Balance The Model (C.g.); Balance The Model Laterally; Preflight; Identify Your Model - GREAT PLANES FlatOut Flatana Instruction Manual

Balance the Model (C.G.)

More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point) can
have the greatest effect on how a model flies, and may
determine whether or not your first flight will be
successful. If you value this model and wish to enjoy it for
many flights, DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT
PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly balanced will
be unstable and possibly unflyable.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fly condition
with all of the systems in place including the motor, the
propeller, the battery, and the radio system.
❏
1. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3mm]-wide tape to accurately
mark the C.G. on the top of the wing on both sides of the
fuselage. The C.G. is located 2-1/2" [64mm] back from the
leading edge of the wing at the fuselage.
This is where your model should balance for the first
flights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the
C.G. up to 1/2" [13mm] forward or 1/2" [13mm] back to
change the flying characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward
may improve the smoothness and stability, but the model
may then require more speed for takeoff and make it more
difficult to slow for landing or 3D aerobatics. Moving the
C.G. aft makes the model more maneuverable, but could
also cause it to become too difficult to control. In any case,
start at the recommended balance point. As with the
throws, though, we encourage you to experiment with the
CG until the model flies to your taste.
❏
2. With all parts of the model installed, including the
battery (ready to fly), lift it upside-down on your fingertips at
the balance point you marked.
❏
3. If the tail drops, the model is "tail heavy" and the
battery pack and/or receiver must be shifted forward or
weight must be added to the nose to balance. If the nose
drops, the model is "nose heavy" and the battery pack
and/or receiver must be shifted aft or weight must be added
to the tail to balance. If possible, relocate the battery pack
on the hook-and-loop strip to minimize or eliminate any
additional ballast required. If additional weight is required,
begin by placing incrementally increasing amounts of
weight on the bottom of the fuse until the model balances.
Once you have determined the amount of weight required,
it can be permanently attached.
❏
4. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add any
weight, recheck the C.G. after the weight has been installed.

Balance the Model Laterally

❏
1. With the wing level, lift the model by the engine
propeller shaft and the bottom of the fuse under the TE of
the fin. Do this several times.
❏
2. If one wing always drops when you lift the model, it means
that side is heavy. Balance the airplane by adding weight to the
other wing tip. An airplane that has been laterally balanced
will track better in loops and other maneuvers.

PREFLIGHT

Identify Your Model

No matter if you fly at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site or if
you fly somewhere on your own, you should always have
your name, address, telephone number and AMA number
on your model. It is required at all AMA R/C club flying sites
and AMA sanctioned flying events. Write this information on
the bottom of the wing with a fine felt-tip pen.

Charge the Batteries

Follow the battery charging instructions that came with your
radio control system to charge the batteries.You should always
charge your transmitter batteries the night before you go flying,
and at other times as recommended by the radio manufacturer.
Charge the flight battery using a charger designed for
Lithium-Polymer batteries. Charging with any other type of
charger is very dangerous, and may cause the batteries to
combust violently.
CAUTION: Unless the instructions that came with your
radio system state differently, the initial charge on new
transmitter batteries should be done for 15 hours using
the slow-charger that came with the radio system. This
will "condition" the batteries so that the next charge may
be done using the fast-charger of your choice. If the initial
charge is done with a fast-charger, the batteries may not
reach their full capacity and you may be flying with
batteries that are only partially charged.
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