Pitch problems with some models...advice??

[mike4678]

I have downloaded numerous (for me) models of FS2002 aircraft and have enjoyed the labors of many brighter minds than my own. Still, I have a few models that are completely unflyable.

What I'm experiencing is that after takeoff, the aircraft will pitch up almost vertically. Usually after the plane has reached its max speed or nearing cruise speed. Trim settings will cause the model to "twirl". Rudder inputs will cause the plane to yaw out of vertical and I can keep it near a more natural state of flight for a few moments and then I'm back to vertical.

Kind of cool looking on the screen but I'm glad I'm not experiencing that reality. I'm not sure a Constellation can survive a 6,000 fpm climb rate. Other effected aircraft are: B-1B; E2C Hawkeye, B29 and F-14D.

I'm using a Saitek force feedback stick(w/twist). I might add that the majority of my other models operate as they are intended.

Any ideas or suggestions are welcome.



Mike4678

[RollerBall]

Hi Mike

Not an uncommon problem I'm afraid. There are one or two great designers out there who also insist on doing their own FDEs when they ought to just stick to design! Otherwise they have just taken any old fde for their otherwise superb aircraft and not been sufficiently demanding without recognising that a great model is pretty useless unless it flies right!

You either have to look around for a replacement fde for the aircraft OR swap the fde from a 'similar' aircraft that flies in the way you want OR you have to redo the fde yourself.

I've done the latter quite a few times, some I've uploaded but most I haven't.

The question always arises - how do you edit fde (there's one on the forum right now). I get quite a few emails asking the question.

The answer is BY DOING IT. It can be hard work and VERY time consuming to get exactly what you're looking for (I spent weeks and weeks on a Dash 8 and I'm still not completely satisfied). But like many things to do with simming - there's no short cut. Noone can give you step by step instructions how to do it. You do it and learn by your mistakes. If you're patient and willing to learn, you succeed. If you're not, you don't. Simple as that.

Sorry I can't be more helpful!



Roger

[miketerry]

Thanks for the guidance.  I didn't suspect an easy option but at least I learned a lot more about the craft of model design.

[fisharno]

Question for you, Mike....

You're not using full throttle on take off are you?
Try to back off the throttle when taking off. Use only about 3/4, and see if the handling is easier.

Remember, 250 kts, below 10,000 ft.  :D

[mike4678]

I hadn't thought of that.  Yes, I've had the throttle to the stops during takeoff.  The virtual passengers complain much less if their tongues are forced to the back of their throats.

The problem occurs after take off.  The plane will be controllable after I pull up the gear.  While not always the case, when I set trim for climb, I will then experience the vertical attitude.  Probably because there isn't enough power, the plane won't try to loop.

I've tried backing off power, setting flaps, aileron rolls, and rudder inputs and can sometimes return to more near level flight.  Once I return near cruise speed, the pitch problem kicks back in.  

While you all are scratching your heads, I don't fly with full throttle and keep the speed within the cruise range...unless it is a single seat fighter and they beg me to turn perfectly good money into speed.

I did like the previous person's post about the plane flight dynamics.  I have wondered about the setting on my force feedback but I have that set to minimums.  

[RollerBall]

Mike,

Don't forget that heavies with full fuel especially just as in real life, at take off can manage a climb rate of 2000 + fpm. However, you have to step this rate down as you climb. By FL 200 it's doubtful you'll be achieving much more than 1000 fpm and less by FL 300.

If you try to maintain your rate of climb, the aircraft will progressively pitch nose up until it stalls - irrecoverably if you leave it too late.

That's not an fde problem

[mike4678]

That's a good suggestion and I'll definitely try it as I'm open to any ideas.  I guess all things are relative in simulations as are simulated heavies.  

The twirling action  that comes after the vertical pitch up is similar to a flat spin except there is no loss of altitude.  It is more of a lateral rotation on the center axis.  It really appears to be a sort of conflict within the model design.  

Throughout the experience the stick is essentially nonresponsive except that it is forced to the rear of its travel.

I'm presuming that some of may be model designers and all I can say is that what is created, by and large, is quite ingenius.  My hat is off to all of you.