Buffalo FX-79 Build - maiden/re-maiden crash, 3rd time lucky

[bignose13]

Way too much overthinking in this thread.

Just give it some beans, chuck it at 45 degrees then get your hands on the sticks. It'll be fine, they usually are unless something is WAY off, and it won't be that bad - you're experienced enough now to have a rough idea of gear placement.

Exactly, just give it a good chuck 3/4 throttle nuff said  :D

[scalematt]

Well then did it fly?  ^-^

[Coyote]

I am beginning to fear tales of wreckages and girly throws maybe coming.

[Billy_boy_2010]

Fingers crossed.

Either way I want a vid of sorrow or joy :D

[CurryKitten]

Video uploading, prepare for sorrow

[CurryKitten]

... and done

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I do like to think I've generally got the hang of flying planes these days, but I'm buggered if I can get a handle on this one.   Perhaps the scale of the thing is messing with me, or something else.  I don't know.  We'll glue it back and try again in due course... stubbonness will force me onwards and get this sodding thing in the air

[Billy_boy_2010]

Oh no :s

The first glide was perfect. Just perfect. Did you change anything between the first and second throw? You could have powered up after the first release and been fine. If the motor is powerful enough you can do this.

I fear, perhaps with a bit of wind, the position where he held the plane lends itself to pitching up a fair bit. This plane certainly doesn't like being thrown up at any kind of an angle.

[Coyote]

That first glide must have been encouraging, as we are saying on shout the second is the launch but that was more unlucky and finger position than a bad chuck.

[FPVSteve]

Definitely looks like it needs to be launched with the fingers on the trailing edge :(

[AdamG]

 Just looked liked a dodgy angle on the throw on the second attempt to be honest  :o

[highlander]

"Richard moderately worried about me cutting his fingers off..." .

Looks like the worry caused the stall.

I don't know what autopilot you are using, APM has got a feature in auto mode  where motor starts only after the plane achieves pre-set speed. That way the motor will only start after the propeller clears the throwers hand.

After all it is hard to keep cool when one is (unconsciously) aware there is a spinning blade waiting to inflict damage on thrower's hand, I'd say the bungee/ catapult launch is ultimate solution.

[Brucey]

First throw was perfect and proves that the plane is trimmed and will fly. Look how far it went!
The second launch was at to higher angle. As Rich goes to throw it the weight transfers back and pitches the nose up. Having his second hand on the talking edge helped stop that.
That's the problem with finger homes near the cg, the plane is to free to pitch up and down.
I wouldn't want to throw it from the holes with the power on,  I'd launch it like a big wing from the leading edge baseball style.
Hope it is repairable mate. Shame your not coming to MD.
Oh and please don't go down the bungee route, you've seen how long it takes me to setup!

[UAV Aviation]

Holding the aircraft at it's CG during launch is always tricky, you simply don't know were it will go...nose up or down. Throwing it base bal style (holding the leading edge) may do the trick. On the other hand if you just powered up during the first attempt......but I understand your carefulness. For me a launcher does the trick (build one for my X-8) less time to setup compared with a bungee.

[HerkyBird]

The other 'hybrid' option for the hand launch is to use the finger holes like Rich does in the second launch but also use your other hand to steady the nose or leading edge of the wing, hopefully that will steady any attempt to pitch-up. Another option depending on your flying location would be a dolly as there's no setup to worry about just a bit of extra kit to carry.

[CurryKitten]

Finally, some positive news

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