23
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.
❏
1. Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust residue
such as the cowl ring, cowl mounting blocks, wing
saddle area, etc.
❏
2. Check the C.G. according to the measurements provided
in the manual.
❏
3. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely mounted
in the fuse. Simply stuffi ng them into place with foam
rubber is not suffi cient.
❏
4. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has a
strain relief inside the fuselage to keep tension off the
solder joint inside the receiver.
❏
5. Balance your model
laterally
as explained in the
instructions.
❏
6. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical fasteners
such as the set screws that hold the wheel axles to the
struts, screws that hold the carburetor arm (if applicable),
screw-lock pushrod connectors, etc.
❏
7. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will turn freely.
❏
8. Make sure all hinges are
securely
glued in place.
❏
9. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl mounting
screws, etc.).
❏
10. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
❏
11. 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.
❏
12. Secure connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions, and the connection
between your battery pack and the on/off switch with
vinyl tape, heat shrink tubing or special clips suitable
for that purpose.
❏
13. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
❏
14. Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffl er with high
temp RTV silicone, thread locking compound or J.B. Weld.
❏
15. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are not
kinked.
❏
16. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
17. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
18. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
❏
19. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
❏
20. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your fi rst fl ight.
❏
21. Range check your radio when you get to the fl ying fi eld.
FLYING
The Escapade is a great-fl ying model that fl ies smoothly and
predictably. The Escapade 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, shut the engine down and
bring the model back into the pits. Top off the fuel, then 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,
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 engine
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 engine 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.
