❏
8. Use an incidence meter to check the wing for
twists and attempt to correct before flying.
❏
9. Balance your propeller.
❏
10. Check that the prop nut is tight and that the
prop adapter is secure on the motor shaft.
❏
11. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
❏
12. If you wish to photograph your model, do so
before your first flight.
❏
13. Range check your radio when you get to
the flying field.
The SuperStar EP is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. The SuperStar EP possesses
the self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer.
However, if you have never flown an R/C plane before,
we recommend you get some help from an experienced
R/C pilot for your first few flights.
Takeoff
Switch on the transmitter and make sure the throttle stick is
back (pulled towards you). Switch on the electronic speed
control. If you have dual rates on your transmitter, set them to
low. For the first flight have an assistant hand launch the
plane for you. This will allow you to have both hands on the
transmitter in case the plane is out of trim. To launch the
SuperStar EP, grip the plane under the wing, keeping all body
parts away from the propeller. Switch the motor on and toss
the plane level into the wind. Allow the SuperStar EP to gain
speed and climb out at a shallow angle before turning. The
SuperStar EP can also take off from a hard surface.
Flight
Take it easy with the SuperStar EP for the first few flights,
gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain confidence.
Adjust the trims to maintain straight and level flight. After flying
around for a few minutes and while still at a safe altitude with
plenty of battery power remaining, practice slow flight and
execute practice landing approaches by reducing the throttle
to see how the model handles at slower speeds. Add power
to see how she climbs as well. Continue to fly around,
executing various maneuvers and making mental notes (or
having your assistant write them down) of what trim or C.G.
changes may be required to fine tune the model so it flies the
way you like. Mind your battery power, but use this first flight
to become familiar with your model before landing.
Landing
With electric planes it's best to land with some battery power
remaining. This will allow you to abort the landing and go
around again if needed. To initiate a landing approach, lower
the throttle while on the downwind leg. Allow the nose of the
model to pitch downward to gradually bleed off altitude.
Continue to lose altitude, but maintain airspeed by keeping
the nose down as you turn onto the crosswind leg. Make
your final turn toward the runway (into the wind) keeping the
nose down to maintain airspeed and control. Level the
attitude when the model reaches the landing area,
modulating the throttle as necessary to maintain your glide
path and airspeed. If you are going to overshoot, smoothly
advance the throttle (always ready on the right rudder to
counteract torque) and climb out to make another attempt.
When you're ready to make your landing flare and the model
is a foot or so off the ground, smoothly increase up elevator
until it gently touches down.
One final note about flying your model. Have a goal or flight
plan in mind for every flight. This can be learning a new
maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s) you already know, or
learning how the model behaves in certain conditions (such
as on high or low rates). This is not necessarily to improve
your skills (
though it is never a bad idea!), but more
importantly so you do not surprise yourself by impulsively
attempting a maneuver and suddenly finding that you've run
out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be
deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you're going to do
a loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction
(anticipating rudder corrections that will be required to
maintain heading), remember to throttle back at the top and
make certain you are on the desired rates (high/low rates).
A flight plan greatly reduces the chances of crashing your
model just because of poor planning and impulsive moves.
Remember to think.
Have a ball! But always stay in control
and fly in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice any unusual sounds, such as a low-
pitched “buzz,” this may indicate 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! Flutter is when a control
surface vibrates back and forth very quickly. This vibration can
cause the control surface to come off the plane. Check all
servo grommets for deterioration (this may indicate which
surface fluttered) and make sure all pushrod linkages are
secure and free of play. If the control surface fluttered once, it
probably will flutter again under similar circumstances unless
you can eliminate the free-play or flexing in the linkages. Here
are some things which can cause flutter: Not mounting control
horns solidly; Side-play of pushrod in guide tube caused by
tight bends; Poor fit of Z-bend in control horn; Excessive
play
or
backlash in servo gears; and Insecure servo mounting.
Flying
