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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 engine mount area, the landing gear
mounts, the inside of the hatches, 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 thread locking compound to secure critical fasteners
such as the set screws that hold on the wheels, 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. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are not
kinked.
❏
15. Use an incidence meter to check the wing for twists and
attempt to correct before flying.
❏
16. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
17. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
18. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
❏
19. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
❏
20. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
❏
21. Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.
The Pete 'n Poke Sport 40 is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. The Pete 'n Poke does not,
however, poses the self-recovery characteristics of a
primary R/C trainer and should be flown only by R/C pilots
who have already learned how to fly a trainer.
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.
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, use pliers to bend the tail gear wire
so the model will roll straight down the runway when the
rudder is centered. 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. Due to its high wing, the
Pete 'n Poke is affected by crosswinds more than other
models. Make all attempts to takeoff directly into the wind
until you get a better feel for how the model behaves in
crosswinds. When you're ready to takeoff, 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 will 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.
40
FLYING
Takeoff
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