Table of Contents
Advertisement
CHECK LIST
During the last few moments of preparation your mind may be
elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the first flight.
Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain
checks and procedures that should be performed before the
model is flown. To help avoid this, a check list is provided to
make sure these important areas are not overlooked. Many
are covered in the instruction manual, so where appropriate,
refer to the manual for complete instructions. Be sure to check
the items off as they are completed.
❏
1. Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust
residue such as the cowl mounting blocks, wing
saddle area, etc.
❏
2. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
❏
3. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuse. Simply stuffing them into place
with foam rubber is not sufficient.
❏
4. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has a
strain relief inside the fuselage to keep tension off the
solder joint inside the receiver.
❏
5. Balance your model laterally as explained in
the instructions.
❏
6. Use thread-locking compound to secure critical
fasteners such as the set screws that hold the wheel
axles to the struts, screws that hold the carburetor arm (if
applicable), screw-lock pushrod connectors, etc.
❏
7. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will
turn freely.
❏
8. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
❏
9. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl mounting
screws, etc.).
❏
10. Confirm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
❏
11. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the
clevises and that all servo arms are secured to the
servos with the screws included with your radio.
❏
12. Secure connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions, and the connection
between your battery pack and the on/off switch with
vinyl tape, heat-shrink tubing or special clips suitable for
that purpose.
❏
13. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
❏
14. Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffler with
high temp RTV silicone, thread-locking compound or
J.B. Weld.
❏
15. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are
not kinked.
❏
16. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
17. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
18. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
❏
19. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
❏
20. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
❏
21. Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.
IMPORTANT!!! Flying a model with too few rubber bands
can be dangerous. If the wing momentarily lifts from the
fuselage and acts as though a large amount of "up"
elevator has suddenly been applied because there are not
enough rubber bands or they are too weak, internal
structural damage may result. Even worse, the wing could
actually detach from the fuselage, resulting in a crash. If
the model exhibits any tendencies that indicate there are
not enough rubber bands, immediately reduce power,
land, and closely inspect the model for damage. If no
damage is found, add more rubber bands.
The "Ultimate" ARF is a great-flying model that flies smoothly
and predictably. The "Ultimate" ARF does not, however, possess
the self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and
should be flown only by experienced R/C pilots.
Fuel Mixture Adjustments
A fully cowled engine may run at a higher temperature than
an un-cowled engine. For this reason, the fuel mixture
should be richened so the engine runs at about 200 RPM
below peak speed. By running the engine slightly rich, you
will help prevent dead-stick landings caused by overheating.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If, while
flying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such as a low-
pitched "buzz," this may indicate control surface flutter . Flutter
occurs when a control surface (such as an aileron or elevator)
or a flying surface (such as a wing or stab) rapidly vibrates up
and down (thus causing the noise). In extreme cases, if not
detected immediately, flutter can actually cause the control
surface to detach or the flying surface to fail, thus causing loss
of control followed by an impending crash. The best thing to do
when flutter is detected is to slow the model immediately by
reducing power, then land as soon as safely possible. Identify
which surface fluttered (so the problem may be resolved) by
checking all the servo grommets for deterioration or signs of
vibration. Make certain all pushrod linkages are secure and free
of play. If it fluttered once, under similar circumstances it will
probably flutter again unless the problem is fixed. Some things
which can cause flutter are; Excessive hinge gap; Not mounting
control horns solidly; Poor fit of clevis pin in horn; Side-play of
wire pushrods caused by large bends; Excessive free play in
servo gears; Insecure servo mounting; and one of the most
prevalent causes of flutter; Flying an over-powered model at
excessive speeds.
31
FLYING
Advertisement
Table of Contents
