AN INSTRUCTOR CAN SAVE YOUR AIRPLANE !
If you are new to the hobby of flying R/C model airplanes, DO NOT
attempt to fly this model by yourself! We strongly urge you to seek
the help of a competent flight instructor. There are hundreds of
R/C clubs in the U.S., and these clubs normally have designated
instructors who are eager to help newcomers. The easiest way to
find an R/C flying club in your area is to ask your local hobby shop,
or check the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) web site:
www.modelaircraft.org
An R/C flight instructor serves two important functions. First, he
will test fly your new airplane to make sure it is performing
correctly, before you try to fly it. These first flights are called "trim
flights".
During these flights, the flight instructor will "trim" the
model from the transmitter to ensure that it flies straight and level
without any problems. When a brand new R/C model takes off for
the first time, there is no way of knowing which way it might go.
Some models will try to climb, while others may want to go down.
Some will try to turn left, others right. Some models will be doing
both at the same time! It doesn't mean that there is anything wrong
with the model, but these minor differences must be "trimmed out"
in order for the model to fly "hands-off" straight and level. An
experienced pilot can instantly correct out of trim conditions before
the model crashes into the ground. An inexperienced beginner has
almost no chance of saving an out of trim model!
The second reason for an instructor is to have someone there to
correct the mistakes you will make during the learning process. It
isn't that flying an R/C model aircraft is all that difficult. It is more
a matter of learning what to do and when to do it. No matter how
slowly a model flies, an incorrect control input can produce almost
instant problems that, in turn, demand almost instant correction.
This is especially true at lower flight altitudes.
A good flight
instructor will climb your model to an altitude that gives him a good
chance of saving your airplane when you make these inevitable
mistakes. This altitude is generally referred to as "2 mistakes
high". When you get into trouble, quickly hand the transmitter back
to your instructor so he can rescue the airplane. He will get it
leveled off and then let you try it again. Without an instructor, it is
very likely that you would not receive this second chance.
Beginning R/C pilots almost always over-control their models. This
is perfectly normal but a trait that must be cured during instruction.
Another problem common to beginners is disorientation.
For
example, when the airplane is flying away from you, right aileron
input produces a right turn, and left aileron input produces a left
turn. However, when the airplane is flying directly toward you, the
same right aileron input now makes the airplane turn to YOUR left.
The airplane is still turning to it's right, but that is now your left side!
This perceived control reversal is very confusing to all first time R/C
pilots! Without an experienced flight instructor on hand, it will most
likely cause the loss of the model.
With a flight instructor, these early learning problems can be
easily dealt with. The more you fly, the quicker you will learn. Soon
you will be flying "solo" with little thought of the moves required. It
will start to come easy. Remember the first time you tried to ride a
bicycle? It seemed completely awkward the first time, but once
you learned how, it became easy. Don't get discouraged if you
have a minor crack-up. Repair the damage and get back into the
air as soon as possible.
FIRST TEST FLIGHT
Choose a calm day with little or no wind for the KADET EP-42's
initial test flights. This is important in getting the model properly
trimmed. If there is too much wind, you won't get a true reading on
what the model is doing in the air.
exact position. Once in position, use a piece of stiff cardboard (or
sheet balsa, thin plywood, or a SIG SH678 EPOXY SPREADER)
to squeegee the excess liquid out from under the decal. Squeegee
repeatedly, removing all excess liquid and any air bubbles. Mop up
the liquid with a paper towel. Allow to dry overnight.
e) When completely dry, wash off any soapy smears with a
soft clean wet rag.
BALANCE YOUR AIRPLANE!
Important: An R/C model should always be balanced with
everything on board, ready for flight. The flight battery must be
installed in the fuselage, and the propeller and spinner must be
mounted in place when balancing the model.
RECOMMENDED BALANCE POINT
2-1/4" (28%) to 2-3/8" (30%)
Behind The Leading Edge Of The Wing
The main wing spar of the KADET EP-42 is located precisely in the
middle of this balance range. This means that the simplest way to
check the balance of your KADET EP-42 is to place a finger tip,
one on each side of the fuselage, at the main spar location on the
bottom of the wing. Slowly lift the airplane off the work table and
note the attitude of the fuselage. The airplane should balance on
your finger tips in level position - not nose up or nose down. If the
nose hangs low, the model is "nose heavy". If the tail hangs low,
this means that the model is "tail heavy".
If either of these
conditions exists, you must make adjustments to correct the
problem. Never attempt to fly a model that is out of balance! Since
the flight battery pack is the single heaviest component in the
airplane, it can be used to adjust almost any tail heavy or nose
heavy condition.
This is simply done by moving the battery
forwards or backwards inside the airplane.
FLYING YOUR KADET EP-42
The KADET EP-42 appeals to R/C fliers of all experience levels -
from beginners to expert pilots. Assuming that the expert pilots will
not need much guidance, these flying notes are written for the R/C
newcomer.
PRE-FLIGHT
Be sure your flight battery pack is fully charged. Also be sure your
transmitter is fully charged. We highly recommend that you perform
a standard range check on your radio system - with and without the
motor running. Make sure your propeller is balanced and has no
nicks or cracks - never fly with a faulty propeller! Finally, take a few
minutes to give your model a thorough pre-flight inspection. Make
sure everything is secure and tight and operating properly, before
attempting to fly the model.
Any problems you have will not
magically disappear at the field - they will get worse!
11