Flaperons/Spoilerons on 2m

[GNieuwoudt]

I am setting up a 2m thermal glider with ailerons and would need some help. I want to use the ailerons to do flap or spoiler function as well. What would work best and how mutch throw would you use for the flap or spoiler function. (My aileron is hindged at the top skin.)

Cheers

Gert
South Africa

[mattg]

I think that the consensus is that for landing you should use the ailerons as spoilerons. This creates washout at the tips and should mean that as your flair for the landing you won't tip stall the plane. If you use them as downgoing flaps then tip stalling when flaring is much more likely. They will steepen your glide path and increase drag because the rest of the wing will have to fly at higher angles of attack as the plane slows down.

I like the effect of spoilerons, they seem to deaden any roll instability that might be caused by gusts or rotors and they certainly make for nice landing aids.

30-40 degrees up is a good place to start, some down elevator compensation will probably be needed, best to test them up high first and plan on making your first landing without them in case your elevator is way off.

See what they other guys say before you make the first flight with them.

[Ollie]

The size and deflection of of the ailerons affects the direction and size of elevator compensation required. As mattg says, do your flight testing at a safe altitude. Be prepared to make several rounds of flight testing and adjustments before you get it to perform the way you want.

[davidleitch]

You might also consider putting the spoileron function on the throttle stick rather than on a switch. this will allow the spoilerons to be applied gradually which helps in precise glide path control.