Flying; Fuel Mixture Adjustments; Takeoff; Flight - GREAT PLANES RV-4 Instruction Manual

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 threadlocking 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. Use an incidence meter to check the wing for twists
and attempt to correct before flying.
17. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
18. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
19. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
20. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
21. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
22. Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.
The RV-4 is a great-flying model that flies smoothly and
predictably. The RV-4 does not, however, posses the self-
recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and should
be flown only be 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.
For your first flight we recommend that you begin with your
radio on low rates. Before you get ready to takeoff, 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. If you
need to calm your nerves before the maiden flight, shut the
engine down and bring the model back into the pits. Top off
the fuel, then check all fasteners and control linkages for
peace of mind.
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 flying 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 traffic pattern.
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic, it is a
good idea to have an assistant on the flight line with you. Tell
him to remind you to throttle back once the plane gets to a
comfortable altitude. While full throttle is usually desirable for
takeoff, most models fly more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the RV-4 for the first few flights, gradually
getting acquainted with it as you gain confidence. Adjust the
50

FLYING

Takeoff

Flight