FUTABA 12FG Instruction Manual page 8

AT THE FLYING FIELD
Always pay particular attention to the flying field's rules, as well as the presence and location of spectators, the wind
direction, and any obstacles on the field. Be very careful flying in areas near power lines, tall buildings, or communication
facilities as there may be radio interference in their vicinity. If you must fly away from a club field, be sure there are no other
modelers flying within a three-to-five-mile range, or you may lose control of your aircraft or cause someone else to lose con-
trol.
Before flying, be sure that the frequency you intend to fly with is not in use, and secure any frequency control
device (pin, tag, etc.) for that frequency before turning on your transmitter. It is never possible to fly two or more mod-
els on the same frequency at the same time. Even though there are different types of modulation (AM, FM, PCM), only
one model may be flown on a single frequency at any one time.
Stop flying long before your batteries become low on charge. Do not rely on your radio's low-battery warning sys-
tems, which are intended only as a precaution, to tell you when to recharge. Always check your transmitter and
receiver batteries prior to each flight.
To prevent possible damage to your radio gear, turn the power switches on and off in the proper sequence:
1. Set the throttle stick to the idle position, or otherwise disarm your motor/engine.
2. Fully extend the transmitter antenna.
3. Turn on the transmitter power and allow your transmitter to reach its home screen.
4. Confirm the proper model memory has been selected.
5. Turn on your receiver power.
6. Test all controls. If a servo operates abnormally, don't attempt to fly until you determine the cause of the problem. (For
PCM systems only: Test to ensure that the Failsafe settings are correct by waiting at least 2 minutes after adjusting. Then,
turn the transmitter off and confirm the proper surface/throttle movements. Turn the transmitter back on.)
7. Start your engine.
8. Complete a full range check.
9. After flying, bring your throttle stick to idle position, engage any kill switches or otherwise disarm your
motor/engine.
10. Turn off receiver power.
11. Turn off transmitter power.
If you do not turn on your system in this order, you may damage your servos or control surfaces, flood your engine, or in
the case of electric-powered or gasoline-powered models, the engine may unexpectedly turn on and cause a severe injury.
While you are getting ready to fly, if you place your transmitter on the ground, be sure that the wind won't tip
it over. If it is knocked over, the throttle stick may be accidentally moved, causing the engine to speed up. Also, dam-
age to your transmitter may occur.
Before taxiing, be sure to extend the transmitter antenna to its full length. A collapsed antenna will reduce your
flying range and cause a loss of control. It is a good idea to avoid pointing the transmitter antenna directly at the model,
since the signal is weakest in that direction.
Don't fly in the rain! Water or moisture may enter the transmitter through the antenna or stick openings and cause
erratic operation or loss of control. If you must fly in wet weather during a contest, be sure to cover your transmitter
with a waterproof barrier. Never fly if lightning is expected.
Never turn the transmitter off during flight! Switching the transmitter off and on during flight will very likely cause
a crash because of the time required for the transmitter to "reboot" and become fully functional.
8
Introduction