Flying; Fuel Mixture Adjustments; Takeoff; Flight - GREAT PLANES Eagle 580 Manual

o 14 . Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffler with
high temp RTV silicone, thread locking compound or
J .B . Weld .
o
15 . Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are not
kinked . Make sure that they are safetied in place using
plastic cable ties .
o
16 . Balance your propeller (and spare propellers) .
o
17 . Tighten the propeller screws/nut and spinner .
o 18 . Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model .
o 19 . Cycle your receiver battery pack and assure that it
can make its rated capacity . Use a voltmeter at the
field to check the state of charge before each flight .
Do it when you fuel your plane .
o
20 . If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight .
o
21 . Range check your radio when you get to the
flying field .

FLYING

Fuel Mixture Adjustments

A fully cowled engine may run at a higher temperature than
an un-cowled engine . For this reason, the fuel mixture should
be richened so the engine runs at about 200 rpm below
peak speed . By running the engine slightly rich, you will help
prevent dead-stick landings caused by overheating .
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 .
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 a very small amount of "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 engine down and bring the model back into the pits . Top
off the fuel, 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 the 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 engine torque . Gain as much
speed as your runway and flying site will practically allow
before gently applying up elevator, lifting the model into the
air . At this moment it is likely that you will need to apply more
right rudder to counteract engine 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 .
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 Great Planes Giant Matt Chapman Eagle
580 ARF 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 fuel, 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 fuel level, 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
maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down as you turn onto
the crosswind leg . Make your final turn toward the runway
29

Takeoff

Flight

Landing