Training Handles?

I would like to get some input about the use of a second handle while teaching a totally raw new flyer how to fly C/L.
I have seen handles hooked to each other so the experienced flyer can take control of the plane if the new flyer gets in trouble.
I would appreciate any input as to weather this is a good method, and how to hook up the handles.
Jerry Bohn

I forget who brought up this method, but it makes sense. Simply make a couple of foot long cables and hook a 2nd handle up to the leadouts. While your student flys, realease preasure on your handle with the cables. When the plane is in trouble, pull back on the handle and take over.

BLACK HAWK
First if you are using 1/2A plane to train then a good "D" handle is the best as you can slip your hand over the outside and take over control. On the larger planes it depends on the age/ability of the tyro. From teenager up a single handle and a solid trainer is best, when using a trainning handle there is more a battle of wills. Younger flyers should start off on 1/2A or Whip Power then move on to the bigger stuff. I have found that the training handle is of little help and with a little preflight pratice you can take control of any handle during flight. One more thing this "help" is for 1 or 2 flights only, after that they will be able to solo.
Larry

Larry, I would be giving young adults to Senior citizens a chance to try flying
As I fly alone, I get people stopping by occasionally to ask questions about what I am doing and would like to invite them to try it. Also, I would like to take aquaintences out just to give them a taste of C/L.
I'm trying to find the most fool proof method to protect my .40 size stunt pattern practice planes from immediate disaster.
I don't know if I trust the hand on hand method. Perhaps I will get more input and see what the prefered method is.
Thanks for your input, Jerry

Below are pics of Warren Wagner's and Ed Culver's dual control handles. This seems like a better approach to me. Take off, fly dual for awhile, including some maneuvers, perhaps, then let the student have it. Steve

I made a version of this type of dual handle. I never got a chance to test it out.

Having flown with many adults and children, I find the best handle is the "D" shaped racing handle, the one with the knob on the bottom for line adjustments. I use the knob as the top of the handle (the up line). The trainee puts their hand in the center and mine is outside in front. Two reasons why this works. I can make corrections by turning the knob and I am also able to make corrections with my fingers by raising the up line or occasionally dropping the down line.

Several times I have had trainees with death grips on the handle. It's easier to correct with the lines than strong arm them. I tried a dual handle and I still like the d handle. The size is also excellent for kids, being rounded, it's easy on the hands. Sometime an E-Z just is too long and if they have a grip too high or too low, you'll be fighting to stay level.

The double handle can work , but needs a lot of foot speed on the instructor part.We had some success with a second handle on short line extentions, very busy and the plane bounced a lot:)
We have the best success with a very long and narow single handle ,cut from ply. 8IN. long by about 6 tall. The long length lets the pilot get a lot of feedback due to self centering and the amount of handle lets the trainer just guide it around. trim the plane for a slight bit of up, and nose heavy, with not o lot of control. maybe just enough to do a large Loop. less than that and you will run into the ground, trying to save it.
IMHE the long handle has flown a bunch of kids, very easily.
MM
PS the best plane is a .15 size for flyability, rotation speed.crash resistance...
When you get the rotation speed of the Plastic fantastic down to a slow,training friendly, speed the wind resistance blows it around too much, plus the weight of the plane does not center itself on the handle feel. The instructor gets tired very quick also. The 15s can go all day.
The 1/2A are a great second plane to fly, due to the response (of a good one.)

Draw a rectangle, 6x8, cut a hole inside big enough to get your hand. Make provision to attatch the wires at various separations, I.E. weed wacker line. I usually add some hockey stick tape to the hand area. I have given enough of these away , someone should have a pic!!. MM

LAST EDITED ON Nov-24-04 AT 04:50 PM (CST)
 
Thanks for the ongoing discussions, I think I will build that handle, and use the other methods also, depending on the new flyer, diffrent strokes for diffrent folks or young teens. You can tell what level of peoples understanding is, especially if you get that deer in the headlights look.
I think two of Tom Morris's handles would be easily adaptible to hook up in the double hand handle, just two connecting bars and a couple long screws.
Jerry Bohn