Choose A Calm Day - HobbyZone Firebird Phantom User Manual

Choosing a Flying Field
In order to have the most success, and
to protect property and your Firebird
Phantom from any damage, it is very
™
important to select a place to fly that is
very open. The site should:
• Have a minimum of 300 feet of clear
space in all directions.
• Be clear of pedestrians.
• Be free of trees or buildings that could
interfere with your sightline, or power
lines that could entangle your airplane.
• Be clear of automobiles and other prop-
erty that could be damaged by your
plane if you have problems coming in
for a landing.
Remember, your Firebird Phantom flies
approximately 15–20 mph, so it covers
ground fast. The bigger the field, the better!
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Important: Do not fly over or near people,
buildings, power lines, highways, train tracks,
vehicles, trees, water, pavement, gravel, any
hard surface or any object you don't want to
crash into. Please take this warning seriously
to keep people, property and the Firebird
Phantom safe. Crash damage is not covered
by the warranty.

Choose a Calm Day

We know you want to have fun and fly
your Firebird Phantom . However, flying in
™
too much wind can place your airplane in
jeopardy. On your first flight, make sure the
winds are no stronger than 5 mph.
To check wind conditions:
1. Tie the included red ribbon to the end of
the transmitter antenna.
2. Hold the transmitter so that the antenna
is parallel to the ground. If the flag hangs
down, you're good to fly. If the angle
between the antenna and the flag is less
than 25 degrees, it's too windy for begin-
ning pilots to fly.
Always position yourself so that when
you are flying, the airplane is UPWIND of
you. Never let the airplane come too far
downwind where it can be carried farther
and farther away from you and be lost.
Additionally, the winds are stronger at high-
er altitudes. Do not climb too high, or you
could lose control of your airplane.
It is ok to fly higher, just make sure you are
watching carefully to see how the aircraft is
reacting. Generally a good altitude to fly is
approx 300 feet.
If the flag hangs down,
it's good to fly.
If the angle between the antenna and
the flag is less than 20 degrees, it is
too windy and you need to postpone
your flight.
HINT: In many places, you will find that the
winds are the most calm in the mornings
(shortly after sunrise) and evenings (about
an hour prior to sunset). You may want to
prepare and fly your first flights during those
times. Flying in too much wind is by far the
number one reason for crashes/lost planes.
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