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These are the recommended control surface throws:
LOW RATE
Up & Down
1/4"
[6 mm] 6°
Right & Left
7/8"
[22 mm] 15°
Up & Down
1/4"
[6 mm] 10°
If your radio does not have dual rates, we recommend setting
the throws at the low rate settings.
NOTE: The throws are measured at the widest part of the
elevators, rudder and ailerons.
Balance the Model (C.G.)
More than any other factor, the C.G. (center of gravity/
balance point) can have the greatest effect on how a model
fl ies and could determine whether or not your fi rst fl ight will
be successful. If you value your model and wish to enjoy it
for many fl ights, DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT
PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly balanced may
be unstable and possibly unfl yable.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fl y condition
with all of the components in place including the complete
radio system, motor, battery and propeller.
❏
1. If using a Great Planes C.G. Machine
2-5/8" [67mm]. If not using a C.G. Machine, use a fi ne-point
felt tip pen to mark lines on the top of wing on both sides of
the fuselage 2-5/8" [67mm] back from the leading edge. Apply
narrow (1/16" [2mm]) strips of tape over the lines so you will
be able to feel them when lifting the model with your fi ngers.
This is where your model should balance for the fi rst
fl ights. Later, you may experiment by shifting the C.G. 3/8"
[9.5mm] forward or 1/4" [6mm] back to change the fl ying
characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward will improve the
smoothness and stability, but the model will then be less
aerobatic (which may be fi ne for less-experienced pilots).
Moving the C.G. aft makes the model more maneuverable
and aerobatic for experienced pilots. In any case, start at
the recommended balance point and do not at any time
balance the model outside the specifi ed range.
❏
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage and all parts of
the model installed (ready to fl y), place the model on a Great
Planes CG Machine, or lift it at the balance point you marked.
❏
move the battery pack and/or receiver forward to get the
HIGH RATE
model to balance. If the nose drops, the model is "nose heavy."
If possible, move the battery pack and/or receiver aft. If the
Up & Down
receiver and/or battery cannot be moved, or if additional weight
is still required, nose weight may be easily added by using
1/2"
use Great Planes "stick-on" lead (GPMQ4485). To fi nd out
[13mm] 12°
how much weight is required, place incrementally increasing
amounts of weight on the top of the fuselage over the location
Right & Left
where it would be mounted inside until the model balances. A
1-1/8"
good place to add stick-on nose weight is to the fi rewall. Do
[ 29 mm] 19°
not attach weight to the cowl. Once you have determined the
amount of weight required, it can be permanently attached.
Up & Down
❏
3/8"
weight, recheck the C.G. after the weight has been installed.
[10mm] 14°
❏
model by the engine propeller shaft and the bottom of the
fuse under the TE of the fi n. Do this several times.
❏
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.
No matter if you fl y at an AMA sanctioned R/C club site or if
you fl y 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 fl ying sites
and AMA sanctioned fl ying events. Fill out the identifi cation
tag on page 23 and place it on or inside your model.
™
, set the rulers to
Follow the battery charging instructions that came with your
radio control system to charge the batteries. You should
always charge your transmitter batteries the night before you
go fl ying, and at other times as recommended by the radio
manufacturer.
20
3. If the tail drops, the model is "tail heavy." If possible,
4. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add any
Balance the Model Laterally
1. With the wing level, have an assistant help you lift the
2. If one wing always drops when you lift the model, it means
PREFLIGHT
Identify Your Model
Charge the Batteries
CAUTION: Unless the instructions that came with your
radio system state differently, the initial charge on new
transmitter and receiver batteries should be done for 15
hours using the slow-charger that came with the radio
system. This will "condition" the batteries so that the next
charge may be done using the fast-charger of your choice.
If the initial charge is done with a fast-charger the batteries
may not reach their full capacity and you may be fl ying with
batteries that are only partially charged.
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