Check List; Flying - GREAT PLANES Super Sportster EP ARF Instruction Manual

Radio Control
1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
check before the first flight of a new or repaired model.
2) I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of
spectators until I become a qualified flier, unless assisted by
an experienced helper.
3) At all flying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be
established in front of which all flying takes place with the
other side for spectators. Only personnel involved with flying
the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of the flight line.
Intentional flying behind the flight 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 flying 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 flight; nor should any part of the
model other than the landing gear, intentionally touch
the ground, except while landing.
End of AMA Safety Code excerpts

CHECK LIST

During the last few moments of preparation your mind
may be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the first
flight. Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook
certain checks and procedures that should be performed
before the model is flown. 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 (that's why it's called a check list! ).
1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
2. Be certain the motor battery and receiver are
securely mounted in the fuse.
3. 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.
4. Balance your model laterally as explained in the
instructions.
5. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will
turn freely.
6. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
7. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl mounting
screws, etc.).
8. Confirm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
9. Make sure that all servo arms are secured to the
servos with the screws included with your radio.
10. Secure connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions with vinyl tape, heat
shrink tubing or special clips suitable for that purpose.
11. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
12. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
13. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
14. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
15. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
16. Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.
The Super Sportster EP is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. The Super Sportster EP does not,
however, possess the self-recovery characteristics of a primary
R/C trainer and should be flown only by experienced R/C pilots.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound
such as a low-pitched "buzz," this may indicate control
surface flutter . Flutter occurs when a control surface (such
as an aileron or elevator) or a flying surface (such as a
wing or stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing
the noise). In extreme cases, if not detected immediately,
flutter can actually cause the control surface to detach or
the flying surface to fail, thus causing loss of control
followed by an impending crash. The best thing to do
when flutter is detected is to slow the model immediately
by reducing power, then land as soon as safely possible.
Identify which surface fluttered (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 fluttered
once, under similar circumstances it will probably flutter
again unless the problem is fixed. Some things which can
cause flutter are; Excessive hinge gap; Not mounting
control horns solidly; Poor fit 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 flutter; Flying an over-
powered model at excessive speeds.
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FLYING