Learning To Fly - Carl Goldberg Products Electra Instruction Manual

LEARNING TO FLY

Flying R/C is both fun and challenging. As with other
portions of this book, the following section is meant to
introduce you to the basics. Read carefully before tak-
ing your model out to the field and attempting first
flights. And remember, becoming an R/C pilot takes
time and patience, but the rewards are well worth the
effort.
CGM SUPERTOTE
Equipment Checklist
Flight batteries, fully charged
Extra battery packs
Radio transmitter
Battery charger
Tools for tightening any parts that can vibrate and
loosen
Extra #64 rubber bands
Extra props and an extra spinner
Prop wrench
Bottle of Super Jet™
CHECK YOUR EQUIPMENT
Prior to going to the flying field, with radio batteries fully
charged, turn on both receiver (Rx) and transmitter (Tx)
and actuate all controls many times until you are satis-
fied with all functions.
Before beginning each day's flying, make a range check
of your equipment in accordance with the manufactur-
er's instructions. In general, with transmitter antenna
collapsed to 6"-8", you should have an at least 100 foot
range on the ground. To check this, turn on both the
transmitter and the receiver switches, set the model
heading away from you, and walk away while transmit-
ting signals to move the control surfaces. Watch to see
that no signals are missed until you are at least 100 feet
away. Only if the equipment works perfectly should any
flights be attempted. Again, be careful to not use your
transmitter when anyone else at the field is flying or
testing on the same frequency!
After the range check, stand behind the model and
make sure the control responses are correct. Moving
the control stick to the right should give right rudder (on
a 3-channel set-up) . Moving the stick back or down on
the Tx should move the elevator up, and vice versa.
Finally, make sure that everything on your aircraft is
neatly and firmly in place-motor fastened down, servos
FLYING THE ELECTRA
14
snugged down, receiver and battery wrapped in foam
rubber, etc. Prop and spinner must be tight. The receiv-
er antenna must be extended, not coiled up inside the
model. Nothing should be loose, or unfinished, or
unchecked.
With everything ready, the motor should be started for a
short time. While the motor is running, make sure the
control surfaces do not jitter or move until you command
them and that the motor switch also responds properly to
your command.
With transmitter and receiver switched on, hand launch
the model directly into the wind. Gently correct the flight
path as necessary. If any adjustments are needed to
maintain straight and level flight, get experienced help to
move the clevises.
In flight control. most of the beginner's trouble comes
from over-controlling or holding a signal too long. It is
better to operate your transmitter slowly and smoothly.
A troublesome tendency is letting the model get down-
wind. New flyers should try to keep the model upwind at
all times prior to the landing approach.
If you are a novice, seek the help of an experienced flyer.
Do not hesitate to ask one of the better flyers at the field
for help. Usually, they are glad to spend a little time to
get somebody started right, and they very likely were
helped in the same manner themselves.
WHERE TO FLY
Fly only in areas sanctioned for R/C and known to be free
of radio interference. Ask your hobby dealer or other
modelers if there is an R/C flying field that is used by a
local R/C club. This is the ideal place to fly. If you don't
know of an R/C club nearby, contact the Academy of
Model Aeronautics (AMA), at the address on the front of
this booklet, for information on a club in your area.
Remember: R/C flying fields need to have rules to help
prevent accidents, so ask about them before you turn on
any of your equipment! DO NOT TEST your transmit-
ter in the parking lot or anywhere nearby until you
are sure no one else is using your radio frequency.
This could cause another flyer to crash and make
you very unpopular!
If there is no club or other R/C flying site available, locate
a square area (preferably a grassy field), at least four or
five football fields long, which is free of power lines,
trees, poles, houses, busy streets and other obstruc-
tions. It must be at least three miles away from any
areas where other R/C models, such as boats or cars,
are operated. It should also have a relatively smooth
surface, as it will take practice to learn precision land-
ings. If you find a suitable location, turn your receiver on
for 2 or 3 minutes to check that no one in the vicinity is
operating an R/C device which could affect your receiver
and cause your plane to crash.