For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic, it is a
good idea to have an assistant on the flight line with you. Tell
him to remind you to throttle back once the plane gets to a
comfortable altitude. While full throttle is usually desirable for
takeoff, most models fly more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with your Giant Big Stik ARF for the first few
flights, gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain
confidence. Adjust the trims to maintain straight and level
flight. After flying around for a while, and while still at a safe
altitude with plenty of fuel, practice slow flight 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 fly 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 fine tune the model so it flies
the way you like. Mind your fuel level, but use this first flight
to become familiar with your model before landing.
To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on the
downwind leg. Allow the model to slow before extending the
flaps. If executing your first landing with flaps you could try
the half-flap setting. When using flaps, it’s also a good idea
to keep a few extra “clicks” of power to maintain airspeed.
Allow the nose of the model to pitch downward to gradually
bleed off altitude. Continue to lose altitude, but maintain
airspeed by keeping the nose down as you turn onto the
crosswind leg. Make your final turn toward the runway (into
the wind) keeping the nose down to maintain airspeed and
control. Level the attitude when the model reaches the
runway threshold, modulating the throttle as necessary to
maintain your glide path and airspeed. If you are going to
overshoot, smoothly advance the throttle (always ready on
the right rudder to counteract torque) and climb out, then
retract the flaps and go around to make another attempt.
When you’re ready to make your landing flare and the model
is a foot or so off the deck, smoothly increase up elevator
until it gently touches down. Once the model is on the
runway and has lost flying speed, hold elevator as needed
(up or down depending on if you built a nose gear or a
taildragger) to hold the wheel that is doing the steering on
the ground.
One final note about flying your model. Have a goal or flight
plan in mind for every flight. This can be learning a new
maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you already know, or
learning how the model behaves in certain conditions (such
as on high or low rates). This is not necessarily to improve
your skills
(though it is never a bad idea!), but more
importantly so you do not surprise yourself by impulsively
attempting a maneuver and suddenly finding that you’ve run
out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be
deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you’re going to do
a loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction
(anticipating rudder corrections that will be required to
maintain heading), remember to throttle back at the top, and
make certain you are on the desired rates (high/low rates).
A flight plan greatly reduces the chances of crashing your
model just because of poor planning and impulsive moves.
Remember to think.
Have a ball! But always stay in control and fly in a
safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
Fill in and place on or inside your model.
Great Planes U-Can-Do 3D
™
60 ARF
Assembly time is only 6-8 hours, from workbench to “Wow!”
The interlocking airframe is built from hand-selected woods,
the hardware is Great Planes-brand, and the factory-applied
covering is Top Flite MonoKote. Servos for each elevator and
aileron offer added authority and tuning possibilities. Exterior
mounting for control surface servos keeps linkages short and
direct and response swift and strong. With an engine from the
high end of the range and maxed throws, the U-Can-Do 60
ARF is everything a 3D star should be. GPMA1270
OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE FROM
GREAT PLANES
Landing
Flight
28
Summary of Contents for Giant Big Stir
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