❏
2. Double-check the C.G.
according to the
measurements provided in the manual.
❏
3. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuselage. Simply stuffing them into
place with foam rubber is not sufficient.
❏
4. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has
been guided up through the antenna tube.
❏
5. Balance your model
laterally as explained in
the instructions.
❏
6. Use thread-locking compound to secure critical
fasteners such as the set screws in the wheel collars,
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, receiver/battery
tray mounting screws, etc.).
❏
10. Confirm 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. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are
not kinked.
❏
15. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
16. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
17. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
❏
18. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
❏
19. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
❏
20. Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.
The Giant Big Stik ARF is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. The Giant Big Stik 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.
Before you get ready to takeoff, see how the model handles
on the ground and make sure it steers straight by doing a
few practice runs at low speeds on the runway. If you built
your Giant Big Stik ARF as a taildragger, hold a little “up”
elevator to keep the tail wheel on the ground. If you built it
with tricycle gear, keep the elevator neutral or hold a little bit
of down to hold the nose on the ground. If necessary, adjust
the tail wheel (or nose wheel) so the model will roll straight
down the runway. Double-check all pushrod connections to
make sure they are all secure.
Remember to takeoff into the wind. When ready, point the
model straight down the runway, hold elevator as necessary
to keep whichever wheel is doing the steering (nose or tail)
on the ground, then gradually advance the throttle.
Taildraggers: 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 taildragger is to
always be ready to apply right rudder to counteract engine
torque. Gain as much speed as your runway and flying 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 traffic pattern.
Take Off
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound
such as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control
surface
flutter. Flutter occurs when a control surface
(such as an aileron or elevator) or a flying surface (such
as a wing or stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus
causing the noise). In extreme cases, if not detected
immediately, flutter can actually cause the control surface
to detach or the flying surface to fail, thus causing loss of
control followed by an impending crash. The best thing to
do when flutter is detected is to slow the model
immediately by reducing power, then land as soon as
safely possible. Identify which surface fluttered (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 fluttered once, under similar circumstances it will
probably flutter again unless the problem is fixed. Some
things which can cause flutter are; Excessive hinge gap;
Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fit 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 flutter;
Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.
FLYING
27
Summary of Contents for Giant Big Stir
Page 32: ......
