Takeoff; Flight; Landing - Top Flite P-47D Thunderbolt User Manual

Fuel mixture adjustment
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. By running the engine
slightly rich, you will help prevent dead stick landings
caused by overheating.

Takeoff

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 "up" elevator to
keep the tail wheel on the ground. If necessary,
adjust the tail wheel or main wheels until the model
rolls straight down the runway. If you need to calm
your nerves before the maiden voyage, 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. Takeoff on high rates—
especially if you are taking off into a crosswind. For
your first few flights takeoff with the flaps retracted
(up). Later, the takeoff roll can be shortened by
taking off with half-flaps.
When you're ready for takeoff, 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 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
the torque of the engine, keeping the model heading
straight. Gain as much speed as your runway and
flying site will safely allow before gently applying up
elevator, lifting the model into the air. At this moment
it is likely that you may 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 scale
models fly more smoothly and more scale-like at
reduced speeds.

Flight

Take it easy with your P-47 for your first few flights,
gradually getting acquainted with it as your engine
breaks in. Adjust the trims to maintain straight and
level flight. After flying around for a while, and still at
a safe altitude, execute practice landing approaches
by reducing the throttle and extending the gear to
see how the model handles at slower speeds. If you
plan to land with the flaps, practice slow flight and
landing approaches with the flaps extended while
still at a comfortable altitude. Add power to see how
she climbs with flaps 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.

Landing

Landings may be executed with or without flaps.
Modelers unfamiliar with flaps usually make their first
few landings without them, but learn to prefer landing
with flaps later on. If you are unsure, you could
always land with the flaps set to half of their full
setting. Mix down elevator with flaps as described in
the "Control Throws" section on page 59 of the
manual. If you are landing without flaps, the nose of
the model will pitch down slightly when the landing
gear is extended. When you're ready to land with
flaps, maintain an engine R.P.M. that is slightly
higher than normal to overcome the additional drag.
Flaps should be extended after the throttle and
airspeed have been reduced and the model is on the
downwind leg of the landing pattern.
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To initiate a landing approach, 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, hold up elevator to place the tail on the
ground, regaining tail wheel control. Refrain from
using flaps during dead-stick landings unless you're
near the runway and already lined-up. Without
power, flaps will reduce the model's range causing it
to land shorter than you may normally expect.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and fly in
a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!