RC Guys Super Decathlon Maiden Flight

Wally Makuchal, Jr and fellow pilot and friend Bob Spurr test flying a Super Decathlon with a smoke trail system. The engine used here is a Zenoah G38 but has since been replaced with a DLE 55 with smoke. A great flying machine. The plane was tested at the Girdletree RC Airfield in Girdletree, MD. The plane will be tested again with new engine in April 2011.

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• airplane
• RC
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• Super
• Decathlon
• outacontrol41

[outacontrol41]

Chris, the G38 was upgraded by B&B Specialties with a spring starter. I didn't flip it...I pulled clockwise on the prop and let go. Also, the engine was already warm.

I never found out what caused the deadstick. My guess is some air bubbles may have reached the carb or maybe it was almost out of gas and I rolled hard and the fuel clunk took in air. It was fine after I refueled.

No, I have not flown the plane with the new DLE 55 yet. Look for video of that this coming spring.

[outacontrol41]

I swapped engines because the G38, although well matched for this plane, lacked power for basic aerobatics when I added the extra weight of the smoke system and a full tank of smoke oil. With a 22x10 prop and a pound lighter now it should perform very well. Watch for upcoming video.

[Ruffpuppys]

zenoah engines are reliable but lack the needed power

[chrisfev01]

Wow, that G38 started on the first flip. I've never been able to get mine to start that easily!

A few quick questions:

Any idea what caused the dead-stick?

Have you flown the aircraft with the new DLE 55 yet?

Why did you choose to swap the G38 out?

Thanks!