GREAT PLANES Old Timer, Instruction Manual

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9. I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device
that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind).
RADIO CONTROL
1. I will have completed a successful radio equipment ground
check before the first flight of a new or repaired model.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft in the presence of
spectators until I become a qualified flier, unless assisted by
an experienced helper.
3. I will perform my initial turn after takeoff away from the pit
or spectator areas, and I will not thereafter fly over pit or
spectator areas, unless beyond my control.
4. I will operate my model using only radio control
frequencies currently allowed by the Federal Communications
Commission.
❏
1. Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust
residue such as the engine plate, firewall, 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 stuffing them into place
with foam rubber is not sufficient.
❏
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 secure wheel
collars, 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 screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, control horn
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 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 muffler 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. Use an incidence meter to check the wing for twists
and attempt to correct before flying.
❏
17. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
18. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
19. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
❏
20. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
❏
21. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
❏
22. Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.
The Old Timer 40 is a great-flying model that flies smoothly
and predictably. The Old Timer 40 does not, however,
possess the self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C
trainer and should be flown only by experienced R/C pilots.
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice any unusual sounds, such as a
low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
flutter. Flutter is the rapid back and forth movement of the
control surfaces. Because flutter can quickly destroy
components of your airplane, any time you detect flutter
you must immediately cut the throttle and land the
airplane! Check all servo grommets for deterioration (this
may indicate which surface fluttered), and make sure all
pushrod linkages are secure and free of play. If the control
surface fluttered once, it probably will flutter again under
similar circumstances unless you can eliminate the free-
play or flexing in the linkages. Here are some things
which can cause flutter: Excessive hinge gap; Not
mounting control horns solidly; Poor fit of clevis pin in
horn; Side-play of pushrod in guide tube caused by tight
bends; Poor fit of Z-bend in servo arm; Insufficient glue
used when gluing in the elevator joiner wire; Excessive
play or backlash in servo gears; and Insecure servo
mounting.
FLYING
During the last few moments of preparation your mind
may be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the first
flight. Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook
certain checks and procedures that should be performed
before the model is flown. To help avoid this, a checklist 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 (that’s why it’s called a
check list!).
CHECK LIST
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