Canilizer Test

My BJ Craft Invitation is a solid performer. Updates and tweaks made recently have really improved small elements of its flight traits.  One aspect I would like to alter is rudder behavior. Like most, I gravitate to the latest designs and trends.  Widgets like canilizers, fences, fins, etc enhance fly performance for FAI competitors, these widgets can add challenges to lessor experienced pilots who fly in AMA classes in flight trimming, and learning rudder control.  With the current canilizer adding a bit too much rudder during rolling elements and or knife edge very easily sends the plane offline.

The invitation's canilizer wing is approx 2x the size of the one on the Two Epics I own.  In response to a recent FB post I made about wanting to try a smaller canilizer on the Invitation, A. Jesky mentioned he tried a smaller one on his Element which toned down rudder sensitivity which is what I'm after.  He also pointed me to the one available thru AJ Aircraft designed for the 2m Acuity.  Since they are $20 each I ordered two, one for the invitation and the other for the Epilogue if testing goes well with the Invitation.

Pics showing the size comparison, color change mounted ready to fly.  Now all I need is good flying weather.

SPA Sun Fli IV

 Performed final checks of my recently completed Bridi Sun Fli IV.

• CG - check
• Control surface linkages - check
• Radio setup - check
• Engine/tank configuration- check
• RTF weight 5lbs, 7ozs - check

SPA in SE Texas is alive and well.  I intend to try competing in a couple upcoming 2023 events along with AMA Masters events.  My goal was to keep it light and simple by not using retracts or a tuned exhaust.  Like the previous SF IV I built and flew in the early 2000s it's powered by an ASP 61 an OS clone outfitted with an OS 7M carb.  As I do with 2c and 4c engines I'll be using CoolPower 30% heli blend for fuel. As soon as the weather permits I'll test run the motor at the house before going to the field.

Mods and options.

• Added a rudder sub fin
• Removable canopy
• dedicated servo for nose wheel steering
  
• standard muffler replaced with a Macs flow thru
• Wing build using an Adjusto-jig
• Sheeting added top and bottom of stab/elevators
• Rear bearing supported pushrod to manage split elevator halves
• 2-aileron servos
• Pull-pull rudder system

My previous Sun Fli was a lot of fun to take out Sunday evenings and weekday evenings during calm winds.  I am hopeful this is too but add an element of being competitive in SPA Expert.   Whether or not it's competitive soon I'll start construction of a Bridi Dirty Birdy I plan to use retracts and a tuned exhaust.

Links:

Completed framework

Wing construction

Tail sections

BJ Craft Invitation G2 update

Recent weather in SE Texas has been fabulous for pattern flying. Besides the mild temps and light winds, the air density has been great for confirming flight trim, CG, and radio setups. With Power, airframes and equipment do not show wear as fast as when I flew YS shakers.  This has enabled me to retain for a longer period a small fleet of very capable ready-to-fly planes such as an Epic plus, Epic Evo, Invitation G2, an Epilogue.

 In the last couple of flying sessions, I pulled the Invitation off the shelf. It’s been sitting idle since 2021. After a couple of flights, the plane felt locked. This plane is easy to adjust to, and the simple color scheme is visible at all angles and distances in the aerobatic box. I applied condition tweaks used on the Epilogue for snaps and spins to the Invitation's setups which significantly improved the predictability and consistency of these maneuvers. The Invitation is locked and loaded for 2023.  

This winter I plan to experiment with a smaller T-can wing in an attempt to reduce rudder sensitivity and overall authority.  I ordered from AJ Aircraft the T-can used on the 2m Acuity. for testing. If the results are positive I'll construct a more permanent version from scratch

 Before the weather turns cool/cold to fly I’m looking forward to revisiting both Epics to ensure they are ready for 2023. If I’m lucky (get the nerve) I may sneak in the maiden on the Angel’s Shadow bipe.

                                     Invitation G2

                                       

                                     Epic +

                                       Epic Evo

                                        Epilogue

                                     Angel's Shadow V20