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The Lancair ES EP ARF is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. The Lancair does not, however,
possess the self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C
trainer and should be flown only by experienced R/C pilots.
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.
Speed Control Set-Up
CAUTION: While setting up and checking the control throws
on your airplane. remove the propeller from the motor.
1. Plug the servo connector from your speed control into
the throttle socket of your receiver.
2. Connect the motor battery to the speed control.
3. Move the throttle stick to idle (towards you).
4. Switch on the transmitter then the speed control.
5. Move the throttle stick to full power (away from you) for
at least 2 seconds.
6. Move the throttle stick back to idle (toward you). The
speed control is now ready to operate. Note: If the motor
does not start as the throttle is advanced, you may need
to reverse the servo throw setting of the throttle.
7. As a safety precaution to prevent the motor from starting
when the speed control is first switched on, you will
need to move the throttle to full and back to idle every
time the speed control is switched on.
FLYING
Before you get ready to take off, see how the model handles
on the ground by doing a few practice runs at low speeds on
the runway. Remember to take off into the wind. When you're
ready, point the model straight down the runway, then
gradually advance the throttle. As the model gains speed, the
nose will lift off the ground. Gain as much speed as your
runway and flying site will practically allow before gently
applying up elevator, lifting the model into the air. 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 Lancair ES EP 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, 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 battery power, 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 (into the wind) keeping the nose down to
maintain airspeed and control. Level the attitude when the
model reaches the runway threshold, modulating the throttle
as necessary to maintain your glide path and airspeed. If
you are going to overshoot, smoothly advance the throttle
(always ready on the right rudder to counteract torque) and
climb out to make another attempt. When you're ready to
make your landing flare and the model is a foot or so off the
deck, smoothly increase up elevator until it gently touches
down. Once the model is on the runway and has lost flying
speed, slowly release up elevator to place the nose on the
ground, regaining steering control.
One final note about flying your model – have a goal or flight
plan in mind for every flight. This can be learning a new
23
Takeoff
Flight
Landing
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