GREAT PLANES SlowPoke, Instruction Manual

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If a club and flying site are not available, find a large, grassy
area at least 6 miles away from houses, buildings and
streets and any other R/C radio operation like R/C boats and
R/C cars. A schoolyard may look inviting but is too close to
people, power lines and possible radio interference.
If you are not thoroughly familiar with the operation of R/C
models, ask an experienced modeler to inspect your radio
installation and confirm that all the control surfaces respond
correctly to transmitter inputs. The engine operation must
also be checked by confirming that the engine idles reliably
and transitions smoothly and rapidly to full power and
maintains full power indefinitely. The engine must be “broken-
in” on the ground by running it for at least two tanks of fuel.
Follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations for
break-in. Make sure all screws remain tight, that the hinges
are secure and that the prop is on tight.
Whenever you go to the flying field, check the operational
range of the radio before the first flight of the day. First,
make sure no one else is on your frequency (channel). With
your transmitter antenna collapsed and the receiver and
transmitter on, you should be able to walk at least 100 feet
away from the model and still have control. While you work
the controls have a helper stand by your model and tell you
what the control surfaces are doing.
Repeat this test with the engine running at various speeds
with a helper holding the model. If the control surfaces are
not always responding correctly, do not fly! Find and correct
the problem first. Look for loose servo connections or
corrosion, loose bolts that may cause vibration, a defective
on/off switch, low battery voltage or a defective cell, a
damaged receiver antenna, or a receiver crystal that may
have been damaged from a previous crash.
NOTE: Failure to follow these safety precautions may
result in severe injury to yourself and others.
Keep all engine fuel in a safe place, away from high heat,
sparks or flames, as fuel is very flammable. Do not smoke
near the engine or fuel. Remember that the engine exhaust
gives off a great deal of deadly carbon monoxide. Do not
run the engine in a closed room or garage. Get help from
an experienced pilot when learning to operate engines.
Use safety glasses when starting or running engines.
Do not run the engine in an area of loose gravel or sand; the
propeller may throw such material in your face or eyes.
Keep your face and body as well as all spectators away
from the plane of rotation of the propeller as you start and
run the engine.
Keep ALL items away from the prop, including: radio neck
straps, loose clothing, shirt sleeves, ties, scarves, long hair
or loose objects such as pencils, screw drivers that may fall
out of shirt or jacket pockets into the prop.
When using a “chicken stick” or electric starter, follow
instructions supplied with the starter or stick. Make certain
the glow plug clip or connector is secure so that it will not
pop off or otherwise get into the running propeller.
Make all engine adjustments from behind the rotating
propeller.
The engine gets hot! Do not touch it during or after
operation. Make sure fuel lines are in good condition so fuel
will not leak onto a hot engine causing a fire.
To stop the engine, cut off the fuel supply by closing off the fuel
line or follow the engine manufacturer’s recommendations. Do
not use hands, fingers or any body part to try to stop the engine.
Do not throw anything into the prop of a running engine.
Read and abide by the following Academy of Model
Aeronautics Official Safety Code:
General
1. I will not fly my model aircraft in sanctioned events, air
shows, or model flying demonstrations until it has been
proven to be airworthy by having been previously
successfully flight tested.
2. I will not fly my model aircraft higher than approximately
400 feet within 3 miles of an airport without notifying the
airport operator. I will give right of way to and avoid flying in
the proximity of full scale aircraft. Where necessary an
observer shall be used to supervise flying to avoid having
models fly in the proximity of full scale aircraft.
3. Where established, I will abide by the safety rules for the
flying site I use and I will not willfully and deliberately fly my
models in a careless, reckless and/or dangerous manner.
7. I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my
name and address or AMA number, on or in the model.
9. I will not operate models with pyrotechnics (any device
that explodes, burns, or propels a projectile of any kind)
AMA Safety Code (excerpts)
Engine Safety Precautions
Range Check Your Radio
Ground Check the Model
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