C. The throttle is closed almost all the way when
the left transmitter stick is down (back) and is
open completely when the stick is up (forward).
TRANSMITTER
STICK MOVEMENTS
CONTROL SURFACE
MOVEMENTS
ELEVATOR MOVES UP
RUDDER MOVES RIGHT
CARBURETOR WIDE OPEN
D 67. Check to make sure that the tail control surfaces
are in a neutral (straight) position and the servo arms are
perpendicular to the aluminum channel when the
transmitter sticks at neutral. Also check the control
throws on the tail surface. You should be able to move
the rudder 3/4" both directions and the elevator should
move 1/2" both directions. This should give you a plane
that is fairly responsive but not too radical.
D 68. Install the second nylon tie wrap around the
a l u m i n u m channel and the pushrods right in front of
the tail surfaces. This will help keep the control
surfaces from fluttering.
BALANCING
D 69. With the wing rubber banded to the fuselage, the
fuel tank empty, and everything else in its place, lift the
model by placing one finger tip on the bottom of each
wing at the approximate location of each end of the wing
joiner which is 3" back from the leading edge. The
STURDY BIRDY should hang just slightly nose down
or level. If the plane hangs with the nose pointing up
then you will need to add some weight to the nose of the
plane. There are several ways you can add this weight
including stuffing lead weight around the fuel tank or
using one of the heavy prop nuts available. Under no
circumstance should you try to fly the plane if it does
not balance correctly!
GETTING READY FOR FLYING
D 70. Use at least four rubber bands to hold the
engine/firewall in place and use eight #64 rubber bands
to hold the wing in place.
D 71. We recommend that you use a nylon propeller for
your first flights since it will not break as easily as wood.
Sand the edges of the prop before you use it. The edges
of nylon props are very sharp and should be dulled
before use. If a prop is damaged in any way it should be
discarded and a new prop used in its place.
D 72. Be sure to conduct a range test on your radio
system before every flying session. The instruction
manual that came with your radio should explain how
to properly do this.
D 73. If you are using a new engine in your plane, break
it in on the ground according to the manufacturer's
instructions before attempting to fly the plane.
D 74. Never try to start the engine by flipping it over
with your finger. Always use either an electric starter or
a "Chicken Stick".
D 75. Always adjust the needle valve on the engine from
the back of the plane. Never reach over a rotating
prop! Treat these engines with the utmost respect, they
are not toys!
D 76. After each flight, check the propeller, engine bolts,
control surfaces, control linkages, hinges and rubber
bands for damage or looseness and correct if necessary.
An ounce of prevention here will keep you happily
flying longer.
FLYING
The STURDY BIRDY is a very stable flying
airplane with a unique self-recovering system designed
into it. This makes it one of the easiest-flying planes
available. However, it is highly recommended that you
consult an experienced pilot to help trim out the plane
and help you with your first flights. The most
important thing to remember when learning to fly is
that you need to be able to relate to the control inputs
as if you were sitting in the plane. If you don't, it will
seem like the rudder is working backwards when the
plane is flying towards you. It may also seem a little
strange that you pull the stick down (back) in order to
make the plane go up, but this is how it works in real
planes. It is a good idea to keep facing the same
direction that the model is flying.
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