Sovereign modifications - spoilers...

[fprintf]

I'll be ordering a Sovereign very soon. One of the suggestions has been to add spoilers and while they don't come with the kit I gather they are easy to add. In fact one kit (Bird of Time I think) comes with the parts but no instructions other than "an experienced builder of the level for this kit should already know how to engineer spoilers". Well I am a brand new builder with no clue how to build them.

So with that said, are there any instructions on the web for how to add spoilers to a built up wing?

Does anyone know if the Sovereign comes with the instructions already in the box (if not the parts)?

Thanks!

[Ollie]

Spoilers are useful for adding drag to limit airspeed when diving out of a thermal but there are other safe ways to do it without spoilers. Spoilers are useful in controlling the final glide path for precision landings in contests.

Your decision should be based on your priorities. If your first priority is to become a better pilot, then I recommend that you wait until you have built a couple of models first. You can train yourself faster in flying fundamentals without spoilers. You should be able to land nine out of ten times in a 10 foot diameter circle before you start to use spoilers to be able to land nine out of ten times in a three foot diameter circle. If you start using spoilers too soon in the process you may never learn to land precisely. Landing precision is good training for thermalling precision. To thermal precisely you must be able to put the plane where you want it with the right amount of stall margin. This is the same skill that you practise when you land without the help of spoilers.

If you just want to goof around and try what all the hot fliers are using then put in spoilers now but, you may never become a hot flier yourself or if you do it will take longer.

[Rod B.]

I just ordered a Sovereign Saturday, and plan to incorporate a spoiler or spoilers. I e-mailed Laser Arts regarding this, and it appears that no instructions are included for the addition of spoilers. A lot of fellows have done it, but it does require some experience. Once the plane is built, you would have to remove the covering from the wing to add spoilers, but without experience you might be better off just flying without, until you have enough experience--especially with the mechanics of spoilers and adding a servo. I'll keep you up to date on my construction as it progresses. Feel free to ask questions--you can private message me if you don't want to clutter up the forum.

Rod B.

[chlee]

fprintf,
Have you considered the Jester, also made by LaserArts? The kit apparently comes with spoilers.

Ollie, your advice is helpful as usual (I'll practice my landings without spoilers for a while).

-Chung

[fprintf]

Thanks Ollie and everyone. I'll build my first one exactly according to the plans and then do as has been suggested and buy a second one to mess around with later (widen v-tail dihedral, enlarge tails slightly, add spoilers).

Thanks,
Stuart