I did some wing loading testing this week in an effort to determine 1.) the affects of adding more weight to flight and 2.) determine the safe maximum wing loading / thrust to weight ratio that my scratch built airplane could handle.
This learning will help me as I seek to build a FPV/Drone airplane next year.
Detailed Results:
(Easy Star wing's surface area is roughly 368 square inches. Wing loading (wl) is reported in grams per inch)
Standard Weight: 747g, wl= 2.03 (Great Takeoff, Half throttle needed cruise, Great climb rate, Easy Landing)
2oz & case added: 813g, wl = 2.21 (Unchanged performance)
4oz added: 868g, wl = 2.36 (Slightly affected climb rate)
6oz added: 924g, wl = 2.51 (Cruise and climb rate affected, landing and take off faster)
8oz added: 980g, wl = 2.66 (Cruise and climb rate affected, landing and take off faster, controls were less responsive)
10oz added: 1,037g, wl = 2.82 (Almost maxium weight for this power/wing set up. Full throttle needed)
12oz added: 1,092g, wl = 2.97 (Maximum weight. Fast take off, fast landing, full attention needed at all times to not crash)
Comments
Excellent. You don't happen to have any "contacts" at a college/university do you? From what I've read only government agencies and schools have gotten "official" permission to make drone flights. I know this isn't a drone per-say, but going that route might make things "easier" to get approved.
@Paul Mather: Not sure yet as the course is not yet final, but at least a dozen or so. I'm still researching what approval is required, if any can even be given. Determining this is a high priority, but I've got plenty of time to find out. Let me know if you hear anything that might be of assistance.
Thanks!
How many states do you think your flight will take you through? I wonder if you just need FAA approval or approval from each state....and if so, who do you ask?
A very, very important question!
A few things:
1.) I will NOT make this trip unless it is safe, legal and socially responsible to do so. (Besides, I am going to post the video online for the whole world to see anyway)
2.) This trip is still years away, a lot can change during that time, so who knows what the legal/social environment will be when that day comes. I want to be able to make the trip at that time, if it is appropriate to do so.
3.) I have no reason to fly higher than 400 feet or fly within 3 miles of an airport. (I will in fact, stay MUCH further from airports at all times) I will obey the current and any subsequent FAA notice(s) to successfully make the journey.
4.) I am planning my trip with safety, not convenience or speed, in mind. I am making detailed plans to completely avoid airports (from major to local sizes), cities, hospitals, schools, stadiums, etc. Basically anything that is sensitive that should be avoided. This will add significant travel time and planning effort to the trip, but it is the right thing to do.
5.) I realize that there isn't a 1 mile by 3,000 mile unoccupied public park I can fly over all the way from San Diego to Boston. I realize that there will be times when I fly over a home or place of business. I do not take this lightly. I will not make this trip unless I have established tested and proved multiple redundant safety mechanisms. (This is why it is going to take me years of testing, learning and proving to make this trip)
6.) A majority of the trip is going to be near interstate highways, where there is nothing but pastures and open fields.
And Finally: I know that there will be those in and out of our hobby that will still disagree with the trip no matter what precautions I take. Everyone has their opinion. All I can do is stay legal, do what is socially responsible, and hope they realize that this is a small foam airplane that simply physically cannot cause real harm to anyone or anything, especially with the extensive safety precautions I'll be taking. In fact, there is more danger and risk to me and others by our team simply driving across the U.S., considering the number of fatalities on the highway.
I hope this helps. I'm always open to hear ideas on how to make this trip safer and constructive to our hobby's image.
Thanks!
Well if the same things are on the table time and speed restrictions are coming for all model aircraft over there. Thats still a way off though if it ever happens at all.
Why not build a really big Easystar and use a glow engine, much much better endurance.
Keep testing in a methodical manner it really is the way to do things, well done!
I remember AMA clubs back in the 90's doing cross countries between two flying fields with pilots riding in the back of pickup trucks with support teams.
If Trent plans his route to avoid built-up areas and airports, rides in the back of a pickup truck or van with sunroof , stays below 400 ft , stays with in visual control distances and has a spotter pilot on a buddy box (if flying fpv) would he not be with-in the requirements of the FAA AC-91-57 notice?
It doesn't say anything about fixed location. It would be a pain to plan the trip and require a support crew to help but it could be done. It would take weeks to do it and require dodging bad weather but it could be done.
Perhaps even perform some sort of carrier landing on the back of the truck or trap wire :-)
Paul's right, Them there cowboy days are over. Ha I had some buddies do this back in the 80's with nitro planes. They only flew across Texas but still kinda cool. Good luck either way you go (approved or not so much approved ha)
Trent, I like watching your experiments....this is a cool project. What I'm worried about is the final stage. The flight across country. I suspect you're not going to be able to get "official" permission to make this flight and therefore you'll be opening yourself up for some possible legal troubles if you get caught or post your results on YouTube (which I assume is what you're planning on doing). What have you done in the way of starting the very long process of getting permission to do such a flight?