Tuning a Walkalong Glider for Flight
	The walkalong glider is designed to fly as slowly as its weight permits. As such it must be launched at about its characteristic speed and attitude (level to nose slightly down). Extra speed results in excessive looping. It may take some time to get the launching right. According to Tyler McCready, the launch is the hardest part. Make sure the camber of each wing is about 5% (height vs. length). Look at the glider edge on from the nose and note any asymmetries such as differences in twist between the wings and if one elevator is more deflected than the other. Launch the glider and observe its flight path. If the plane noses over, try more up elevator. If the plane still noses over, try moving the ballast further aft. If the glider noses up and executes a swinging path, try moving the ballast further forward or deminishing the elevator's upward deflection. A turn to the right might indicate differences in twist angle from one wing to the other or that the left elevator needs more upward deflection. In proper flight, the glider should stabilize in a smooth path with about a 1:5 glide ratio. Make sure the glider is properly trimmed before attempting to fly using a paddle. A properly trimmed glider will fly slowly, at a constant velocity and cover the greatest distance for a given altitude loss. A properly trimmed glider will also stay airbourn the longest. See the table of flight durations of Tuned walkalong gliders. Make a paddle using the paddle design suggested here. Copyright Phil Rossoni 11/5/2003                        Back to home page