BVM ®2016 46 4/12/2019
First Flight Profile
Make the first flight with the gyro “off”. See also BVM article “Gyro Sense”.
Flight Time
The BVM demo model’s transmitter timer is set for 7 min. On the first flight, land a few
minutes early to check fuel consumption. Adjust the flight timer accordingly.
Taxi Test/Engine Run Up
A taxi test should include a radio range check with the engine running at various power
levels. Check that the wheel brakes are adequate and the stopping action is without skidding
or pulling left or right. Be sure to shake the aircraft and push fore and aft with the engine at
half power, this will remove any trapped air bubbles in the fuel system. Check the fuel line to
the engine for “no bubbles”.
Takeoff
Begin the takeoff roll by slowly advancing the throttle. Maintain runway center while holding
about 1/2 stick up elevator; the F-16 will rotate when it is ready. It there is a cross wind, hold
a small amount of aileron into the wind, be prepared with opposite rudder. The aircraft does
not need flaperons; we suggest making your first flights “clean wing”.
Trim
Once in the air, find a medium cruise speed to set the trims. The aircraft should fly straight
and level “hands off”. When the landing gear come down, a few clicks of up trim may be
needed. This can be mixed in, or use flight modes to trim automatically.
Practice Approaches
Save a few minutes at the end of your
first flight to practice approaches and go arounds. It is
beneficial to become familiar with the low speed handing of the aircraft.
Landing
The landing is like most jets, “power on” during the approach. The F-16 does not stall easily,
it is best to land nose high, touching on the main wheels first.
The majority of the first flight should be spent trimming and practicing for the first landing.
Save the aerobatics and air show stuff for later flights.
RX Battery Consumption
The average flight using the lights the entire flight consumes 500 mAh. We recommend two
flights and recharge. Use this data to calculate how many flights you can achieve from your
system. The use of the smoke pump will consume more mAh per flight. BVM recommends
(2) 4500 mAh batteries.
BVM is synonymous with “Success Jets.” It is very important to us that you are successful
with our products. This extensive manual reflects our sincerity. As always, your comments
and suggestions on BVM products are appreciated.