Focus Control Throws

[jed241 at msn.com]

Good news is that I flew my Focus for the first time today and it was awesome. I didn't realize I could fly that smooth.

Bad news...After take off I immediately realized that my ailerons were not as responsive as I like. Roll rate was about 1 roll per second. Flying my Aresti in the 12 to 15 mph winds probably gave me too much confidence that it wasn't too windy (Aresti roll rate is about 3 per second). Flying was not a problem...Landing proved to be more than a challenge and I cart wheeled the Focus in.

No major damage other than the cowl looks rough and I need to build a new engine mount box. No other damage and should be 3 to 5 hours for all repairs.

Question---> Did I stall? -or- Did I not have enough Aileron to counter the crosswind gust? My flying buddy said it look like a gust of wind rolled me over.

Right as my wheels were getting ready to touch it started rolling to the left, I had full deflection of right aileron and could not prevent the left wing from catching the runway for a nice tumble. It wasn't hard, but the spinner caught the ground and the engine mount box gave. Came to rest on the mains.

I thought my approach was hot, but compared to the Aresti I was flying it could have been deceiving. RPM should have been about 2,500 with a 15x12W prop. CG is right on. The control surfaces were not sealed (will be now). Attitude was level and not flared, I was in a crab approach for my landing and fighting wings level.

Control throws per plans at 1/2 inch up/down. I thought that was a bit light so I used 5/8 up/down. I was not using spoilers or flaps. The guy I bought the plane from said he flew it per the plans throws and was great...

Don't want to make the same mistake again, as I am very luck to have minor damage.

What is everyone else using for throws on Elevator and Aileron?

Larry Diamond
NSRCA 3083
AMA 5024
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