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NEVER trickle-charge a LiPo battery.
NEVER allow the battery temperature to exceed 150 degrees
F (65° C).
NEVER disassemble or modify the pack wiring in any way
or puncture the cells.
NEVER discharge below 2.7V per cell.
NEVER place the battery or charger on combustible materials
or leave it unattended during charge or discharge.
NEVER charge the batteries in the plane.
AMA SAFETY CODE (excerpts)
Read and abide by the following excerpts from the Academy
of Model Aeronautics Safety Code. For the complete Safety
Code refer to Model Aviation magazine, the AMA web site
or the Code that came with your AMA license.
General
1) I will not fl y my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air shows,
or model fl ying demonstrations until it has been proven to be
airworthy by having been previously, successfully fl ight-tested.
2) I will not fl y my model aircraft higher than approximately
400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the
airport operator. I will give right-of-way and avoid fl ying in the
proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary, an observer
shall be utilized to supervise fl ying to avoid having models
fl y in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.
3) Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
fl ying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fl y my
models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
5) I will not fl y my model unless it is identifi ed with my name
and address or AMA number, on or in the model. Note: This
does not apply to models while being fl own indoors.
7) I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device that
explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).
Radio Control
1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
check before the fi rst fl ight of a new or repaired model.
2) I will not fl y my model aircraft in the presence of spectators
until I become a qualified flier, unless assisted by an
experienced helper.
3) At all fl ying sites, a straight or curved line(s) must be
established in front of which all fl ying takes place with the
other side for spectators. Only personnel involved with fl ying
the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of the fl ight line.
Intentional fl ying behind the fl ight line is prohibited.
4) I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications Commission.
5) I will not knowingly operate my model within three miles
of any pre-existing fl ying site except in accordance with
the frequency sharing agreement listed [in the complete
AMA Safety Code].
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person touch
a powered model in fl ight; nor should any part of the model
other than the landing gear, intentionally touch the ground,
except while landing.
The 55cc Big Stik ARF is a great-fl ying sport model that fl ies
smoothly and predictably. However, it does not possess the
self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and
should be fl own only by experienced R/C pilots.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low-pitched "buzz," this may indicate control surface
fl utter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a fl ying surface (such as a wing or
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, fl utter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the fl ying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by
an impending crash. If fl utter is detected, slow the model
immediately and land as soon as safely possible. Identify
which surface fl uttered (so the problem may be resolved) by
checking all the servo grommets for deterioration or signs of
vibration. Make certain all pushrod linkages are secure and
free of play. If it fl uttered once, under similar circumstances
it will probably fl utter again unless the problem is fi xed.
Some things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive hinge
gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fi t of clevis
pin in horn; Side-play of wire pushrods caused by large
bends; Excessive free play in servo gears; Insecure servo
mounting; and one of the most prevalent causes of fl utter;
Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.
Before taking off, 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, adjust the tail wheel so the model will roll straight
down the runway.
Remember to take off into the wind. When you're ready, set
your rudder control rates to high and 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 and fl ying site
will practically 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 traffi c pattern.
30
FLYING
Takeoff
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