Takeoff; Flight; Landing - GREAT PLANES Super Sportster EP ARF Instruction Manual

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 flight, shut the motor off and bring
the model back into the pits. Top off the battery, 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, 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 motor torque. Gain as much speed as your
runway and flying site will practically allow before gently
applying up elevator, smoothly lifting the model into the air.
At this moment it is likely that you will need to apply more
right rudder to counteract motor torque. Be smooth on the
elevator stick, allowing the model to establish a gentle climb
to a safe altitude before turning into the traffic pattern.
Attempting to climb out too quickly may result in a stall and
rapid loss of altitude.
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic, it is a
good idea to have an assistant on the flight line with you. Tell
him to remind you to throttle back once the plane gets to a
comfortable altitude. While full throttle is usually desirable for
takeoff, most models fly more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Super Sportster EP for the first few
flights, gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain
confidence. Adjust the trims to maintain straight and level
flight. After flying around for a while, and while still at a safe
altitude with plenty of battery power remaining, practice slow
flight and execute practice landing approaches by reducing
the throttle to see how the model handles at slower speeds.
Add power to see how she climbs as well. Continue to fly
around, executing various maneuvers and making mental
notes (or having your assistant write them down) of what trim
or C.G. changes may be required to fine tune the model so it
flies the way you like. Mind your battery power but use this
first flight to become familiar with your model before landing.
To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on the
downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model to pitch downward
to gradually bleed off altitude. Continue to lose altitude, but

Takeoff

Flight

Landing

maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down as you turn onto
the crosswind leg. Make your final turn toward the runway
(into the wind) keeping the nose down to maintain airspeed
and control. Level the attitude when the model reaches the
runway threshold, modulating the throttle as necessary to
maintain your glide path and airspeed. If you are going to
overshoot, smoothly advance the throttle (always ready on the
right rudder to counteract torque) and climb out to make
another attempt. But, if your battery power is low, do not
attempt to go around again. It is better to land long than risk
stalling the plane by flying too slow because the motor battery
is low on power. When you're ready to make your landing flare
and the model is a foot or so off the deck, smoothly increase
up elevator until it gently touches down. Once the model is on
the runway and has lost flying speed, hold up elevator to place
the tail on the ground, regaining tail wheel control.
One final note about flying your model. Have a goal or flight
plan in mind for every flight. This can be learning a new
maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you already know, or
learning how the model behaves in certain conditions (such
as on high or low rates). This is not necessarily to improve
your skills ( though it is never a bad idea! ), but more
importantly so you do not surprise yourself by impulsively
attempting a maneuver and suddenly finding that you've run
out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be
deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you're going to do
a loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction
(anticipating rudder corrections that will be required to
maintain heading), remember to throttle back at the top and
make certain you are on the desired rates (high/low rates).
A flight plan greatly reduces the chances of crashing your
model just because of poor planning and impulsive moves.
Remember to think.
Have a ball!
But always stay in control and fly in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!