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 flyer, unless assisted
by an experienced helper.
3) At all flying sites a straight or curved line(s) must be
established in front of which all flying takes place with the
other side for spectators. Only personnel involved with flying
the aircraft are allowed at or in the front of the flight line.
Intentional flying behind the flight line is prohibited.
4) I will operate my model using only radio control
frequencies currently allowed by the Federal
Communications Commission.
5) I will not knowingly operate my model within three
miles of any pre-existing flying site except in
accordance with the frequency sharing agreement
listed [in the complete AMA Safety Code].
9) Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person
touch a powered model in flight; nor should any part of the
model other than the landing gear, intentionally touch
the ground, except while landing.
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1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
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2. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely
mounted in the fuse. Simply stuffing them into place
with foam rubber is not sufficient.
❏
3. 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.
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4. Balance your model
laterally as explained in the instructions.
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5. Make sure all hinges are securely glued in place.
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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. 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.
❏
8. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
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9. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
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10. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
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11. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
❏
12. Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.
The YAK 55 is a great-flying model that flies smoothly and
predictably. The YAK 55 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 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
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 check list 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.
CHECK LIST
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