Multiplex Pico line Twin Star Building Instructions page 10

spars and servo on the underside of the wing.
Apply the transparent yellow strip 12 to the underside
of the fuselage and slit it at the front in a „sunburst"
pattern to help it follow the curvature neatly.The
sticker provides adequate protection to the foam
surface to prevent landing damage.
21. Preparations for the first flight
Please wait for a day with as little breeze as possible
for the first flight. The evening is often a good time
for test flying.
Be sure to carry out a range check before your first
flight!
The transmitter and flight battery must be fully and
recently charged. Check carefully that your channel
is vacant before you switch on the transmitter. Ask
your assistant to walk away holding the transmitter,
with the aerial fully collapsed.Ask your assistant to
operate one function continuously as he walks away,
while you watch the servos. Up to a distance of about
80m the non-controlled servo should not move at
all, and the controlled one should follow the stick
movements smoothly and with no delays or hiccups.
This test is only a reliable indicator if the radio band
is clear of interference, and if no other radio control
transmitters are switched on - even on different
channels. Repeat the check with the motors
running; the range should only be very slightly less.
If you encounter a problem, do not risk a flight under
any circumstances. Send the whole system
(complete with battery, switch harness and servos)
to the Service Department of your equipment
manufacturer for checking.
The first flight ...
Do not try any hand-glides with the motors
stopped!
The model is best hand-launched, always directly
into wind. For the first flight we strongly
recommend that you ask an experienced
modeller to help you.
Once the model is at a safe height, adjust the trim
sliders on the transmitter until the model flies straight
and level without your help. Keeping the model at a
reasonable altitude, switch off the motors and fly the
model around so that you have a good idea of its
control response on the glide. Simulate a landing
approach several times at height, so that you are
prepared for the „real thing" when the flight battery
gives out. Always avoid turning tightly when the
model is close to the ground, especially on the
landing approach. The only important consideration
is that you land the model safely, i.e. it is much better
to land gently some distance away than force the
model back to your feet and in doing so crash it.
22. If a landing doesn't quite go perfectly ...
If a landing goes badly wrong it is perfectly possible
for a tail panel or wing to suffer damage or even be
broken off entirely. Don't worry: it's easy to carry out
a quick repair with 5-minute epoxy, even at the flying
field. Apply 5-minute epoxy thinly to the break
surfaces, push the parts together and hold them in
position for about 5 minutes. Now leave the resin to
set hard for a further 10 minutes - and you are ready
to fly again. Always apply resin sparingly as too much
just looks unsightly without making the joint any
stronger. If you have plenty of time we recommend
using white glue for repairs. The advantage of this
adhesive is that it produces a virtually invisible joint.
The drawback is that the mended panel must be
aligned carefully and weighted down overnight to
avoid the danger of warps.
23. Safety
Safety is the First Commandment when flying any
model aircraft. Third party insurance should be
considered a basic essential. If you join a model club
suitable cover will usually be available through the
organisation. It is your personal responsibility to
ensure that your insurance is adequate; in this case,
that it covers powered models.
Make it your job to keep your models and your radio
control system in perfect order at all times. Check
the correct charging procedure for the NC batteries
used in your RC system and model. Make use of all
sensible safety systems and precautions which are
advised for your system. An excellent source of
practical accessories is the MULTIPLEX main
catalogue, as our products are designed and
manufactured exclusively by practising modellers for
other practising modellers. Always fly with a
responsible attitude. You may think that flying low
over other people's heads is proof of your piloting
skill; others know better. The real expert does not
need to prove himself in such childish ways. Let other
pilots know that this is what you think too. Always fly
in such a way that you do not endanger yourself or
others. Bear in mind that even the best RC system
in the world is subject to outside interference. No
matter how many years of accident-free flying you
have under your belt, you have no idea what will
happen in the next minute.
MULTIPLEX Modelltechnik GmbH
Model Development