The trim lines of the door panels are easily simulated with trim tape (above left). The pilot figure is a veteran from prevoius missions. Flying wires were added to complete the look of a scale biplane. Bob and the
completed Bucker Jungmann(above right) await the first flight. The bright yellow trim scheme is easy on the eyes and easy to see in the air, even on a days without the benefit of full sun shine.
Flying The day we flew the Bucker was hot with variable clouds and an unpredictable breeze of about 10 miles per hour. I say “we” because my flying buddy, Jim Onorato, did the ini- tial flying as I snapped away with my Can- non Rebel. Jim and I both like the feel of the DX6i transmitter. The stick tension is just right. I inserted my system arming switch and
the Bucker came to life. Jim wanted to do some taxiing but the tail wheel was acting up so I pointed the plane into the breeze and re- leased it. It went a few feet and nosed over. The grass had not been cut so the next at- tempt was made as I held the fin while Jim poured on the coal. This worked out fine. The plane at full throttle accelerated slow-
A sweet, scale like takeoff and climb out makes for a picture perfect moment (above). A slight bank and slow fly by makes the author wish he was up there too (below).
ly at first and picked up speed. At about 75 feet from our go mark it lifted gently into a scale-like ascent. Jim flew back and forth at about 75–100 feet high. We were both pleas- antly surprised as it did not require any trimming. This is one of the few planes that I have built that required no trimming. The rudder has a lot of authority. Most of
the flying was done at three-quarter throt- tle at a scale-like speed. Jim put a lot of air between the plane and ground and tried for a stall. It did not happen. The Bucker just mushed on at idle and full up elevator. At full throttle and starting at level flight the plane will do a respectable loop. Rolls are also respectable. No, it’s not a Pitts, though. After flying for the camera back and forth
for over 12 minutes Jim brought the Bucker home. The approach was straight and level. The speed was constant. I expected it to slow down but it flew at a constant speed. Track- ing was straight and true for a smooth touchdown. Small wheels plus high grass usually equal nose over. Not in this case. I was pleasantly surprised by all the sub- sequent flights. The Bucker is a keeper. It is responsive at high rates and very gentle and forgiving at low rates. This plane would ap- peal to someone as a second plane. It would also be perfect for anyone who would like to try a bipe. Enjoy, I certainly have! See you at the field.
FLYING MODELS 53
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