10
How to Fly
Experience
A pilot who has never flown an aeroplane at all will find it easier if an experienced radio control pilot is present to
guide them but by carefully following the manual’s basic instructions, flying skills can be learnt and mastered.
Site and Conditions
•
Don’t fly in winds over 8 mph! If you are a less experienced pilot, this is especially important.
•
Choose your flying field carefully - grass and soft ground with a 150-metres diameter of open space is ideal.
Make sure there are no obstacles that will get in your way when flying, such as trees or buildings. Make sure
you do not fly where there are pedestrians who could be hurt by the aeroplane.
•
Position yourself at your flying field so that you keep the sun at your back and out of your eyes. Wear
sunglasses on bright days.
•
Keep your aeroplane in front of you so you don’t have to turn in circles as you fly. Try to avoid flying directly
overhead.
•
Keep the aircraft upwind, especially on windier days, to prevent it from “flying away”
Turning and Flying
1.
Before your aeroplane becomes too distant begin turning by moving and releasing the aileron stick gently until
the wings are at an angle of 30 degrees. Then pull back on the elevator to tighten the turn & achieve the de-
sired direction. Gently apply opposite aileron to achieve level flight.
2.
Avoid holding the aileron stick on full right or full left for more than one second, as this will cause the aeroplane
to enter a spiral dive that could cause you to crash.
3.
Once a normal flight altitude of 15-50 metres has been achieved reduce the throttle stick to 50-75 % of full
power. This will prevent your aeroplane climbing further, make it easier to control and lengthen the flight time.
4.
Practice control by turning in large circles.
5.
To make your aeroplane descend reduce the throttle stick to 0-25 % of full power and it will enter a glide. A
small amount of up elevator may be needed to keep the plane level and prevent it gaining too much speed.
Taking Off
Your Merlin aeroplane can take off from a smooth ground however we recommend first flights to be hand launched.
This can be carried out by the pilot alone but is easier with two people, one launching the aeroplane and the other at
the controls.
1.
While holding the transmitter in one hand, push throttle stick to full on (up).
2.
Hold your aeroplane with your other hand, take a couple of steps and firmly launch directly into the wind while
keeping the wings level. Do not throw it up or down. Point it level (parallel) with the ground when releasing.
3.
Keep steering into the wind and hold at full throttle in a slight climb Do not try to climb too fast by pulling all the
way back on the elevator stick or your aeroplane may stall. You should climb by giving small amounts of ele-
vator.
4.
When you have reached an altitude of at least 15 to 20 metres it is safe to steer in the desired direction, as
well as adjust the throttle input, to help control altitude and speed.
