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to end again flying knife-edge to the right. Note that you may
need to use some positive elevator and/or left aileron to stop
the tumble at exactly knife-edge. This maneuver is easier to
the right because torque helps stop the tumble, and it can
be done at varied airspeeds with proper throttle and rudder
modulation.
Knife-Edge Slide: A knife-edge slide is a unique landing
approach which MUST be practiced with altitude until
complete confidence is gained. From several hundred feet
out from the end of the field, rotate to knife-edge, throttle
back and apply full rudder. Allow the aircraft to descend
rapidly in knife-edge flight, gradually rolling the aircraft into
a slip as it approaches the runway, then set the plane on the
runway on its gear. This maneuver takes LOTS of courage
and even more practice so be sure to practice the landing
phase of it at a hundred feet or more until you get
comfortable, then gradually work the plane down.
Rolling Circle: A rolling circle is a gorgeous precision
maneuver this plane does so well we just had to mention it!
You must be able to confidently do slow rolls, including
proper rudder application, before learning to do a proper
rolling circle. Once you can do a slow roll properly, practice
adjusting the elevator and rudder application off by 1/4 roll,
so you apply the most push at the first quarter, the most
rudder at the inverted stage, the most pull at the 3rd quarter,
etc. As you get confident, practice varying the roll rates and
rudder/elevator application until you can control the plane's
roll rate and position at each quarter of the circle, resulting
in an 8 roll rolling circle (2 rolls per quarter), then a 4 roll,
then a 2 roll, and then, with tons of practice, a single roll
rolling circle. Practice rolling to the outside and to the inside,
and modifying the roll timing and variations (inside roll then
outside roll then inside roll, or 3 rolls, etc.)
PREFLIGHT
At this time check all connections including servo horn
screws, clevises, servo cords and extensions.
Charge the Batteries
Follow the battery charging procedures in your radio
instruction manual. You should always charge your
transmitter and receiver batteries the night before you go
flying and at other times as recommended by the radio
manufacturer.
Balance the Propeller
Carefully balance your propellers before flying. An
unbalanced prop is the single most significant cause of
vibration. Not only may engine mounting screws vibrate out,
possibly with disastrous effect, but vibration may also
damage your radio receiver and battery. Vibration may
cause your fuel to foam, which will, in turn, cause your
engine to run lean or quit.
We use a Top Flite Precision Magnetic Prop Balancer
(TOPQ5700) in the workshop and keep a Great Planes
Fingertip Balancer (GPMQ5000) in our flight box.
Find a Safe Place to Fly
Since you have chosen the Giles G-202 ARF, we assume
that you are an experienced modeler. Therefore, you should
already know about AMA chartered flying fields and other
safe places to fly. If for some reason you are a relatively
inexperienced modeler and have not been informed, we
strongly suggest that the best place to fly is an AMA
chartered club field. Ask the AMA or your local hobby shop
dealer if there is a club in your area and join. Club fields are
set up for R/C flying and that makes your outing safer and
more enjoyable. The AMA address and telephone number
are in the front of this manual. If a club and flying site are not
available, find a large, grassy area at least 6 miles away
from houses, buildings and streets and any other R/C radio
operation like R/C boats and R/C cars. A schoolyard may
look inviting but is too close to people, power lines and
possible radio interference.
Ground Check the Model
Inspect your radio installation and confirm that all the control
surfaces respond correctly to the transmitter inputs. The
engine operation must also be checked by confirming that
the engine idles reliably, transitions smoothly and rapidly to
full power and maintains full power, indefinitely. The engine
must be "broken-in" on the ground by running it for at least
two tanks of fuel. Follow the engine manufacturer's
recommendations for break-in. Make sure that all screws
remain tight, that the hinges are secure and that the prop is
on tight.
Range Check Your Radio
Whenever you go to the flying field, check the operational
range of the radio before the first flight of the day. First,
make sure no one else is on your frequency (channel). With
your transmitter on, you should be able to walk at least 100
feet away from the model and still have control. While you
work the controls, have a helper stand by your model and
tell you what the control surfaces are doing. Repeat this test
with the engine running at various speeds with a helper
23
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