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Balance Your Model
Note: This section is VERY IMPORTANT and must NOT be
omitted! A model that is not properly balanced will be
unstable and possibly unflyable.
❏
1. Accurately mark the balance point on the bottom of the
wing on both sides of the fuselage. The balance point is
located 4-1/8" back from the leading edge. This is the
balance point at which your model should be balanced for
your first flights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting
up to 1/4" forward or aft to change the flight characteristics.
Moving the balance forward may improve the smoothness
and arrow-like tracking, but it may then require more speed
for takeoff and make it more difficult to slow down for landing.
Moving the balance point aft makes the model more agile
with a lighter and snappier "feel" and often improves knife
edge capabilities. In any case, please start at the location
we recommend and do not at any time balance your
model outside the recommended range.
❏
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts of the
model installed (ready to fly) and an empty fuel tank, hold the
model at the marked balance point with the stabilizer level.
❏
3. Lift the model. If the tail drops when you lift, the model
is "tail heavy" and you must add weight* to the nose. If the
nose drops, it is "nose heavy" and you must add weight* to
the tail to balance.
Note: Nose weight may be added by using a Heavy Spinner
nut (1/4"-28 GPMQ4640)(5/16"-24 GPMQ4641) or by gluing
weights to the firewall. Tail weight may be added by using
Great Planes (GPMQ4485) "stick-on" lead weights. Later, if
the balance proves to be O.K., you can open the bottom of
the fuse and glue these permanently in position.
*If possible, first attempt to balance the model by changing
the position of the receiver battery and receiver. If you are
unable to obtain good balance by doing so, then it will be
necessary to add weight to the nose or tail to achieve the
proper balance point.
4-1/8"
PREFLIGHT
At this time check all connections including servo arm
screws, FasLinks, clevises and servo cords. Make sure
you have installed the nylon retainer on the Screw-Lock
Pushrod Connector on the throttle pushrod at the servo
arm and the silicone retainers on all the clevises.
Charge the Batteries
Follow the battery charging procedures in your radio
instruction manual. You should always charge your transmitter
and receiver batteries the night before you go flying and at
other times as recommended by the radio manufacturer.
Find a Safe Place to Fly
The best place to fly your R/C model is an AMA (Academy
of Model Aeronautics) chartered club field. Ask your hobby
shop dealer if there is such a club in your area and join.
Club fields are set up for R/C flying and that makes your
outing safer and more enjoyable. The AMA also can tell you
the name of a club in your area. We recommend that you
join AMA and a local club so you have a safer place to fly
and have insurance to cover you in case of a flying
accident. The AMA address is listed on page 2 of this
instruction manual.
If a club and its flying site are not available, you need to find
a large, grassy area at least 6 miles away from any other
R/C radio operation like R/C boats and R/C cars and away
from houses, buildings and streets. A schoolyard may look
inviting but it is too close to people, power lines and
possible radio interference.
Ground Check the Model
Inspect your radio installation and confirm that all the control
surfaces respond correctly to transmitter inputs. The engine
operation must also be checked by confirming that the engine
idles reliably and transitions smoothly and rapidly to full power
and maintains full power indefinitely. The engine must
be "broken-in" on the ground by running it for at least
two tanks of fuel. Follow the engine manufacturer's
recommendations for break-in. Make sure all screws
remain tight, that the hinges are secure and that the prop is
on tight.
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