Flight performance

Model Airplane News, Dec 1998

Takeoff and landing

This is a conventional gear (tail-dragger) plane, so takeoff and landing may offer some challenges that beginners are not used to, but there are no surprises. The tail came off the ground in about 50 feet, and the plane tracked well with more-than-adequate rudder response at low speed. Landing was uneventful, and the plane slows down extremely well while assuming a level attitude that makes main gear landings a thing of beauty. With the power available, I can make it hop right off the ground, but that just isn't as much fun or nearly as pretty as running with the tail up.

High-speed flight

This is a trainer with a Clark-Y airfoil, so the model wasn't designed for high-speed flight, but it will cruise along at faster than training speed, if you want it to. It does accelerate quickly when you need it to and is not twitchy at higher speeds.

Low-speed flight

I consider this to be very important for a trainer, and this airplane is custom-made to go slow. In fact, when I went to stall it, I couldn't. At low throttle and full up-elevator, it just mushed along straight ahead and descended gently, never really entering a "stair-step" profile. I finally pulled back the throttle trim to use the brake and stop the prop completely, and the plane acted the same way. This is a perfect approach trainer that will forgive students who fly it too slowly.

Aerobatics

The Kadet will loop nicely, and rolls can be accomplished with just a touch of elevator as it goes inverted. Sustaining inverted flight will require a bit of down-elevator, but the Kadet will fly upside-down.