Hang test

[_MOL_]

Hello Gents,

I have one of the first Tandem Commanders build, from 1990.
It was at a time where there was no assembly manual on the bird.

I have built some single seats back then and used that assembly manual as guideline to assemble the Tandem.. No problem really.

Anyway, the only paper I have on the hang test is on the two seat side by side. It says it should hang between 1 and 4 dg mast forward and I believe it was with a 25' McCutchen.

As time has passed I have been thinking if anyone knows the correct hang angle of the Tandem with 27' McCutchen? Is it the same?

Also, what about the single seat w. 23" McCutchen?

All above-mentioned angles are for Commanders with “high Thrust line” design, the old ones.

[Ralph]

Brian,

I would strongly suggest that you contact the folks at Air Command. In addition to particulars on the hang test, they can probably give you additional pointers that would serve to upgrade the machine with respect to stability. If it were my machine, I would give stability upgrades very serious consideration.

Ralph

[_MOL_]

Ralph,

Thank you for your reply.
Yes, I have contacted Air Command regarding different angle issues but they just say I should upgrade my Commander with the latest stability upgrades, i.e. tall rudder and lifted front frame. They don’t give any information regarding angles to old Air Commands. I wonder if they know what they are, of if they just won’t support old Commanders, forcing customers to spend $$$ to upgrade their gyros.

The issue for me is not a stability problem, because my Commander flies well, hands off and all even with different power settings. No problem at all. So upgrading my Commander is not an option, even I know that stability will be improved.

The issue is I just want to be sure that the hang test I perform is the right one.

[rehler]

Brian,

The hang test is not affected by what rotor blades you use. The other thread has excellant descriptions by Udi and Craig Wall (link) that should help - Air Command or not.

[_MOL_]

Doug Smith has contacted me regarding this issue, and we are looking into it.

Thank you all for your replies.

[barnstorm2]

Brian,

Some of the older vintage air commands need more than just stability upgrades.

There are several upgrades you MUST have if they are not on that gyro.

One is the joystick. If it still has the Pump-style joystick please replace it before flying that gyro. The Pump style stick attaches near the bottom of the seat. For safety reasons you need the brock-style joystick on that machine.

There are also issues with the mast. Some masts delivered by the early Air Command (before the current owners) have defects.

I bought an early Commander 447 and I have made all of the safety upgrades except CLT. They are not hard and well worth the effort. I would be more than happy to assist you with any questions you may have.

I love my little 447 Commander. I have not upgraded it to CLT and I have no immediate plans to do so. She flys great and just needs a little more power for my fat butt. My trainers did a great job of teaching me about PPO, PIO and how to fly a high-thrustline machine in windy conditions.

I would also like to strongly suggest a horizontal stabilizer. You did not mention if one is installed.

From your post you only state that you don't want to go to the tall tail. If you have the small air command tail you can easily install the hstab on that tail in about 30min. Now I'll bet that little tail and little stab don't have the surface area you should have for that 2 place but it will be a whole lot better than nothing.

I don't want to sound preachy or butt into your business, I just want to make sure you fly safe and our hobby and sport suffers no more preventable fatalities.

[_MOL_]

Barnstorm
I have made all mods, execpt CLT. Horiz stab too, (came with kit) Extended rear keel, mast and j-stick, elect trim, ect.
I got the assembly manual from Doug Smith and he supplied the angles I was looking for, so I'm happy.
Thank you.

[barnstorm2]

Brian, Great to hear! you will have a fantasic machine. Please post some pictures.

[Chopper Reid]

Tim,
Glad to hear of another pilot who can safely fly a NON CLT gyro in windy conditions !!!
Hooray for common sense!