22
23. Installing the motor
Install the motor and the motor bulkhead
36
in such a way that
the end of the shaft extends about 10 mm beyond the front face
of the motor bulkhead. You may need to use packing pieces to
achieve this.
Fig. 30
Fitting the spinner:
the spinner cone is a snap-fit on the spinner
mount
13
, which is attached to the propeller driver. Position
the speed controller as close as possible to the motor, and fix
it to the fuselage side using Velcro tape.
Complete all the electrical connections as described in the
instructions supplied with your radio control system.
Do not connect the flight battery to the speed controller until
you have switched the transmitter on, and ensured that the
throttle stick (or other throttle control) is at the motor “OFF”
position.
Connect the servo plugs to the receiver. Switch the transmitter
on, then connect the flight battery in the model to the speed
controller, and the controller to the receiver. If the controller
features a BEC circuit, this must be disabled by isolating the
red (+) wire in the receiver connector.
Now switch the motor on briefly and check the direction of
rotation of the propeller once more. Whenever you are test-
running the motor, remove all loose lightweight objects around
the model (both behind and in front of it), and hold the model
firmly. If the propeller spins in the wrong direction, swap over
two of the motor leads. Never swap over the battery leads!
Caution: keep well clear of the propeller, as it is capable of
inflicting serious injury!
24. Deploying the aerial on the underside of the fuselage
The receiver aerial should be threaded through a hole in the
underside of the fuselage, then deployed aft in the direction of
the tailplane.
This is done by piercing a tunnel from the inside of the fuselage
to the outside, threading the aerial through it and taping it full-
length to the fuselage. If the aerial is longer than the fuselage,
allow the excess wire length to trail freely.
25. Setting the control surface travels
The control surface travels must be set correctly to ensure that
the model has harmonious, well-balanced control response:
Elevator
up (stick back)
15 mm
down (stick forward)
12 mm
Rudder: left
and
right
each
15 mm
Ailerons
(opposite directions)
up
15 mm
down
7 mm
For a right-hand turn the right aileron (as seen from behind the
model) must deflect up. The “down” travel is not critical, and
should be correct automatically.
Always measure the control surface travels at the widest part
of the surface.
If your radio control system does not allow you to set these
precise travels, don’t worry, as they are not crucial. If the
discrepancy is large, you may have to re-position the
appropriate pushrod connector by mounting it in a different
hole in the horn.
26. Gilding the lily - applying the decals
The kit is supplied with a multi-colour decal sheet
2
. Cut out
the individual name placards and emblems and apply them to
the model in the position shown in the kit box illustration, or in
an arrangement which you find pleasing. The decals adhere
strongly, so make sure they are positioned correctly first time!
27. Balancing
Like any other aircraft, the Mentor must be balanced at a
particular point in order to achieve stable flying characteristics.
Assemble your model ready to fly, and install the flight battery.
The Centre of Gravity (CG) should be at a position about 85
mm aft of the root leading edge, i.e. at the fuselage sides.
Mark this point on both sides of the fuselage.
Support the model at this position on two fingertips, and it
should balance level. If not, you can move the flight battery
forward or aft to correct the balance point. Once the correct
position is found, mark the location of the flight pack inside the
model to ensure that it is always replaced in the same position.
The CG location is not critical - 10 mm forward or aft of the
stated position presents no problems.
Fig. 31
28. Preparing for the first flight
For the first flight wait for a day with as little breeze as possible.
The early evening is often a good time.
Be sure to carry out a range check before the first flight!
Just before the flight, charge up the transmitter battery and the
flight pack using the recommended procedures. Ensure that
“your” channel is not already in use before you switch on the
transmitter.
Ask your assistant to walk away from the model, holding the
transmitter. The transmitter aerial should be fitted but
completely collapsed.
Your assistant should operate one of the functions constantly
while you watch the servos. The non-controlled servo should
stay motionless up to a range of about 60 m, while the controlled
one should follow the stick movements smoothly and without
any delay. Please note that this check can only give reliable
results if the radio band is clear of interference, and if no other
radio control transmitters are in use - even on different channels.
If the range check is successful, repeat it with the motor running.
There should only be a very slight reduction in effective radio
range with the motor turning.
If you are not sure about anything, please don’t risk a flight.
Send the whole system (including battery, switch harness and
servos) to the service department of your RC system
manufacturer and ask them to check it.
The first flight ...
The Mentor should always be launched exactly into any wind.
If you are a beginner to model flying we strongly recommend
that you ask an experienced model pilot to help you for the
first few flights.
29. Taking off from a hard strip
If you have access to a hard landing strip, a ground take-off is
the safest option.
Apply full up-elevator initially, and hold it on all the time the
model is on the ground. Point the aircraft directly into wind and
open the throttle gradually so that it accelerates. Keep the model
on track using the tailwheel / rudder. Apply full-throttle to continue
