Intro

Here is a statement from the former F3a World Champion, Chip Hyde

”I want to mention that I learned something yesterday. I have always said that mixing is not a bad thing if you take the time to get it right. Well after 34 years of flying pattern and 25 of designing planes I came to the conclusion that no mix at all is better. Not so much for when your on knife edge but for all the transitions to and from. It is really true when there is no coupling of any kind. My, split rudder is working perfectly and no matter who is flying the rolling manuevers all look the same.“

How many hours have you spent at the field trimming your new plane? How many times have you been totally confused about certain behaviours your plane is exhibiting? Have you ever surfed the web looking for information about trimming your airplane to fly properly? There isnt very much information out there. Not until now anyway....

This is a set of articles describing a new concept called Triangulation Trimming. It has been taken straight from the brain of one of the worlds most profound designers, and is destined to create a revolution in the pattern and competition world.

Please read the following reviews of these concepts...

”For many years I trimmed my pattern models using methods and guides advised by various well known international competitors, both from the UK and abroad. I thought my models flew well. I then came across the Bryan Herbert triangulation method of trimming and thought I would see how it worked on the models I was flying. I was amazed at the results. I had been flying with the C of G too rearward for many years and my models had the exact characteristics that Bryan said a tail heavy model would have. Since then I have used Bryan’s triangulation method on all my models - monoplanes and bipes - and found that they fly superbly. Although I compete a lot less now I have shared the concepts with other UK pattern competitors who are prepared to listen and each of them have moved the C of G forward and used the triangulation method with success. I can honestly say it is the only trimming method I would now use.“

”Back in 2007 I started conversing with Bryan about his trimming methods. At the time I was having difficulties getting my Twister to behave properly under all conditions, and I always remember hearing how Bryan%27s designs had no mixing and flew very true. Having never experienced a plane that flew like that, I first was a bit sceptical but open to the process.“

”Over many emails, flights, and even switching designs from the Twister to Integral I really started to understand where Bryan was coming from and how he was setting his planes up. I was able to eliminate mixing from my Twister, and my Integral through thrust, incidence and CG adjustments. I have also since been able to repeatedly achieve the same results on my new Xigris airplanes and friend’s airplanes regardless of design.“

”While a little bit of mixing is generally not considered a bad thing, and was something I never worried about, I have since changed my view after learning how to get planes mix free. Coupling regardless of how small will show up, and becomes very challenging to deal with when flying difficult schedules like the FAI F schedules. A mix free airplane in those sequences significantly reduces pilot workload, which allows you to focus on other aspects of the manoeuvre.“

”Taking the time to learn and apply Bryan’s techniques have helped me to achieve better results, and I would encourage everyone else to take the time and apply them as well to improve your own results!“

”Not sure if you remember me but we met at the Nats last year in Muncie. I took the liberty of posting your notes on triangulation trimming on my website at http://members.shaw.ca/patternwestnews/rcnews.htm (along with credit to you of course!) We have followed it closely and it is working well.“

”I’d like to thank you for providing me with the solution to trim my untrimable Beryll. (searching your posts on RCU) All that was initially wrong with it, was it wouldn’t roll axially. Tried aileron differential, that didn’t work. Tried a so called you beaut trick of mixing aileron to elevator, that didn’t work. Nothing worked. Anyway, in the end this is the best model i have had so far. (after trimming it of course)It goes straight up, straight down. Knife edge is perfect. I have no aileron differential. Bugger all expo. The only downside is with a forward C of G, i have to be careful so it doesn’t nose over on takeoff. I can live with that. From the factory they are setup zero zero. I had to give it heaps of positive incidence, a little up thrust and move the C of G forward.“

”It has made me look at all the trimming articles with sheer disgust. I can see why you have had problems trying to convince people. I just don’t say unless they ask and are prepared to listen.“

”I began modeling as a kid, building and flying U control. I came back to it fifteen years later and when I do something it’s usually in a big way, In my exploits I wound up managing a hobby shop where some of the local pattern flyers mentioned a guest from Dixie R/C would be visiting the field that evening. That’s where I met Bryan Hebert who was visiting to promote pattern activity in our area. He was flying his new STORM 60 at the time. Bryan, a prolific builder, amazing with MonoKote, and a great promoter of the sport, now entered the field of F3A competition plane design. With a great looking and flying new ship and a radical trim method he made friends and enemies alike.

In those days zero/zero incidence was an uncontested law. The first I heard of anything different was when Bryan had me increase the incidence in my Tipo. That’s right a Tiporare. I took some wood home with that guy. One judge looked at me and said, ”my Tipo never landed like that.“ My next victim was a modified Dash Five. I took it to Dixie, to see what Mr. Hebert thought about it. He liked my mods but said the stab needed to be lower. I said How Much? and went home and cut it out and rebuilt it. When Bryan saw that, he realized he had someone who believed in him. That was the beginning of a friendship that grew into a partnership called, Executive AirFrames or EXAF. Our goal from the beginning was to produce planes that when set up properly required "no mixing" for the required sequences. Each plane was an individually serial numbered treasure, IMHO.

Bryan was always on the cutting edge of design and was mocked all the day long on the NSRCA list. They mocked his, sharp leading edges, the location of the high point in his airfoil, his use of Pos/Pos incidence, stab and wing positions, cheeks, scoops, counter balances, and just about anything he did. Bryan has been and is a consistent contribution to the sport of pattern and I’m glad to see he’s finally getting his kudos’ from the fraternity. It’s been a long time comming. Thanks.“