![]() Flying at high speeds with high gain settings requires fast servos and linkages with no slop.Īn E-flite Clipped Wing Cub 1.2-meter BNF Basic uses a Spektrum AR636 receiver with built-in AS3X stabilization that is pretuned for several flight modes. Slop in servo gears or linkages can result in increased control surface oscillations on the ground or in the air. Slower servos might not be able to keep pace with rapid inputs from a gyro using high gain settings, and control oscillations can occur in the air (typically rapidly “galloping” in pitch). There are few, if any, downsides to a well set up gyro system, but care must be taken when using high gain settings. Of course, the better answer is to add a small amount of weight to the light wingtip to achieve good lateral balance. A heavy wingtip that tends to drop upon landing will be less likely to do so when a gyro is used. Small warps that can cause trim changes with a change in airspeed are often countered by a good gyro setup. With the included Aura 8, simple 3D maneuvers, such as harriers and hovers, are well within the skillset of intermediate pilots and those new to 3D. Although all aircraft are ideally straight, warp free, and do not flex in flight, the reality is that not all aircraft are perfect when they are new, and certainly not after some wear and tear from flying. Control sensitivity for normal flight is not twitchy.Īnother benefit of gyro systems is that they can reduce bad flight tendencies because of less-than-ideal construction, repairs, and setup. With the stability of the gyro, however, recovery from tumbles is much more predictable and consistent. ![]() Aircraft can be set up aggressively with an aft CG (center of gravity) and extreme control throws to allow rapid changes in direction and spectacular tumbling. Specific to aerobatic aircraft, there are many benefits when using gyro systems. High-performance warbirds are less likely to experience tip stalls at low speeds or during high-G aerobatics. ![]() Multiengine airplanes no longer have yaw trim changes because of variable performance between engines. Many full-scale aircraft are notorious for being challenging to fly when they are scaled down to model size. ![]() The interior of a Flex Innovations Mamba 10 shows a clean equipment layout with the included preprogrammed Aura 8 Advanced Flight Control System in the aft equipment bay. Even using “stick and rudder” for the smoothest turns becomes easier for the pilot with an onboard gyro system. Ground loops are a thing of the past, and bouncing when landing is reduced. Short, coupled aircraft, such as Cubs, have greatly improved handling on the ground. Smaller aircraft, that are often more sensitive and “twitchy,” tend to feel like larger, more locked-in aircraft. These new products make it easier than ever for beginner pilots-and traditional aerobatics pilots-to step into 3D flying. Photo provided by Flex Innovations/Quique Somenzini.įlex Innovations () and Horizon Hobby () are two companies that produce aircraft that include preprogrammed gyros and also offer standalone gyros that can be added to virtually any aircraft. This potentially provides programming options not available in some transmitters. Not only can the gyro behavior be changed, but throws, dual rates, and exponential can be changed as well. The Aura 8 is compatible with a range of radio brands, and the setup can easily be optimized for different aircraft using a PC interface. Not only can the degree of stabilization be adjusted for multiple settings (selectable in flight from the transmitter), but control surface deflection, dual rates, exponential, and flight trim can be programmed as well. The newest gyros are increasingly smaller, lighter, less expensive, easier to program, and capable of far more than stabilization in one or more axis. In short, the newest generation of gyros allows pilots to confidently fly a broader range of aircraft and to more easily expand their inventory of maneuvers. > “3D is for the new generation of fliers.” “Gyros are too expensive and too complicated to use.” These are two statements that I have heard countless times but are less accurate now than even a few years ago. ![]() As seen in the Fall 2018 issue of Park Pilot. ![]()
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