I bought the Ruby a 2 meter molded sailplane some years ago in the hopes it would be a competetive TD sailplane, not so IMHO as it's a bit heavy and I don't think the airfoil (MH 32) is really suited for slowing down and floating even with a few clicks of camber based on my experiences so far. However it's been a great multi purpose sailplane ie slope/thermal which is perfect for our hill in Pompano Beach FL. Today (Friday) was a perfect example of such as it was quite windy, my guess being 20 mph + with gusts a bit higher. The Ruby LOVES these conditions and combining it with strong thermals is where she really shines. With some down trim she really scoots along and with the strong thermals she climbs well and what is really impressive to me is her ability to penetrate with no ballast in these kinds of winds. With some altitude I was able to penetrate up wind with no problems at all searching for other streeting thermals till I was close to the limits of my aging vision (still pretty good) and even going down wind a bit presented no problems as far as getting back in front of the hill at a safe altitude. Basic aerobatics ie rolls, loops, chandelles, and stall turns (gotta use that rudder) are routine in nature and quite graceful as long as you have adequate airspeed + some altitude. Today for me anyways was one of those days when you discover the potential of a plane you may have felt just so-so about.

My second outing with the KA-8 was much better given the addition of aprox 1/2 oz of lead to the nose before the flight. The addition of nose weight from the first flights and now this later amount has brought the cg closer to 70mm from the leading edge vs the 75mm suggested in the instructions. At this point I think I am at the rearward limit of the cg envelope and could no doubt go farther forward if I wanted. The KA-8 indicates and climbs very well in lift as I had her up quite a ways several times having to use full spoilers with turning slips to keep her from climbing and specking out. There was also slope lift later ie a moderate breeze and she flies well there also. I have found that leading with the rudder just before initiating the bank for turns seems to work well and even some "top" rudder while in the turns creates a flatter turn. (the rudder push rod clevis is in the innermost hole of the control horn, max throw) The landings are very "scale" as the spoilers are not over effective ie slowing the plane down with too much drag and flaring with full spoilers creates a very realistic scale landing. I'm real happy now with the way the KA-8 flies and she flies and looks so scale.
Happy soaring!