Flying; Fuel Mixture Adjustments; Takeoff; Flight - GREAT PLANES Avistar 30cc ARF Instruction Manual

5) I will not knowingly operate my model within three
miles of any pre-existing fl ying site except in accordance
with the frequency sharing agreement listed [in the
complete AMA Safety Code].
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person
touch a powered model in fl ight; nor should any part of the
model other than the landing gear, intentionally touch
the ground, except while landing.

FLYING

The Avistar 30cc ARF is a great-fl ying model that fl ies smoothly
and predictably. However, it does not possess the self-
recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and should
be fl own only by beginners with an experienced R/C pilot
or instructor.

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 fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low-pitched "buzz," this may indicate control surface
fl utter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a fl ying surface (such as a wing or
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, fl utter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the fl ying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by
an impending crash. If fl utter is detected, slow the model
immediately and land as soon as safely possible. Identify
which surface fl uttered (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 fl uttered once, under similar circumstances
it will probably fl utter again unless the problem is fi xed.
Some things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive hinge
gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fi t 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 fl utter;
Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.

Takeoff

Before taking off, see how the model handles on the ground
by doing a few practice runs at low speeds on the runway.
Hold "up" elevator to keep the tail wheel on the ground. If
necessary, adjust the tail wheel so the model will roll straight
down the runway.
Remember to takeoff directly into the wind. When you're
ready, point the model straight down the runway, hold a
bit of up elevator to keep the tail on the ground to maintain
tail wheel steering (on a tail dragger model), then gradually
advance the throttle. As the model gains speed, decrease
up elevator allowing the tail to come off the ground. One of
the most important things to remember with a tail dragger
is to always be ready to apply right rudder to counteract
engine torque. Gain as much speed as your runway and fl ying
site will practically allow before gently applying up elevator,
lifting the model into the air. At this moment it is likely that
you will need to apply more right rudder to counteract engine
torque. Be smooth on the elevator stick, allowing the model
to establish a gentle climb to a safe altitude before turning
into the traffi c pattern.
It is a good idea to have an assistant on the fl ight line with
you to keep an eye on other traffi c. Take it easy with the
Avistar 30cc ARF for the fi rst few fl ights, gradually getting
acquainted with it as you gain confi dence. We have found
that the high rate rudder throw is only needed for ground
handling. Low rate rudder is best for fl ying. Adjust the trims
to maintain straight and level fl ight. After fl ying around for
a while, and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of fuel,
practice slow fl ight and execute practice landing approaches
by reducing the throttle and lowering the fl aps to see how
the model handles at slower speeds. Add power to see how
she climbs as well. Continue to fl y around, executing various
maneuvers and making mental notes of what trim or C.G.
changes may be required to fi ne tune the model so it fl ies
the way you like. Mind your fuel level, but use this fi rst fl ight
to become familiar with your model before landing.
With the electric setup, if using the recommended 5000 mAh
LiPo batteries, set your transmitter timer for 6-minutes for
the first flight. After you land, check the capacity of the
batteries and adjust the timer as needed. With good throttle
management, 10 minute flights or more are possible,
The Avistar 30cc lands similar to a .60 size sport plane. It does
not require fl aps to land, but the fl aps will allow the plane
to land slower and are great practice for the pilot that has
never used fl aps. Flaps increase lift and drag, thus reducing
rollout after touchdown (not as much of a factor on grass
runways). To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle
while on the downwind leg. If using fl aps, allow the model to
slow before extending them. Continue to lose altitude, but
maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down as you turn onto
the crosswind leg. Make your fi nal turn toward the runway
(into the wind) keeping the nose down to maintain airspeed
and control. If using fl aps, keep a few additional "clicks" of
power so the model doesn't slow too much. Level the attitude
when the model reaches the runway threshold, modulating
the throttle as necessary to maintain your glide path and
airspeed. If you are going to overshoot, smoothly advance
the throttle (always ready on the right rudder to counteract
torque) and retract the fl aps when enough airspeed is gained.
Climb out to make another attempt. When the model is a
foot or so off the deck, smoothly increase up elevator until
it gently touches down. Once the model is on the runway
and has lost fl ying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail
on the ground, regaining tail wheel control.
NOTE: If ever the occasion arises when a dead-stick landing
must be performed, do not extend the fl aps until certain the
35

Flight

Landing