Frequently Asked Questions

Flying the IFOs

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1. The best place to start flying the IFO is probably at a schoolyard or park on an extremely dead calm still day. The idea is to not battle learning to fly a new type of model while trying to dodge tables and the dog.

2. I recommend to start flying with the lower voltage recommended battery pack. This light wing loading model flies well on the lower voltage packs and the higher voltage packs should be reserved for more aggressive experienced flying.

((Below: Photo sent by Boomer)
3. Set control surface throws to about 25 degrees up and 25 degrees down at the elevon trailing edge. Start with a hands-off-the-transmiter trailing edge upward elevon position of about 1/8". Make sure the C.G. is in the correct position, but it can tolerate at least a +/- 1/4" from where it's shown on the plans. I've flown IFO an inch behind the plans C.G. but it starts to become unstable in pitch. If necessary, adjust the CG by either remounting the receiver and/or battery.

4. First try some short straight-ahead ground hops. Push full throttle with about 1/2 up elevator. As soon as the IFO is airborne, reduce throttle and settle back into the ground flaring with full up elevator with some throttle. Practice good throttle coordination on these hops. Throttle usage is as important as elevon usage. During cruise you will throttle back to save battery and to not over speed the model. You'll need full power during high angle of attack flight down to 3 mph and full power to muscle your way out of tight corners. (If you have the T-IFO, practice taxiing as much as possible before flying)

5. Once you are comfortable with short flight hops, try to transition to flying over grass as you open the flight envelope. BUT DO NOT TRY AEROBATICS WITH THE REDUCED CONTROL THROWS.

6. After becoming fully comfortable with the model, set the elevon deflection between 35 to 45 degrees up and 35 to 45 degrees down with at least -50% exponential to reduce the touchiness at small throws. However, the reduced control throw is great for pylon racing and letting someone else try for the first time.

7 . When diving towards the ground, ALWAYS reduce the throttle. When looping, KEEP FULL UP (or full down for outside loops) ON THE DOWNSIDE OF THE LOOP so as to not go too fast. Rolls are trickier. Enter a roll at full throttle. Raise the nose about 15 degrees. Give full aileron deflection. When rolling through inverted push a little down elevator into it to keep the nose up. Keep rolling all the way through. Maybe a good way to start practicing rolls is to do a half roll to inverted and then push FULL DOWN. This will perform a half outside loop back to right side up.

The maneuvers this model can do are incredible and will keep the adrenaline pumping! Half loops are 4' or less in diameter. Full inside or outside loops are about 4' to 6' in diameter. Unintentional Inverted landings due to low battery will not damage the model. Horizontal eights and rolls are a snap. We have performed indoor air races using helium balloons from the local florist shop to hold up ribbons that represent the pylons. The two pylons were spaced about 30' apart. It's harder than it looks but talk about a hoot!!

On calm days we have flown in the front yard, back yard and the park. For me, flying indoors and dodging obstacles is half the fun. We have performed combat using 3' long X 3/4" wide streamers made of toilet paper tied to 6' of thread. Indoor combat could add a whole new dimension to indoor flying - and this is just the model to do it!

Wild R/C, Inc.