Spitfire first take-off; first "landing" observations

[beagleRampant]

Okay, so shall we share our initial thoughts, experiences and tips?

 

First takeoff: it just shot into the air while I was still settling in to my seat. My stick was back and it nearly stalled. So, really short take-off roll!

 

Landing: came in gently; thought I had a nice rate of descent. Nope, bounced up a long way. Came down hard, broke one prop blade.

 

Otherwise, I walked away on the first go!

[MegOhm_SD]

LOL! Sounds about right...

[Zimmerdylan]

Yeah....it goes up pretty darn fast. Took me by surprise.

[Datek]

I always feel like I'm landing on a rubber runway with the WWII birds. The bounces seem really exaggurated.

[MegOhm_SD]

I always feel like I'm landing on a rubber runway with the WWII birds. The bounces seem really exaggurated.

 

It can be done without bounce...your just not doing it with precision.

The best touch down is when you don't even feel it.

[NeilWillis]

A challenging plane to fly!

[beagleRampant]

First takeoff: it just shot into the air while I was still settling in to my seat. My stick was back and it nearly stalled. So, really short take-off roll!

 

Ah yes, that'll be the old "trim nose down for take-off" thing. I say why stop her from flying when that's what she wants to do :music_whistling:

[Cibit]

Took off successfully had a wee fly and went to dogfight mission. I imagine I will be doing a lot of this for a while:)

[snowsniper]

Wags note: Landing at 95 mph is waaaaay to fast. Touchdown should be between 60 and 70 mph.

 

The bounces seem really exaggurated.

 

Nope. just get the right 3 points attitude. at 95mph or less

 

So ... first take off and landing (with half fuel) was done without any damage ( and without any bounce )

 

first feeling :

 

- very hard to taxi straight. have to practice.( tail wheel...)

- front wheel seems very closed from each other ...on landing.

- such a beauty... it's amazing

- did a few roll and loop. God, ...incredible feeling

- I though I know well the spit, but for sure ... I don't. It's a joy to discover.

Edited December 16, 2016 by Wags

[Moafuleum]

Around the pitch axis, the spit seems veeeery sensitive. Without calibrating the axis curve it is nearly uncontrollable for me with my hotas t.flight and so i nearly crashed during takeoff. I instantly got an angle of attack of about 60° or so :D And then the instructor has the nerves to say "keep the stick pulled and release it gently" :pilotfly:

[Wags]

For takeoff, the throttle should be run up to +7 to +9 boost in about six seconds. With proper elevator trim, she will lift off by herself.

 

I set my takeoff elevator trim to the center position on the indicator.

Edited December 16, 2016 by Wags

[Cibit]

I was having trouble with ghostly pedal inputs but found I had an assistance for take off set to 100%. Going to try again without it and will report back

[Wags]

Around the pitch axis, the spit seems veeeery sensitive. Without calibrating the axis curve it is nearly uncontrollable for me with my hotas t.flight and so i nearly crashed during takeoff. I instantly got an angle of attack of about 60° or so :D And then the instructor has the nerves to say "keep the stick pulled and release it gently" :pilotfly:

 

Sounds like you have too much nose up trim at takeoff. Very easy to control here.

[Krupi]

The damn beast leaped into the air so quickly I panicked :lol:

[Cibit]

I put the takeoff assist back on, its the only way I can take off:music_whistling:

What a lovely plane:thumbup:

[golani79]

I imagined the TO being harder - for me it just needs a bit more getting used to the plane for more refinement but otherwise it is quite enjoyable on TO.

 

I find it even easier to TO than the 109.

[Wags]

The damn beast leaped into the air so quickly I panicked :lol:

 

With proper elevator trim, it should not "leap", rather, it should have a gentle takeoff at neutral stick.

[Wags]

I imagined the TO being harder - for me it just needs a bit more getting used to the plane for more refinement but otherwise it is quite enjoyable on TO.

 

I find it even easier to TO than the 109.

 

Yes, quite easy once have get the basics down and have the right amount of takeoff trim set.

 

Good use of rudder is also important, and even more so when landing.

[msalama]

I had an assistance for take off set to 100%

 

Me too. Took off without problems, thought "hmmm, this is too easy", noticed the TO assistance is on, turned it off, went back, tried again and promptly veered off the runway, crashed and burned. :megalol:

 

Love this bird. She really is a stunner!

[The Legman]

I am still on that phase (all aids off) where i need to crash 100 planes before taking off. Exciting!

[snowsniper]

I imagined the TO being harder - for me it just needs a bit more getting used to the plane for more refinement but otherwise it is quite enjoyable on TO.

 

I find it even easier to TO than the 109.

 

Yep, I would say and even easier than this damned FW190 :megalol:

[humptydumpty]

sorry to post this here but is there no way i can switch off that mirror ? i am getting 10 fps right now on the Aerobatics online server because that mirror chews up everything.

[Scooternutz]

Wags, I watched the video and that helped. I do my run up checks and adjust the Engine RPMs. Once centered on the runway, center pitch trim, and then I jam the throttle to 3000 RPM quickly. That gives me good rudder authority right from the get go. I do seem to be doing a right wing dip at times, easily recoverable. She does lift off on her own. A couple of times I didn't even realize it. I adjusted my my Buttkicker and now can feel the smooth air once the wheels leave the ground. Landings...Still working on that.

Edited December 16, 2016 by Scooternutz
I suck at spelling.

[Reflected]

I just cannot land the damn thing. The touchdown is OK, but after that the plane wants to veer off, and I usually hit the ground with a wingtip - or both. How do you keep it straight?

[Wags]

Wags, I watched the video and that helped. I do my run up checks and adjust the Engine RPMs. Once centered on the runway, center pitch trim, and then I jam the throttle to 3000 RPM quickly. That gives me good rudder authority right from the get go. I do seem to be doing a right wing dip at times, easily recoverable. She does lift off on her own. A couple of times I didn't even realize it. I adjusted my my Buttkicker and now can feel the smooth air once the wheels leave the ground. Landings...Still working on that.

 

Good job!