Flying indoors
usually requires
more control
surface deflection
due to the
obstacles that
exist, which is
acceptable for a
4.5-ounce foamie.
(Photo by Xavier
Mouraux)
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4Keeping a constant radius, the airplane should exit in upright
level flight and complete the maneuver
directly in front of the pilot.
1Enter upwind, if outdoors, in upright level flight and begin to pull back on elevator as
the airplane is directly in front of you.
STEP 2: As the airplane approaches the 130
degree (about “ 10 o’clock”) position of the
loop, begin the quarter rolls in opposite
directions. Executed perfectly centered, the
first quarter roll is complete at the top of
the loop with wings in knife-edge. If the
roll is to the left, the pilot will see the top
of the aircraft. If the roll rate is slow, some
left rudder may be needed to keep the loop
during the roll. No flat spots should exist!
STEP 3: Only 50 degrees of the loop remains
to execute the second quarter roll in the
opposite direction of the first. As right aile-
ron is applied to begin the second roll, a
touch of left rudder may be needed as well
as a slight pull on the elevator to keep the
shape of the loop. The second roll must be
completed at the 230-degree (about the “2
o’clock”) position of the loop.
S TEP 4: Keep the elevator pull constant and
regulate the throttle so the airplane maintains a constant flight speed throughout
the maneuver and maintains the loop’s
round shape. At the end of this step, the
aircraft should approach level flight again
directly in front of the pilot.
This maneuver requires lots of practice,
patience, and a properly set-up aircraft. Per-
form your first few attempts at a safe and
high altitude, maintaining a fairly quick roll
rate for the two quarter rolls. With time, you
can decrease the roll rate to improve the
overall presentation of the figure.
Final thoughts
While this is a fairly difficult maneuver
to fly well, it is important to set up your
aircraft so its response doesn’t make the
maneuver more difficult to perform. If the
aircraft is too sensitive, the pilot may consistently fight the model throughout the
maneuver. You should spend time focusing on the setup of the plane, making
small incremental adjustments as needed
to ensure success. Remain in your comfort
zone and practice, practice, practice! ;
