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Add and practice one maneuver at a time, learning how your
model behaves in each one. For ultra-smooth flying and
normal maneuvers, we recommend using the “low rate”
settings as listed on page 16. High rate control throws will give
your model enough control for loops, barrel rolls, and many
other basic aerobatic maneuvers.
After you have several flights on your model, it’s time to reward
yourself with your first aerobatic maneuver — a loop. Climb to
a safe altitude and turn into the wind. Apply full throttle, level
the wings, then slowly pull back on the elevator stick to about
1/2 to 3/4 up elevator (depending on your throws), and hold
this control input. After you go over the top and start down the
back side of the loop, pull the throttle back to about half. This
will keep the stresses on the airplane low and the airspeed
relatively constant. Keep holding “up” elevator until the plane
is level, then slowly release the sticks. You’re done! It’s really
that easy!
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES):
If,
while flying, you notice any unusual sounds, such as a low-
pitched “buzz,” this may be an indication of control surface
“flutter.” 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 will indicate which surface
fluttered), and make sure all pushrod linkages are slop-free. If
it fluttered once, it will probably flutter again under similar
circumstances unless you can eliminate the slop or flexing in
the linkages. Here are some things which can result in flutter:
excessive hinge gap; not mounting control horns solidly;
sloppy fit of clevis pin in horn; elasticity present in flexible
plastic pushrods; side-play of pushrod in guide tube caused by
tight bends; sloppy fit of Z-bend in servo arm; insufficient glue
used when gluing in the elevator joiner wire or aileron torque
rod; excessive flexing of aileron, caused by using too soft
balsa aileron; excessive “play” or “backlash” in servo gears;
and insecure servo mounting.
LANDING
When it’s time to land, fly a normal landing pattern and
approach as follows: Reduce the power to about 1/4 and fly a
downwind leg far enough out from the runway to allow you to
make a gentle 180 degree turn. As you make the turn into the
wind for your final approach, pull the throttle back to idle. Most
trainer planes have a lot of lift, so you will need a slow, reliable
idle in order to achieve a nice, slow landing. Allow the plane to
keep descending on a gradual glide slope until you are about
3 feet off the runway. Gradually apply a little up elevator to
flare for landing. You should apply just enough up elevator to
hold the plane just off the runway while the excess speed
bleeds off. The model should settle onto the runway for a slow,
slightly nose-high landing. If your approach looks short, add in
a little power to extend the glide. If you are too high, add
throttle slowly and go around for another try. Do not try to
“force” the airplane to land.
Good luck and have fun flying your model, but always
stay in control and fly in a safe manner.
Adverse Yaw
- The tendency of an airplane to yaw in the
opposite direction of the roll. For instance, when right aileron
is applied, the airplane yaws to the left, thus opposing the turn.
Adverse yaw is common in trainer type airplanes having flat
bottom wings. It is most noticeable at slow speeds and high
angles of attack, such as during takeoffs and when stretching
a landing approach. Caused by the unequal drag of the
upward and downward deflection of the ailerons, this
undesirable trait can be minimized by setting up the ailerons
with Differential Throw or by coordinating the turns, using the
aileron and rudder controls simultaneously. (See Differential
Throw.)
Ailerons
- Hinged control surfaces located on the trailing edge
of the wing, one on each side, which provide control of the
SOME MODELING TERMS & TRIVIA
Hold This Angle
Until Touchdown.
Danger Of Stalling!
Release A Little
Elevator.
Apply Up Elevator
