help me!

Tom