Flight; Landing - GREAT PLANES P-40 Warhawk Instruction Manual

For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffi c, it is a
good idea to have an assistant on the fl ight 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 fl y more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the P-40 Warhawk 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 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 (or having your
assistant write them down) 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 fl ight time, but use this fi rst fl ight to become
familiar with your model before landing.
To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on the
downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model to pitch downward
to gradually bleed off altitude. 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. 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 climb out to make
another attempt. When you're ready to make your landing
fl are and 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.
One fi nal note about fl ying your model. Have a goal or fl ight
plan in mind for every fl ight. This can be learning a new
maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you already know,
or learning how the model behaves in certain conditions
(such as on high or low rates). This is not necessarily to
improve your skills (though it is never a bad idea!), but more
importantly so you do not surprise yourself by impulsively
attempting a maneuver and suddenly fi nding that you've run
out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be
deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you're going to do a
loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction (anticipating
rudder corrections that will be required to maintain heading),
remember to throttle back at the top, and make certain you
are on the desired rates (high/low rates). A fl ight plan greatly
reduces the chances of crashing your model just because of
poor planning and impulsive moves. Remember to think.

Flight

Landing

Have a ball! But always stay in control
and fl y in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
Make a copy of this identifi cation tag and put it on or
inside your model.
OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE
FROM GREAT PLANES
Great Planes Spitfi re .25 GP/EP ARF
With the Spitfi re, your choice of power plant depends on how
you intend to fl y. Use brushless motor power and the optional
landing gear, and you have a lively sport performer for small
areas and big fi elds. Go with glow (say, an O.S.
you can still fl y it for sport...or you can leave off the gear and
compete in AMA Event 750, Combat Class 2610. Either way,
you can be off the bench and in the air in just 4 to 6 hours.
No foam or plastic here – the airframe is built-up wood and
covered in MonoKote fi lm, with pre-cut decals for scale looks
without scale challenges. Mounts for both glow and electric
systems are included, and aileron servos can be mounted
on the top or bottom of the wing. GPMA1478
30 30
®
.25 FX) and