Check List; Flying - GREAT PLANES Ryan STA Instruction Manual

CHECK LIST

During the last few moments of preparation your mind
may be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of your first
flight. Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook
certain checks and procedures that should be performed
after your model is built. To help avoid this, we've provided
a checklist to make sure you don't overlook these
important areas. Many are covered in the instruction
manual, so where appropriate, refer to the manual for
complete instructions. Be sure to check the items off as
you complete them (that's why we call it a check list!).
1. Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust residue
such as the cowl ring, cowl mounting blocks, wing saddle
area, etc.
2. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
3. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuse. Simply stuffing them into place with
foam rubber is not sufficient.
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.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice any unusual sounds, such as a
low-pitched "buzz," this may indicate control surface
flutter. Because flutter can quickly destroy components of
your airplane, any time you detect flutter you must
immediately cut the throttle and land the airplane! Check
all servo grommets for deterioration (this may indicate
which surface fluttered) and make sure all pushrod
linkages are secure and free of play. If the control surface
fluttered once, it probably will flutter again under similar
circumstances unless you can eliminate the free-play or
flexing in the linkages. Here are some things which can
cause flutter: Excessive hinge gap; Not mounting control
horns solidly; Poor fit of clevis pin in horn; Side-play of
pushrod in guide tube caused by tight bends; Poor fit of Z-
bend in servo arm; Insufficient glue used when gluing in
the elevator joiner wire; Excessive play or backlash in
servo gears; and Insecure servo mounting.
The Ryan STA is a great flying sport airplane that flies
smoothly and predictably, yet does not have the self-
recovery characteristics of a primary trainer. Therefore, you
must either have mastered the basics of R/C flying or seek
the assistance of a competent R/C pilot to help you with your
first flights.
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FLYING