61
Preflight at the Field
Control Throws and Center of Gravity
Step 1
Before each flying session, range-check your radio.
This is accomplished by turning on your transmitter
with the antenna collapsed. Turn on the radio in your
airplane. With your airplane on the ground, you should
be able to walk 30 paces away from your airplane
and still have complete control of all functions. If not,
don’t attempt to fly! Have your radio equipment checked
out by the manufacturer.
Step 2
Double-check that all controls (aileron, elevator, throttle,
rudder) move in the correct direction.
Step 3
Before you fly, be sure that your batteries are fully
charged per the instructions included with your radio.
Recommended CG Location
An important part of preparing the aircraft for flight is
properly balancing the model. This is especially important
when various engines are mounted.
Caution: Do not inadvertently skip this step!
The recommended Center of Gravity (C.G.) location for
the P-51 1.50 is 6
3
/
8
" behind the leading edge of the
wing measured at the fuselage sides. If necessary, move
the battery pack or add weight to either the nose or the
tail until the correct balance is achieved. Stick-on weights
are available at your local hobby shop and work well for
this purpose.
The following control throws offer a good place to start
with your first flights. We recommend only one rate
setting for the P-51. As you become more familiar with
the handling of your model, you may wish to add a
second rate setting.
Once the control throws for the ailerons and flaps have
been set, tighten the 4-40 nuts against the clevises to
prevent them from loosening during flight. It is also
highly suggested to use threadlocking compound.
Recommended Control Throws
Low rate
High rate
Aileron 1/2" (14°) up
3/4" (18°) up
1/2" (14°) down
3/4" (18°) down
Elevator 5/8" (12°) up
3/4" (15°) up
5/8" (12°) down
3/4" (15°) down
Rudder 1
7
/
8
" (20°) left
2
1
/
2
" (30°) left
1
7
/
8
" (20°) right
2
1
/
2
" (30°) right
Flaps
1
1
/
8
" (15°) down
2
1
/
2
" (38°) down
Adjusting the Engine
Step 1
Completely read the instructions included with your
engine and follow the recommended break-in procedure.
Step 2
At the field, adjust the engine to a slightly rich setting at
full throttle and adjust the idle and low-speed needle so
that a consistent idle is achieved.
Step 3
Before you fly, be sure that your engine idles reliably,
transitions and runs at all throttle settings. Only
when this is achieved should any plane be considered
ready for flight.
