RANGE CHECK
YOUR RADIO
Check the operational range of the radio before the
first flight. Before you turn your radio on, the first
thing you always must do is make sure no one else
is on your frequency (channel). Most model flying
fields utilize frequency control so familiarize
yourself with their system. Collapse your transmitter
antenna and turn on the transmitter, then the
receiver (the receiver should never be on by itself).
You should be able to walk at least 100 feet away
from the model and still have control. Have an
assistant stand by your model and tell you what the
control surfaces are doing while you operate them
from the transmitter. Repeat this test with an
assistant holding the model and running the engine
at various speeds. If the control surfaces do not
always respond correctly, don't fly! Find and correct
the problem first. Look for loose servo connections
or corrosion, loose fasteners that may cause
vibration, a defective on/off switch, low battery
voltage or a defective cell, a damaged receiver
antenna or a receiver crystal that may have been
damaged from a previous crash.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
Note:
Failure to follow these safety precautions
may cause severe injury to yourself and others.
Store model fuel in a safe place away from high
heat, sparks or flames. Do not smoke near the
engine or fuel as it is very flammable. Engine
exhaust gives off a great deal of deadly carbon
monoxide, so do not run the engine in a closed
room or garage.
Get help from an experienced modeler if you are
not confident operating r/c engines.
Use safety glasses when you operate model
engines. Do not run the engine near loose gravel
or sand; the propeller may throw loose material in
your face or eyes.
When you start and run the engine, keep your face
and body as well as all spectators away from the
plane of rotation of the propeller.
Keep loose clothing, shirt sleeves, ties, scarfs, long
hair or loose objects away from the prop. Be
conscious of pencils, screwdrivers or other objects
that may fall out of your shirt or jacket pockets.
Use a “chicken stick” or electric starter and follow
the instructions to start your engine.
Ask an assistant to hold the model from the rear
while you start the engine and operate the
controls.
Make all engine adjustments from behind the
rotating propeller.
The engine gets hot! Do not touch the engine
during or immediately after you operate it. Make
sure fuel lines are in good condition so fuel will not
leak onto a hot engine and cause a fire.
To stop the engine, close the carburetor barrel
(rotor) or pinch the fuel line to discontinue the fuel
flow. Do not use your hands, fingers or any body
part to stop the engine. Never throw anything into
the prop of a running engine.
The best place to fly your R/C model is at an AMA
(Academy of Model Aeronautics) chartered club
field. Ask your hobby dealer or the AMA if there is
a club in your area and join it (the address and
telephone number for the AMA is listed on page 3
of this instruction book). Club fields exist to make
your R/C flying safe and enjoyable. We recommend
that you join the AMA and a local club so you may
have a safe place to fly and insurance in case of a
flying accident.
If a club flying site is not available, find a large,
grassy area at least 6 miles away from houses,
buildings, streets and other R/C activity like boats
and cars. Avoid flying R/C models near traffic or
areas such as parks, school yards, office building
lawns, etc, which may seem inviting but are much
too small to fly safely.
If you are not an experienced modeler who has
flown aircraft such as this, we highly recommend
that you get an experienced modeler to assist you
with your first flights. An experienced modeler can
34
