Takeoff; Flight; Landing - GREAT PLANES ESCAPADE MX 30cc Instruction Manual

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 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,
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
Escapade MX 30cc ARF for the fi rst few fl ights, gradually
getting acquainted with it as you gain confi dence. 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.

Landing

The Escapade MX 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 is 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.

Flight

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
model will be able to reach the landing zone (on dead-stick
landings it is common to land with no fl aps at all). Without
engine power, fl aps can unexpectedly reduce the model's
range, thus causing you to come up short of the fi eld.
FINAL NOTE: Have a goal or fl ight plan in mind each time
you fl y. This may be learning or improving a maneuver or
learning how the model behaves at certain speeds and control
rates. Every maneuver should be deliberate, not impulsive.
A fl ight plan reduces the chances of crashing your model
because of poor planning and impulsive moves.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and fl y in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
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