launch the model). When ready to launch, raise the
model over your head and point the nose
directly into
the wind
. Press the motor start switch, fully advance the
throttle, then toss the model into the air at a level, or
slightly
nose up attitude. Make sure you launch with the
wings level.
Note:
A good launch is important–it would
be better to gently toss the model rather than throw it
into the air at a bad angle that will make recovery
difficult. Be careful on your first launch and make sure
you get it going
straight ahead
and
into the wind
.
Immediately
transfer your right hand to the transmitter
so you can operate the control stick. Use the control
stick to steer the Mini Ventura straight ahead while
establishing a gradual climb.
When you get to a comfortable altitude make your first
turn
AWAY
from yourself and any spectators that may
be present. Generally (but not always), slight “back
pressure,” or “up” elevator will be required to maintain
altitude during turns.
Here are a few things to keep in mind while flying
your Mini Ventura:
1. Don’t let it fly too far away. The farther away, the
harder it will be to see what the Mini Ventura is doing
and give the correct control inputs to fly it back.
2. When learning, it is best to keep the plane high
enough so that if you make a mistake, you have enough
altitude to make corrections.
Your first objectives will be to gain altitude (so you will
have time to think and react) and make the first turn (so
the model does not get too far away). When the plane is
flying away from you, the Mini Ventura will respond the
way you would expect; moving the rudder stick to the
right will make the plane turn to your right. When the
Mini Ventura is flying toward you it appears to respond
in the opposite direction, but in actuality it is
responding the same way; moving the rudder stick to
the right will still make the plane turn to its right, but
when it is facing you it will turn to
your
left. Beginning
modelers can avoid this initial disorientation by turning
their body away from the model and holding the
transmitter so they are facing the same direction that it
is flying. In this case you will have to look over your
shoulder until the model passes by.
The next objective is to trim the plane for straight-and-
level flight. With the Mini Ventura flying
directly into the
wind
, see what it does when you let go of the control stick.
It should fly straight-and-level. If the Mini Ventura climbs,
it will need some down trim. Push the elevator trim tab
forward (giving it down trim) until the Mini Ventura flies
level. Do the opposite if the Mini Ventura dives when the
control stick is released. If the plane turns to the left when
the control stick is released, move the rudder trim tab to
the right until it flies straight, and vice versa. Continue to
adjust the trims so the Mini Ventura will fly straight when
going into the wind.
The last exercise for your first flight will be to turn off the
motor and see how the MIni Ventura reacts so you will
know what to expect when it’s actually time to land.
Again, flying into the wind, reduce the throttle and
observe how your Mini Ventura reacts. It should just
glide straight ahead and establish a gentle nose-down
attitude. Allow the model to glide as long and far as you
like–you can even execute turns. When ready, apply full
power and regain altitude. Do this a few times to get
used to power-off flight.
Remember, the Mini Ventura is a “motor glider,” so you
can turn off the motor at any time. In fact, flying with the
motor off is the best way to extend flight time. Use full
power to climb to a high altitude, then shut the motor
off and glide. When you’ve lost too much altitude apply
power and climb back into the sky. In conditions where
there is no rising air, flight times of 8 to 11 minutes
should be possible. When there is rising air, or “lift,”
indefinite flight times are possible.
Attempt a few practice landing approaches before the
battery discharges so you can see what it will be like to
land–without actually doing so. This is done by cutting
the power, allowing the Mini Ventura to lose altitude
and gliding it by in front of you five or so feet [1.5m]
above the ground. After it gets too low add full power,
climb out and go around again. This will give you an
indication of what to expect, how to line it up with your
landing spot and how much room it will take to land.
When you are ready to do a practice landing cut the
power when the model is flying downwind (with the
wind) in front of you. Make a turn into the wind allowing
the Mini Ventura to lose altitude. Be ready to apply power
if you get too far away or too close to the ground. You can
always apply power, then cut power as needed to bring it
LANDING
FLIGHT
11
