ERJ-135 (FREEWARE VERSION) Porpoising at cruise altitude

[Trevor Henderson GLE165]

Does anyone else experience porpoising when cruising on AP in FSX with our ERJ-135 freeware model?  

[Paul Herman GLE100]

Trevor,

I have not flown that model, however it seems that the Dreamwings aircraft have a tendency to act this way.  Perhaps our fleet manager can take a look at that.  He is tied up right now but I will put it on the list for us to address.

Thank You

[Trevor Henderson GLE165]

No worries.  I had two flights in a row that did that followed by one that did not so it appears to be hit or miss.

[Kevin Hardy GLE144]

This happens on the FS9 version too I'm afraid - nothing major but is noticeable 

Paul - you say our Fleet Manager is tied up presently - are we going to pay the ransom or just let him sweat for a bit ? 

[David Webb GLE142]

Fleet Manager is tied up presently

I managed to get one hand free, long enough to write this quick note. 

Thank you Trevor and Kevin.  Feedback like this is essential to help us continue to improve the fleet.  As much detail as you can provide will help me reach a solution sooner too.  I'm not asking you to necessarily take notes or be test pilots for me (unless you want to  ), but any patterns you happen to notice will be helpful, such as the problem only happens under certain weather conditions, or at certain altitudes or speeds, or only under a full moon on Tuesdays, etc.

I have quite a lot going on at the moment, but I promise you this has been added to my list of things to look into and I will get to it just as soon as I can.

Thanks in advance for your patience.

[Trevor Henderson GLE165]

Sounds like the man needs an assistant!

I'll do some more analysis and let you know.  I have installed an FSX panel recently (emberjpn.zip at www.flightsim.com), will try and change it over to the default CRJ panel for a flight and see if that makes any difference.

[David Webb GLE142]

Thanks Trevor.  Based upon what I suspect about this particular problem, I would be surprised if the panel has any effect on the porpoising problem, but let me know if you find anything.

As Paul mentioned, it may well prove to be that the Dreamwings flight dynamics have similar issues, since this sounds like the same type of issues I had to work out with the new Dash 8 we are rolling out this week.  I learned quite a bit about this type of problem, working with that airplane, so hopefully I can apply that knowledge here as well.

Here's a quick question: Does the pitch up and down seem extra sensitive during any phase of flight, either when hand flying or on autopilot?  Part of what I have to determine is whether the problem lies with the flight dynamics of the aircraft in general or just with the autopilot.

[Kevin Hardy GLE144]

Here's a quick question: Does the pitch up and down seem extra sensitive during any phase of flight, either when hand flying or on autopilot?  Part of what I have to determine is whether the problem lies with the flight dynamics of the aircraft in general or just with the autopilot.

David - on the FS9 version it's only when the a/p is engaged.  I noticed that as soon as you level out at cruise altitude the porpoising then begins and is very apparent, though not severe, until reaching cruise speed; at that point the effect is, for want of a better word, slight.  This disappears though when beginning descent.  When flying by hand - no problem.

hth 

[David Webb GLE142]

Thank you Kevin, that is helpful.

[Trevor Henderson GLE165]

I would agree with Kevin's synopsis.  I see the same behavior with it in FSX.

Has anyone tried the Posky version of this A/C?

[David Webb GLE142]

Gentlemen, I believe I'm close to a solution to this problem.  I just need another day or two of flight testing to confirm that my fix is safe.  If it is, then I'll get it out to you right away.

[Paul Herman GLE100]

Thanks David. 

The only thing I remember about the POSKY versions is that the model is not as attractive as the Dreamwings model and it runs like ROCKET.  Almost point the aircraft strait in the air and it still gains speed.  Needless to say the flight dynamics are pretty bad.  I am sure that David can fix the current model!

Good Luck David

[Trevor Henderson GLE165]

Thanks David.  I would be happy to do some additional flight testing for you.

Paul, thanks for the heads-up on the Posky version.  I had not tried it yet so that is why I asked.  Now I know not to waste time with it.

Perhaps I just need to carve out some time and learn the Feelthere version.   

[David Webb GLE142]

Well I came down sick with something nasty today and had to stay home from work.    That's good news for you, though, because I finished testing my ERJ-135 porpoising fix.

Here you go, Trevor, Kevin, and anyone else who wants it.  I made a new Aircraft.cfg for both versions of FS.  Just do the usual backup and replace maneuver for the appropriate FS version and off you go!  I gave them both a pretty thorough testing, but you can never be too careful.  I recommend taking her for at least a brief check ride before carrying passengers, so you can check her handling out.

You should find the porpoising effect gone.  You may also find that she handles just a little different than before, she should now fly a little less touchy on the controls.

I'm going back to bed now, but do let me know what you think when you have a chance...

[Paul Herman GLE100]

I did a little digging tonight into the E135.  I had the POSKY version running at Premier Quicklink and that is the version we will change to as soon as I can get it painted up.  I have my hands full right now getting Hartford all set to go but I should be able to get started later in the week.

Thank You.