Flying; Landing - Top Flite P-47D THUNDERBOLT User Manual

CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C
AIRPLANES): If, while flying, you notice any
unusual sounds, such as a low-pitched "buzz," this
may be an indication of 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
will indicate which surface fluttered), and make
sure all pushrod linkages are slop-free. If it
fluttered once, it probably will flutter again under
similar circumstances unless you can eliminate the
slop or flexing in the linkages. Here are some
things which can result in flutter: Excessive hinge
gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Sloppy fit
of clevis pin in horn; Elasticity present in flexible
plastic pushrods; Side-play of pushrod in guide
tube caused by tight bends; Sloppy fit of Z-bend in
servo arm; Insufficient glue used when gluing in
the elevator joiner wire or aileron torque rod;
Excessive flexing of aileron, caused by using too
soft balsa aileron; Excessive "play" or "backlash" in
servo gears; and Insecure servo mounting.
FLYING: We recommend that you take it easy with
your Thunderbolt for the first several flights,
gradually "getting acquainted" with this realistic
warbird as your engine gets fully broken-in. Add
and practice one maneuver at a time, learning how
she behaves in each. For ultra-smooth flying and
normal maneuvers, we recommend using the "low
rate" settings as listed on page 51. "High rate"
elevator may be required for crisp snap rolls and
spins. "High rate" rudder is best for knife edge.
Speed is the key to good knife-edge performance.
LANDING: When it's time to land, fly a normal
landing pattern and approach. The Thunderbolt will
probably bleed off airspeed more rapidly than the
sport planes you are accustomed to. For this
reason, keep a few clicks of power on until you are
over the runway threshold. For your first landings,
plan to land slightly faster than stall speed and on
the main wheels, as this is the easiest way to land
your P-47. Later, with a little technique, you will find
you can make slow, 3-point landings.
Full flaps make the Thunderbolt very steady in
the landing pattern, but carry a little extra power to
make up for the extra drag. The extra drag of the
flaps also allows you to make shorter, steeper
approaches. Touch and go's and go-arounds can
be accomplished with full flaps, but be ready to use
a little more up elevator. It is preferred to have the
flaps up or at half setting for takeoffs and climb-
outs because the plane will accelerate and climb
much better.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and
fly in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
If you enjoyed building the Top Flite P-47
Thunderbolt, try one of these other outstanding
.60 size Gold Edition kits as your next project.
(TOPA0300) Top Flite Cessna 182 Skylane
81" Wingspan, 10 - 12 Lbs.
(TOPA0130) Top Flite AT-6 Texan
69" Wingspan, 7.5 - 10 Lbs.
- 54 -
(TOPA0110) Top Flite P-51D Mustang
65" Wingspan, 8 - 10 Lbs
(TOPA0120) Top Flite P-40E Warhawk
64" Wingspan, 8 - 10.5 Lbs
(TOPA0100) Top Flite F4U Corsair
62" Wingspan, 7 - 9.5 Lbs.