GREAT PLANES FlatOut Flatana, Instruction Manual

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❏
6. Confirm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
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7. Make sure any servo wiring does not interfere with
other systems (servo arms, pushrods, etc.).
❏
8. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on your model.
❏
9. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
❏
10. Range check your radio when you get to the flying site.
The FlatOut Flatana ARF is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. The FlatOut Flatana ARF does
not, however, possess the self-recovery characteristics of a
primary R/C trainer and should be flown only by experienced
R/C pilots.
For the first flight, it is a good idea to have an assistant
launch the airplane for you. This allows you to keep your
hands on the controls and immediately correct any trim
problems that are present.
Have your friend hold the FlatOut Flatana ARF by the
canopy. Throttle up to full power, and give the plane a gentle,
underhanded toss at about a 30° angle upward. Since the
FlatOut Flatana ARF has a very high thrust-to-weight ratio,
the plane will accelerate to flying speed almost instantly.
Climb to a comfortable height and throttle back to a lower
power setting. This plane flies great at about half-throttle
when in standard forward flight.
Once you have the model trimmed out, the FlatOut Flatana
ARF is very capable of ROG (rise-off-ground) takeoffs from
a smooth surface (parking lot, runway, gym floor, etc.). To
take off, start by advancing the throttle to about two-thirds,
making sure to correct any torque reactions with rudder. The
plane will build flying speed almost instantly due to its high
thrust-to-weight ratio. Once the tail comes up, gently apply
up elevator to break ground and climb out. Full throttle
takeoffs are necessary only for extremely short runways.
When flying a 3D aerobat like the FlatOut Flatana ARF,
there are several things you should always keep in mind.
First is throttle management–this airplane has enough
power to climb straight up at full throttle, so level flight is
more comfortably achieved at about half-throttle. Avoid
extremely high-speed flight with the FlatOut Flatana ARF–it
is designed for slow 3D aerobatics, and extended full-throttle
dives can result in wing flutter. While flutter won’t destroy the
airplane, it’s best to avoid it. Second, take it easy on the
control sticks–with 3D throws, even a small stick deflection
can result in a big response, so use small inputs (unless of
course you’re performing an aggressive maneuver).
Because this model is extremely lightweight, it slows rapidly
without power, and performing standard gliding landings can
be difficult. Instead, land the model under power, with a
rolling 3-point landing as the goal. To achieve this, perform
your landing approach with the model in the 3-point attitude
(nose up at such an angle that all three wheels are level).
Modulate your descent with the throttle, and use a quick
“blip” of power just before touchdown to slow the descent for
a gentle landing.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and fly in a
safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
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Landing
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FLYING
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