Stick Locks

[cichlidfan]

There are two commands in the keyboard list for 'Stick Locks'.

 

There is 'Stick Lock in the Forward Position' ==> LAlt+X

and 'Stick Lock in the Neutral Position' ==> LShift+LAlt+X

 

The first one appears to unlock and lock the stick in the position it is in during a runway start mission. The second one appears to do nothing.

 

Along with this is that there is no explanation of the stick lock in the cockpit section of the manual.

 

There is mention in the overview on page 27

The surface control lock is located at the base of the control stick. To lock the controls, the stick is moved into the locking arm while pulling out the knob on the arm; then the knob is released to lock the stick in place. This locks all of the controls. The rudders catch and are locked when moved into neutral position. To release the lock, the locking arm is pulled out and the spring is moved forward out of the way. Note that there are two holes in the locking lug. When you use the bottom hole, the tail wheel is locked along with the controls. Using the top hole leaves the tail wheel free to swivel 360° so the aircraft can be towed.

 

I am guessing that the two holes being discussed are related to the two commands but don't really know. The only other place they are mentioned (that I could find) is during the startup and shutdown procedures and there all it says is to either unlock or lock the controls.

 

In the Quick Start Guide there is this line with no associated keyboard command like the others.

 

6- Press red Control Lock button to free stick control.

 

Followed by the only picture in any of the docs that identifies the lock button.

 

So I am confused and at least some parts of the docs need to be fixed but how depends on how this 'Stick Lock' is supposed to work.

[flightace37]

Use the neutral position lock at all times on the ground, unless you absolutely need the tail wheel to free caster. The exception of course is takeoff and landing when you need full stick control.

 

The neutral lock holds the stick "back" for you, thus locking the tail wheel. The forward one locks the stick forward for you, allowing it to free caster and generally make a mess of things.

 

Left clicking the lock lug moves it to the forward position. Right clicking it moves it to the backward position. Doing the same click again from either position appropriately releases the lock.

 

Understanding how stick position affects the tail wheel is the most important aspect of the ground handling of this aircraft.

Edited May 5, 2012 by flightace37

[cichlidfan]

Cool thanks. That makes sense with what is in the overview section.

 

I will have to double check the keyboard behaviour after I install the new version.