Single Channel RC Question
 

Hi. So I am currently in the process of redoing an old Goldberg Skylane 42, and have a question or concern... I do not have a lot of stick time, and none in the past couple years, and amore wondering about this airplane. All I have flown have been scratch built foamies with flat wings. High wing trainers, a 'stick' type plane, delta with front prop, and a pusher jet. All but the pusher jet are still around. Anyways, what would the concensus be on flying a Cox powered single channel rudder only plane? And what kind of climb does it have and area do I need? Access to fly is approximately 2 -3 soccer field size, treed around the edges. Is it better to fix it and shelve it for display, or worth a go at it? I have never flown single channel before with an engine that goes till it is out of fuel, or any nitro powered plane before (successfully). Thanks.

Re: Single Channel RC Question
 

Need at least two channels , minimum. Rudder and elevator and lots of dihedral in the wing. The third channel , throttle , would be highly recommended in a tighter space. If flying in a wide open space then you could get by with the first two channels mentioned. Just my opinion . If using a TD049/051 your aircraft would have to be very light and even then , power will be marginal. Years ago , been there , done that.

Thanks. I was honestly leaning to the original with single channel and Golden Bee or Black Widow. But now hearing this, I will probably keep it aside till I can find the space required. I do not yet know what the weight will be so only time will tell. Thanks again for your input.

Re: Single Channel RC Question
 

I used to fly single channel, rudder only pulse radio, planes years ago (circa 1970-72) and they were fine. Elevator trimming is important so it climbs smoothly under power and glides once the engine runs out of gas. I flew it in an area approximately what you are describing but would probably prefer more space for test flights. My plane was a Goldberg kit, and while I don't remember the model it might have been the Skylane. A Cox .049 was the only engine I had at the time so that it what it flew with.

Re: Single Channel RC Question
 

New222 , as per his comments is low stick timer and would not recommend a single
channel at this time. The light radio equipment is here so why not use it and have more control. ? At least that is the way I look at it.

Re: Single Channel RC Question
 

Valid point. The other side is with only one channel to control it may be less confusing. If possible having someone with more stick time to help would be helpful/advisable.

Re: Single Channel RC Question
 

I was thinking about this the other day since I was in the same boat many years ago.
The senior guys all said the same thing... " Don't do it, you need more channels).
And so, these guys are passed on now. But anyway, I took my Junior Falcon out with the Black Widow anyway. I remember that flight was so graceful with single channel. Unfortunately, the glide was a bit long when the engine ran out of fuel and the wing hit a fence post.
Further down the road of course I had multi channel planes and most of them went into the ground burning up many hard earned dollars.
So I say go ahead and try it in a field away from people and enjoy your hobby !

Re: Single Channel RC Question
 

My first flights were, Rudder & Motor. When I added throttle it climbed and at idle it would glide. Get yourself a .09 engine with a throttle. Use a 4" pitch prop for less speed and use rudder. elevator and throttle.