21
❏
8. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, control horn
screws, etc.).
❏
9. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
❏
10. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the
clevises and that all servo arms are secured to the
servos with the screws included with your radio.
❏
11. Secure connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions with vinyl tape, heat-
shrink tubing or special clips suitable for that purpose.
❏
12. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
❏
13. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
14. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
15. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
❏
16. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your fi rst fl ight.
❏
17. Range check your radio when you get to the fl ying fi eld.
FLYING
The Edge 540T EP is a great-fl ying model that fl ies smoothly
and predictably. The Edge 540T EP does not, however,
possess the self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C
trainer and should be fl own only by experienced R/C pilots.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
fl utter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a fl ying surface (such as a wing or
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, fl utter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the fl ying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by
an impending crash. The best thing to do when fl utter is
detected is to slow the model immediately by reducing
power, then land as soon as safely possible. Identify which
surface fl uttered (so the problem may be resolved) by
checking all the servo grommets for deterioration or signs of
vibration. Make certain all pushrod linkages are secure and
free of play. If it fl uttered once, under similar circumstances
it will probably fl utter again unless the problem is fi xed.
Some things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive hinge
gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fi t of clevis
pin in horn; Side-play of wire pushrods caused by large
bends; Excessive free play in servo gears; Insecure servo
mounting; and one of the most prevalent causes of fl utter,
Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.
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 so the model will
roll straight down the runway. If you need to calm your nerves
before the maiden fl ight bring the model back into the pits,
peak the battery and check all fasteners and control linkages
for peace of mind.
Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you’re ready, 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,
and 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 motor torque. Gain as much speed as your runway
and fl ying site will practically allow before gently applying up
elevator, lifting the model into the air. At this moment it is likely
that you will need to apply more right rudder to counteract
motor torque. Be smooth on the elevator stick, allowing the
model to establish a gentle climb to a safe altitude before
turning into the traffi c pattern.
Flight
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffi c, it is
a good idea to have an assistant on the fl ight line with
you. Tell him to remind you to throttle back once the plane
gets to a comfortable altitude. The Edge 540T EP with the
recommended power system will only require full throttle in
short burst. Most aerobatic fl ight can be performed at around
1/2 throttle. If you observe the fl ight of some of the best
aerobatic pilots, they very seldom use full throttle.
Take it easy with the Edge 540T EP for the fi rst fl ight, gradually
getting acquainted with it as you gain confi dence. Adjust the
trims to maintain straight and level fl ight. After fl ying around
for a while, and while still at a safe altitude with plenty of
battery, practice slow fl ight and execute practice landing
approaches by reducing the throttle to see how the model
handles at slower speeds. Add power to see how she climbs
as well. Continue to fl y 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 fi ne tune the model so it fl ies the way you like. Mind your
battery power level, but use this fi rst fl ight to become familiar
with your model before landing. With most electric planes it
is best to have a timer set on your transmitter or a separate
timer with an alarm to alert you when the battery may be
getting low. This will require a few fl ights before determining
the maximum fl ight time you can achieve with the batteries.
This will prevent the downwind auto motor cutoff over the
end of the fl ying fi eld. With the plane properly trimmed you
will want to get started with some aerobatics. This plane is
