TAKEOFFS MADE SIMPLE

The takeoff is often considered the most critical part of full
scale flight. Yet model aircraft enthusiast seem to think of it
as an inconvenience or obstacle to another "fun" flight.
Simply taxi onto the runway (anywhere will do) open the throttle
and aim for the sky. This is the way most of us prefer to
takeoff. The result of this practice is never awe inspiring and
is always an accident waiting to happen. Here are some simple
guide lines to improving those takeoffs.

1/ Start with the airplane, Reduce nose wheel steering to no more
than 15 degrees from center. Most people have about twice as
much nose wheel steering as necessary making the takeoff roll too
steering sensitive at low speeds. Though reduced steering may
make turning around on the runway impossible, clean, straight and
safe takeoffs are worth it.

2/ Start the takeoff roll from the runway center line and in line
with or further upwind of the pit area to avoid possible damage
to other aircraft, people or cars should you loose control on the
takeoff roll. If you have difficulty maintaining a straight
track down the runway or you're new to takeoffs stand behind the
aircraft for a few takeoffs and work your way back to the flying
box as you improve. Make sure the runway is safe from landing
aircraft before you stand behind your aircraft for takeoff.

3/ Open the throttle SLOWLY. Opening the throttle rapidly will
cause the aircraft to yaw to the left sharply. If the rudder is
pushed right too hard (as it often is) left and right
oscillations result.

4/ Expect the aircraft to yaw slightly. If you accelerate
slowly, only a small amount of the right rudder will be required.
As speed increases rudder pressure can be reduced. In crosswind
conditions left rudder may be needed so be prepared to gently
apply the appropriate rudder to keep the aircraft headed
straight. If you had practiced standing behind the aircraft this
shouldn't be a problem.

5/ Don't hold "up" elevator during the takeoff roll. Pulling back
on the elevator during the takeoff roll will cause the aircraft
to prematurely meander into the air close to the stall condition.
Any attempted turns at this time can result in disaster.
Instead, gently apply the elevator when the aircraft is up to
flying speed, try to limit the climb angle to 30 degrees.

6/ Maintain a straight heading after takeoff. Allow the aircraft
(and yourself) to stabilize before making that first turn.

Many accidents can be avoided this way. When incorporated into
your checklist for each flight, the six points discussed can help
eliminate many of those annoying and unsafe takeoff habits.
Remember, takeoffs are seldom the first thing taught to student
pilots as they require complex control inputs and practice, so
don't expect immediate results.

By Colin Chariandy.