14
PREFLIGHT
IDENTIFY YOUR MODEL
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 18 and place it on or inside your model.
CHARGE THE BATTERIES
Follow the battery charging instructions that came with your
radio control system to charge the batteries. You should always
charge your transmitter and receiver batteries the night before
you go fl ying, and at other times as recommended by the
radio manufacturer.
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.
GROUND CHECK AND RANGE CHECK
Always ground check the operational range of your radio
before the fi rst fl ight of the day following the manufacturer’s
instructions that came with your radio. If the control surfaces
do not respond correctly, do not fl y! Find and correct the
problem fi rst. Look for loose servo connections or broken
wires, corroded wires on old servo connectors, poor solder
joints in your battery pack or a defective cell, or a damaged
receiver crystal from a previous crash.
AMA SAFETY CODE (EXCERPTS)
Read and abide by the following excerpts from the Academy
of Model Aeronautics Safety Code. For the complete Safety
Code refer to Model Aviation magazine, the AMA web site or
the Code that came with your AMA license.
GENERAL
1) I will not fl y my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air
shows, or model fl ying demonstrations until it has been
proven to be airworthy by having been previously, successfully
fl ight tested.
2) I will not fl y my model aircraft higher than approximately
400 feet [122m] within 3 miles [4.8km] of an airport without
notifying the airport operator. I will give right-of-way and avoid
fl ying in the proximity of full-scale aircraft. Where necessary,
an observer shall be utilized to supervise fl ying to avoid having
models fl y in the proximity of full-scale aircraft.
3) Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
fl ying site I use, and I will not willfully and deliberately fl y my
models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
5) I will not fl y my model unless it is identifi ed with my name
and address or AMA number, on or in the model. Note: This
does not apply to models while being fl own indoors.
7) I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device that
explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).
RADIO CONTROL
1) I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
check before the fi rst fl ight of a new or repaired model.
2) I will not fl y my model aircraft in the presence of spectators
until I become a qualified flier, unless assisted by an
experienced helper.
3) At all fl ying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be
established in front of which all fl ying takes place with the
other side for spectators. Only personnel involved with fl ying
the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of the fl ight line.
Intentional fl ying behind the fl ight line is prohibited.
4) I will operate my model using only radio control frequencies
currently allowed by the Federal Communications
Commission.
5) I will not knowingly operate my model within three miles
of any pre-existing fl ying site except in accordance with
the frequency sharing agreement listed [in the complete
AMA Safety Code].
CHECK LIST
During the last few moments of preparation your mind
may be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the fi rst
fl ight. Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook
certain checks and procedures that should be performed
before the model is fl own. To help avoid this, a check list
is provided to make sure these important areas are not
overlooked. Many are covered in the instruction manual,
so where appropriate, refer to the manual for complete
instructions. Be sure to check the items off as they are
completed (that’s why it’s called a check list!).
1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements provided
in the manual.
2. Balance your model laterally as explained in the
instructions.
3. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical fasteners
such as the tow hook.
4. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
Summary of Contents for Sophisticated Lady GPMA1959
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