Mustang in Acceleration....takeoff learning curve!

[spilok 1,134]

I love the feeling of reality when "flying" the new P-51 Mustang in Acceleration.

[Geofa 108]

From what I have heard the torque on these planes is a huge factor. I know an instructor who flew to an airport that had pictures of a P-51 going off the runway and crashing. My instructor was remarking to his passenger that the pilot that had done that obviously didn't know about torque. The owner of the fbo came over and said "yes I was the dummy that did that". Apparently he had bought the bird, and quite an experienced pilot, got in it-and gave it full throttle for takeoff. The torque sent it right off the runway. If I recall what was said, you have to give it throttle very gradually, and be very busy on the rudder pedals. Not having flown one though I wouldn't know. Here is a site that tells how to fly it from a real flyer:http://www.migman.com/ref/pilots/Henriques/P51.htmhttp://mywebpages.comcast.net/geofa/pages/rxp-pilot.jpgForum Moderatorhttp://geofageofa.spaces.live.com/

[RFields5421 1]

I haven't tried the Acceleration one yet - but some notes from the ** aircraft.Line up and LOCK the tailwheelSet the rudder trim about 5 degrees nose rightDo NOT set the parking brake and advance the throttleAdvance the throttle gradually and smoothly with the aircraft to start rolling from the start. Do not go to max power - only about 60-70 %Keep the stick well back until you achieve effective rudder control - 45-50 kts - only then let the tail rise off the groundWhen you come off the ground be ready to add a little right down wing.If your rudder trim is set correctly - the aircraft will have almost no tendancy to tilt over based on torque.But if your rudder trim is set to neutral and you use full throttle - it will flip on you every time.Use a real long runway to practice takeoffs.Practice with light fuel loads initially.

[tf51d 284]

Check out my videos on my site of my flight on Crazy Horse (TF-51D Mustang). Lee Lauderback of Stallion 51 narrates the take off procedure on this flight! Or you can see more condensed version on youtube just search for "Crazy Horse tf51d"

[spilok 1,134]

Thanks everyone...I think I've been giving her full thottle on takeoff. Excellent sites to visit...thanks again. This plane is a challenge, but well worth it. Stan

[Guest fsxmissionguy]

Here's a hint for taxiing this aircraft:Use a little rudder, in combination with the differential brakes. Turn the rudder in the direction you want to go BEFORE you want to turn, and when you're ready to turn ... tap the brakes. You'll start turning. Be prepared to reverse the rudder and tap the brakes again to stop the turn when you get where you want to go forward again.Easy on the gas boys.Cheers!

[tf51d 284]

Nevermind!Edit: Ops! Misread your post

[FlyingsCool 3]

One other thing you might want to check is the sensitivity and null zone of your rudder pedals (and stick for that matter). I assume because they are attempting to keep the average Joe from overcontrolling, they are by default typically set around 50%, which gives nowhere near full travel of the control surfaces.At one point, I was attempting to practice stalls in a 172. And it worked fine on one computer, then I moved over to another and I couldn't get it to go. Then I remembered to check the sensitivity, and that was my problem.Thomas[a href=http://www.flyingscool.com] http://www.flyingscool.com/images/Signature.jpg [/a]I like using VC's :-)N15802 KASH '73 Piper Cherokee Challenger 180