Spare Propellers; Select A Proper Flying Site; Flying; Motor Safety Precautions - GREAT PLANES RIFLE1m Instruction Manual

Spare Propellers

As specifi ed, the APC 5.25 x 6.25 speed 400 propeller is
recommended for the 2S sport setup. However, there are a
few different propeller options for the speed setup. The 4.5 x
4.1 is the fi rst choice, but a 4.7 x 4.25 pulls only slightly more
current and is therefore a suitable option.
In any case, when you get to fl ying your Rifl e often you'll
want to stock your fl ight box with plenty of spare propellers.
Breaking propellers is one of those funny things where
one day you'll get fi ve, six, seven or more landings without
breaking a prop. Then, you'll get that one perfect landing and
the prop will break anyway.

Select a Proper Flying Site

If you're already experienced with this type of small,
extremely fast airplane, you already know your preferred
fl ying site and fl ying conditions, or are experienced enough
so that you can fl y anywhere any time! But if this is your
fi rst outing with your Rifl e, think about the optimum time and
place to fl y. Clear, blue skies with a moderate breeze and
the sun at your back are the best. A 5mph – 10mph breeze
will not only assist with your fi rst hand-launch, it will also
assist with your fi rst landing. Finally, you'll also want a site
free from obstacles and pedestrians—the fewer distractions
the better! If you're a little apprehensive, maybe you could
sneak-in the maiden at your local R/C club site early in the
morning before anybody else arrives.
For obvious reasons, it would also be prudent to have a
spotter keep an eye on your Rifl e with you. Later, after you've
become accustomed to fl ying your Rifl e and have your skills
and confi dence where you want, you'll be able to fl y in any
and all reasonable conditions.
While fl ying with your peers keep in mind that the Rifl e isn't
your "regular" type of plane. It's understandable that the
speed and sound can be intimidating and/or distracting to
other pilots who are fl ying—some don't seem to mind, but
others get nervous or agitated, so always try to be a good
sport and respect your fellow club members' air space.
Fortunately, the Rifl e is quick to prep and fl ies for such a
short time that it's easy to "sneak in" a fl ight between the
others whenever there's a lull in the action.

Motor Safety Precautions

Failure to follow these safety precautions may result
in severe injury to yourself and others.
Wear safety glasses whenever running motors.
Keep your face and body as well as all spectators away from
the plane of rotation of the turning propeller.
Keep loose clothing and objects such as pencils or
screwdrivers that may fall out of shirt or jacket pockets away
from the prop.
One fi nal note: Do not fl y unless your senses and decision-
making abilities are sharp. You'll need clear vision, quick
reaction time, and full command of all the basics — having
the correct model programmed into your radio, remembering
to do a fi nal control check before launching, and knowing
not to fl y if the conditions exceed your skill level. Always
make sure you're well-rested and, if the weather is hot, stay
hydrated.

Hand Launch

Experienced pilots already know what to do—make a fi nal
control check, point the Rifl e into the wind, nail the throttle
and throw it hard! But less-experienced pilots should read all
of the fl ying instructions thoroughly.
NOTE: Flying on high-rate or low-rate aileron is up to the
pilot's preference, but the Rifl e should be launched and
fl own only on low-rate elevator. High-rate elevator is
intended for landing only.
Experienced pilots or new pilots with a few fl ights under their
belt will be able to launch the Rifl e on their own, but it may
be best for inexperienced pilots to get an assistant to launch
it for them. This way, your fi ngers will be at the controls
ready to make the corrective inputs right away. Try to fi nd an
experienced R/C pilot to do the launch. With all due respect,
please don't solicit your child or signifi cant other. Those not
experienced in R/C usually underestimate the velocity with
which the plane must be thrown and don't understand the
importance of keeping the wings level and launching at the
correct angle.
Once you've found your assistant, pick weather conditions
that are favorable. The most critical part of the fl ight will be
the launch. Once your Rifl e is up-and-away it'll be safely out
of the grasp of the earth. Launching for experienced pilots is
second-nature, but there is plenty opportunity for beginners to
botch the fi rst launch if conditions are not right. In addition to
fi nding a competent launcher, your chances for success will
be increased ten-fold if you can throw it directly into a breeze.
Launching in cross winds or on calm days is fi ne for experts,
but if you can make that toss into a nice breeze—say a good
fi ve or ten mph—your fl ight will be just about guaranteed!
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FLYING