Note: All testing was done with a 50% fuel load and realism sliders set to 100%. Less experienced fliers should consider reducing the P-Factor realism slider to zero.
Takeoff and climb out:
Fuel load 50% (tip tanks empty)
Set trim two notches from the top
Release brakes and gradually apply full power. The plane will pull strongly to the left due to P-Factor so be ready to feed in a large amount of right rudder to keep the plane near the centerline. As the speed builds gradually pull back on the stick until you break loose. Rotation speed is approximately 60 knots. As you climb out gradually relax back pressure until the sick reaches the neutral position. Reduce power slightly and adjust trim for desired climb rate.
Cruise:
Set power and trim for desired cruise speed. Standard rate turns are very comfortable, you'll need rudder to keep the turns coordinated and you'll need a little opposite aileron once the turn is established.
Pattern and landing:
Reduce power to approximately 20% and trim for 80 knots. Because of the geometry of the airplane this will require a very large trim change. Just drop the power and keep the sink rate at zero with trim. Once at 80 knots adjust power to keep your sink rate at zero. Proper trim position here is 4 notches from the bottom. After you turn final, cut power and trim out for about 65 knots, bring back enough power to maintain a sink rate of about 500 fPM, adjust as needed. At the threshold, cut power and settle in with a long slow flair. The plane will float a long way so go easy on the flair and don't start it too high, especially if you've landed long.
