Flying the Abacus DC-3

Install the Abacus DC-3 into your FS2000, FS98 or CFS \aircraft folder. If you haven't alredy done so, follow the instructions on our installation page. The Abacus DC-3 is a joy to fly. If you look at this beautiful bird from the outside, you'll see that it's a taildragger. Taildraggers steer differently than aircraft with nose wheels. To steer the DC-3, you'll use the engines. To steer left apply throttle to the right engine only while keeping the left engine throttle closed. To steer right, reverse the process: apply throttle to left engine and keep the right engine throttle closed. NOTE: Use the mouse to apply throttle to one of the red throttle levers. When your lined up on the runway, give it full throttle. At about 65-70 knots, the tail will slowly lift off the runway surface. Don't pull back on the yoke just yet. When the ground speed reaches about 80 knots, pull back on the yoke slightly and you'll feel the DC-3 float itself into the air. When you're abeam the end of the runway tuck the main gear into the undercarriage. Climb out at about 100 knots for a 1500fpm rate of climb. Landing the DC-3 is a cinch. Give yourself a mile to stabilize with a 700 fpm descent rate. Approach speed on short final is about 80 knots with full flaps. Keep in mind that with a taildragger you'll want to set her down on the main gear. When the speed bleeds off, the tail will gently settle onto the runway surface.

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Revision 6204