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CHECK LIST
During the last few moments of preparation your mind may
be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the fi rst fl ight.
Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain
checks and procedures that should be performed before
the model is fl own. To help avoid this, a check list is provided
to make sure these important areas are not overlooked.
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 they are completed.
❏
1. Fuel proof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust residue
such as the cowl mounting blocks, wing saddle area, 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 stuffi ng them into place with foam
rubber is not suffi cient.
❏
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 threadlocking compound to secure critical
fasteners such as the set screws that hold the wheel
axles to the struts, 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. Confi rm 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. Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffl er with
high temp RTV silicone, thread locking compound or
J.B. Weld.
❏
15. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are
not kinked.
❏
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 fi rst fl ight.
❏
21. Range check your radio when you get to the fl ying fi eld.
Mount the Wing
Mount the wings to the fuselage. It will be helpful to have
a Great Planes 4-in-1 Installation Tool for tightening the
wing bolts (GPMR8035). Don't forget to connect the aileron
servo extensions to the Y-connector coming from the aileron
channel in the receiver. Be sure the wires will not get caught
on any of the servos or pushrods inside the fuselage. If your
Extra is powered by an electric motor, be certain the batteries
are securely strapped into place. Mount the canopy hatch
with the screws and a drop of threadlocker on the threads.
The Great Planes Extra 300SP .46 ARF is a great-fl ying model
that fl ies smoothly and predictably. The Extra does not, however,
possess the self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C
trainer and should be fl own only by experienced R/C pilots.
Fuel Mixture Adjustment (Glow Engines)
A fully cowled engine may run at a higher temperature than
an un-cowled engine. For this reason, the fuel mixture should
be richened so the engine runs at about 200 rpm below
peak speed. By running the engine slightly rich, you will help
prevent dead-stick landings caused by overheating.
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, adjust the tail wheel so the model will
roll straight down the runway. If you need to calm your nerves
before the maiden fl ight, shut the engine down and bring the
model back into the pits. Top off the fuel, and then check all
fasteners and control linkages for peace of mind.
Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you're ready, point
the model straight down the runway, and 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 tail-draggers that have big engines 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.
27
FLYING
Takeoff
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