The Wingo – My First Plane

First Flight:

I’ve read several times that you are supposed to have someone experienced teach you how to fly the plane. I agree that this would be a good thing, but I really don’t know anyone well enough for an imposition of this size. Besides, I’m rather independent and like to learn on my own. If I go into this expecting to crash several times before figuring it out, then I’ll get what I expect. Well, as you’ll read below, I got what I expected.

There is a large park with baseball diamonds and a soccer field adjacent to the rear of my property. It seems the perfect place to fly and is certainly convenient.

It’s winter here in Iowa, but it’s been mild. My 8 year old son and I took the Wingo out behind our house to the park for its first flight. I’d read that the Wingo does better with a hand launch than from a rolling take off so I decided to try the hand launch. I trimmed the rudder straight and the elevator level. I had balanced out the Wingo according to the instructions and knew that I should launch level with a moderate toss.

With the power at full throttle I gave a moderate toss straight ahead into a very mild wind (2-3mph). The plane went straight ahead and then sharply up and promptly stalled. It was in a stall before I could even get my throwing hand back down to the stick. I knew this was not a good situation so I pulled full back on the stick as the plane was diving from about 12 feet. Not quite enough room to pull up.

Here’s the damage:

• Fuselage broken completely in half behind the wing just in front of the tail boom.
• Prop blade broken off
• The plastic dowel that glues to the fuselage and holds the wing on (via rubber bands) broke off.
• Small chip of foam missing where the prop blade chopped it off.

Five minute epoxy easily took care of the fuselage. No problem. I got on line and ordered a couple of more props. I was surprised the prop broke because it’s a pusher, but it did.

I thought I’d have to wait for the new props to get here, but I started eyeing the prop and the 5 minute epoxy. Hmmmmmmmmm. Well, I tried it. Surprisingly I was able to epoxy it back together straight. I added a little scotch tape for added strength (a good hobby kind, not the cheap stuff) and then balanced the prop with another small piece of tape on the other side. This is probably a pretty hack thing to do, but most of my patience is used up on my kids and I was eager to try again. I tested it in the house (shielding my eyes) and it ran fine. I suppose performance is hurt by this, but I’m not very patient. So, I’m ready to try again.

Here’s what the plane looked like after the first flight. Read about the 2^nd Flight.