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BALANCE YOUR MODEL
NOTE: This section is VERY important and
must NOT be omitted! A model that is not
properly balanced will be unstable and possibly
unflyable.
1. Accurately mark the balance point on the top
of the wing on both sides of the fuselage. The
balance point is shown on the plan (CG), and is
located 3-5/8" back from the leading edge at the
location of rib #5 as shown in the sketch and on
the plans. Hint: Use the full-size wing plan to help
you accurately locate the proper balance point on
the wing. This is the balance point at which your
model should balance for your first flights. Later,
you may wish to experiment by shifting the balance
up to 5/16" forward or back to change the flying
characteristics. Moving the balance forward may
improve the smoothness and arrow-like tracking,
but it may then require more speed for takeoff and
make it more difficult to slow down for landing.
Moving the balance aft makes the model more
agile with a lighter and snappier "feel" and often
improves knife-edge capabilities. In any case,
please start at the location we recommend and
do not at any time balance your model outside
the recommended range.
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all
parts of the model installed (ready to fly), an
empty fuel tank and the landing gear down
(extended) hold the model upside-down with the
stabilizer level.
3. Lift the model at the balance point. If the tail
drops when you lift, the model is "tail heavy" and
you must add weight* to the nose to balance. If the
nose drops, it is "nose heavy" and you must add
weight* to the tail to balance. NOTE: Nose weight
may be easily installed by using a Heavy Spinner
Hub or gluing lead weights into the engine
compartment. Tail weight may be added by using
Great Planes (GPMQ4485) "stick-on" lead weights,
and later, if the balance proves to be OK you can
open the fuse bottom and glue these permanently
in position.
*If possible, first attempt to balance the model
by changing the position of the receiver battery and
receiver. If you are unable to obtain balance by
doing so, then it will be necessary to add weight to
the nose or tail to achieve the proper balance point.
PREFLIGHT
CHARGE THE BATTERIES
Follow the battery charging procedures in your
radio instruction manual. You should always
charge your transmitter and receiver batteries the
night before you go flying, and at other times as
recommended by the radio manufacturer.
FIND A SAFE PLACE TO FLY
The best place to fly your R/C model is an
AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) chartered
club field. Ask your hobby shop dealer if there is
such a club in your area and join. Club fields are
set up for R/C flying and that makes your outing
safer and more enjoyable. The AMA also can tell
you the name of a club in your area. We
recommend that you join AMA and a local club so
you can have a safe place to fly and have
insurance to cover you in case of a flying accident.
(The AMA address is listed on page 3 of this
instruction manual).
If a club and its flying site are not available,
you need to find a large, grassy area at least 6
miles away from any other R/C radio operation like
R/C boats and R/C cars and away from houses,
buildings and streets. A schoolyard may look
inviting but it is too close to people, power lines
and possible radio interference.
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GROUND CHECK THE MODEL
If you are not thoroughly familiar with the
operation of R/C models, ask an experienced
modeler to check to see that you have the radio
installed correctly and that all the control surfaces
do what they are supposed to. The engine
operation also must be checked and the engine
"broken-in" on the ground by running the engine for
at least two tanks of fuel. Follow the engine
manufacturer's recommendations for break-in.
Check to make sure all screws remain tight, that
the hinges are secure and that the prop is on tight.
RANGE CHECK YOUR RADIO
Wherever you do fly, you need to check the
operation of the radio before every time you fly.
This means with the transmitter antenna collapsed
and the receiver and transmitter on, you should be
able to walk at least 100 feet away from the model
and still have control. Have someone help you.
Have them stand by your model and, while you
work the controls, tell you what the various control
surfaces are doing.
Repeat this test with the engine running at
various speeds with an assistant holding the
model. If the control surfaces are not always
acting correctly, do not fly! Find and correct the
problem first.
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: Failure to follow these simple safety
precautions may result in severe injury to
yourself and others.
Keep all engine fuel in a safe place, away from
high heat, sparks or flames, as fuel is very
flammable. Do not smoke near the engine or fuel;
and remember that the engine exhaust gives off a
great deal of deadly carbon monoxide. Therefore
do not run the engine in a closed room
or garage.
Get help from an experienced pilot when
learning to operate engines.
Use safety glasses when starting or running
engines.
Do not run the engine in an area of loose
gravel or sand; as the propeller may throw such
material in your face or eyes.
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