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How to Test Fly a Tailless Glider

Tailless gliders are one of the designs used for radio controlled glider flying. Often referred to as V-wings, a tailless glider uses a full body that is mostly comprised of wings. Test flying a glider, tailless or otherwise, is a great way of learning the art of RC flying. No batteries or engines, and a set of two controls make testing these aircraft less difficult than engine-based RC aircraft. Begin to learn the art of trimming and rudder use with a tailless glider.

Instructions

- 1
  Move the glider's rudders on the wings up and down manually, as part of a pre-flight check of the glider at a field where flying is permitted. Do not go near real airports or places where there are low hanging trees and branches or power wires exist.
- 2
  Run a fingertip along the wing ends and surfaces, checking for dents, rips or dings on the surface.
- 3
  Grip the glider so you have it firmly in the fingers, under the fuselage. Turn on the RC control and test them by moving the rudder stick and the trim control, watching the corresponding mechanism on the glider.
- 4
  Run slowly with the glider in your hand and release it as you gain speed, pushing it up and forward with the arm. Test fly a short flight to see if the craft is airworthy and the controls work.
- 5
  Control the trim to bring the glider down on the field. Push up on the trim stick to reduce the lift, bringing the glider down to the ground. Take a second test flight, trying to keep the glider in the air as long as possible.

Aviation