❏
5. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA
where appropriate (servo mounting screws, etc.).
❏
6. Confirm that all controls operate in the correct
direction and the throws are set up according to
the manual.
❏
7. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the
clevises and that all servo arms are secured to the
servos with the screws included with your radio.
❏
8. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
❏
9. If you wish to photograph your model, do so
before your first flight.
❏
10. Range check your radio when you get to the
flying field.
Mount the wing to the fuselage with 6 of the included
rubber bands or #64 Great Planes, Hobbico or similar
rubber bands. Install them from front to back,
crisscrossing the last two. Never use torn, cracked or
oily rubber bands. After removing the rubber bands
from your model, store them in a container with talcum
powder or clay-type kitty litter to absorb oil and keep
them fresh for the next flying session.
If the rubber bands you will be using are different from
those recommended, consult an experienced modeler
to make certain they are strong enough, and that you
have used enough of them. If uncertain, force the front
of the wing off of the wing saddle. There should be
considerable resistance! If the wing can be forced from
the fuselage without having to strain your hands, then
there are probably not enough rubber bands.
The Upstar ARF is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. The Upstar ARF does not,
however, possess the self-recovery characteristics of a
primary R/C trainer and should be flown only by
experienced R/C pilots.
It is a good idea to do a couple of trim flights, without the
motor running, before each flying session to make sure the
plane is still in trim and the radio is working properly. The
model will survive a hard landing from 5 feet much better
than it will one from several hundred feet. The first few trim
flights should be done over a grass field. The longer the grass
the better (more cushion).
Turn on the transmitter first and then the receiver. Hold the
Upstar ARF under the wing with the nose pointed slightly
down and directly into the wind. Do not run the motor for
these test flights. It is very important that you launch the
model with the wings level and the nose pointing at a spot
on the ground about 50 feet in front of you. Have a friend
stand off to the side of you and tell you whether the nose is
pointing up or down. Show your friend the picture above so
TRIM FLIGHTS
CAUTION
(THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound
such as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control
surface
flutter.
Flutter occurs when a control surface
(such as an aileron or elevator) or a flying surface (such
as a wing or stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus
causing the noise). In extreme cases, if not detected
immediately, flutter can actually cause the control
surface to detach or the flying surface to fail, thus
causing loss of control followed by an impending crash.
The best thing to do when flutter is detected is to slow
the model
immediately
by reducing power, then land as
soon as safely possible. Identify which surface fluttered
(so the problem may be resolved) by checking all the
servo grommets for deterioration or signs of vibration.
Make certain all pushrod linkages are secure and free of
play. If it fluttered once, under similar circumstances it
will probably flutter again unless the problem is fixed.
Some things which can cause flutter are; Excessive
hinge gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fit
of clevis pin in horn; Side-play of wire pushrods caused
by large bends; Excessive free play in servo gears;
Insecure servo mounting; and one of the most prevalent
causes of flutter; Flying an over-powered model at
excessive speeds.
IMPORTANT!!!
Flying a model with too few rubber bands can be
dangerous. If the wing momentarily lifts from the
fuselage and acts as though a large amount of “up”
elevator has suddenly been applied because there
are not enough rubber bands or they are too weak,
internal structural damage may result. Even worse,
the wing could actually detach from the fuselage
resulting in a crash. If the model exhibits any
tendencies that indicate there are not enough rubber
bands, immediately reduce power, land and closely
inspect the model for damage. If no damage is found,
add more rubber bands.
MOUNT THE WING
FLYING
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