Balance The Model (C.g.); Balance The Model Laterally; Preflight; Identify Your Model - GREAT PLANES Jancair ES EP ARF Instruction Manual

These are the recommended control surface throws:
ELEVATOR: 3/8" [10 mm] up
3/8" [10 mm] down
RUDDER: 1/2" [13 mm] right
1/2" [13 mm] left
AILERONS: 3/8" [10 mm] up
3/8" [10 mm] down
IMPORTANT: The Lancair EP has been extensively flown
and tested to arrive at the throws at which it flies best. Flying
your model at these throws will provide you with the greatest
chance for successful first flights. If, after you have become
accustomed to the way the Lancair EP flies, you would like to
change the throws to suit your taste, that is fine. However, too
much control throw could make the model difficult to control,
so remember, "more is not always better."

Balance the Model (C.G.)

More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point) can
have the greatest effect on how a model flies, and may
determine whether or not your first flight will be
successful. If you value this model and wish to enjoy it for
many flights, DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT
PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly balanced will
be unstable and possibly unflyable.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fly condition
with all of the systems in place including the engine, landing
gear, covering and paint, and the radio system.
❏
1. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3 mm]-wide tape to accurately
mark the C.G. on the top of the wing on both sides of the
fuselage. The balance point should be measured at the
fuselage. The C.G. is located 2" [50 mm] back from the leading
edge of the wing at the fuselage.
This is where your model should balance for the first
flights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the
C.G. up to 1/4" [6 mm] forward or 1/8" [3 mm] back to
change the flying characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward
may improve the smoothness and stability, but the model
may then require more speed for takeoff and make it more
difficult to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft makes the
model more maneuverable, but could also cause it to
become too difficult to control. In any case, start at the
recommended balance point and do not at any time
balance the model outside the specified range.
❏
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage and the battery
pack installed, place the model upside-down on a Great
Planes CG Machine, or lift it upside-down at the balance
point you marked.
❏
3. If the tail drops, the model is "tail heavy" and the battery
pack and/or receiver must be shifted forward to balance. If the
nose drops, the model is "nose heavy" and the battery pack
and/or receiver must be shifted aft to balance.
❏
4. IMPORTANT: After you have shifted the radio gear,
recheck the C.G.
❏
5. If you use a different battery pack it will be necessary
to recheck the C.G.

Balance the Model Laterally

❏
1. With the wing level, lift the model by the motor propeller
shaft and the bottom of the fuse under the TE of the fin. Do
this several times.
❏
2. If one wing always drops when you lift the model, it means
that side is heavy. Balance the airplane by adding weight to the
other wing tip. An airplane that has been laterally balanced
will track better in loops and other maneuvers.

PREFLIGHT

Identify Your Model

No matter if you fly at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site or if
you fly somewhere on your own, you should always have
your name, address, telephone number and AMA number
on or inside your model. It is required at all AMA R/C club
flying sites and AMA sanctioned flying events. Fill out the
identification tag on the back cover page (or on the decal
sheet) and place it on or inside your model.
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