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Flight Preparations
Flight preparations must be checked each time you travel
to the flying field. Because your model will encounter a
variety of situations, it is best to keep an eye on the various
components of your model to keep it in the best flying
condition.
Checking the Frequency
When using a Spektrum radio system, follow the guidelines
for use of DSM radio systems at your particular field.
Checking the Controls
Before starting your engine, check to make sure the controls
are operating in the correct directions and the linkages and
surfaces are not binding anywhere. Also look at the clevises
and clevis retainers to make sure they are secure and will not
come loose or fail in flight.
Fueling your Model
Fill the fuel tank with the proper fuel. Fill the tank by
connecting the fuel pump to the line going to the needle
valve or to the fuel dot on the side of the cowling.
Disconnect the fuel line attached to the pressure fitting of the
muffler; your tank is full when fuel begins to run out of the
pressure line. Reconnect the fuel lines to the needle valve
assembly or insert the plug into the fuel dot and connect the
line to the muffler.
note: It is very important to reconnect the lines to the
correct place. If they are reconnected incorrectly, the
engine will not run properly.
Hangar 9 Saratoga Assembly Manual
Maintaining Your Model
The following is a check list that you should follow
every time you have completed a flying session with your
model. Doing so will keep your aircraft in the best flying
condition.
Clean Up
After a long flying session with your model, you will want to
clean it up before loading it into your vehicle to head home.
Use a cleaner and a paper towel to wipe down the exterior
of your plane, removing the fuel residue. Remember, a clean
plane will last longer since the fuel won't be allowed to soak
into any exposed wood.
Checking the Propeller
Check to make sure the propeller is tightly secured to
the engine. If not, remove the spinner and use a crescent
wrench to tighten it back down. If you have had any not so
great landings, you will want to inspect the propeller for
any damage. Small nicks and scratches can quickly become
fractures, causing the propeller to be unsafe for flight.
Always carry a few spare propellers so a damaged propeller
can be replaced at the field, increasing your flying time per
trip to the field.
Checking the Clevises
Inspect the aileron, elevator and rudder clevises to make
sure they are connected and in good working order. If you
find a clevis that is showing signs of wear or is broken,
replace it with a new clevis. Also check the nylon connectors
at the servo for any wear or damage. If they look worn or in
bad shape, replace them as well.
Checking the Control Horns
Inspect the control horns to make sure they have not
crushed the wood of the control surface. If so, remove the
control horn screws to remove the control horn. Place 2–3
drops of thin CA into each of the screw holes. In addition,
use a T-pin to poke small holes in the covering in the area
where the control horn mounts, then saturate the area with
thin CA. This will harden the wood and give the control
horns a solid surface to be mounted to.
Checking the Wheel Collars
Check the setscrews on the wheel collars for the main and
tail wheel to make sure they are not loose. Use a 1.5mm
hex wrench to tighten the setscrews. It is suggested if they
loosen frequently to remove them, apply threadlock to the
setscrews, then secure the wheel collars back into position.
The threadlock and hex wrench are included in the kit for
this purpose.
Check the Muffler Bolts
Use a 2.5mm hex wrench (Evolution 2-stroke) or box wrench
(Saito 4-stroke) to make sure the hardware holding the
muffler onto the engine is tight and has not vibrated loose
during flight.
Check the Engine Mount Bolts
Remove the spinner and propeller from the engine. Remove
the exhaust stacks from the fuselage, and then remove the
cowling from the fuselage. Remove the muffler from the
engine, and then use a Phillips screwdriver to make sure the
four bolts securing the engine to the mount are tight.
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