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Don't be discouraged if you have a minor crack-up. Just repair the
damage and get back in the air, as soon as possible.
PRE-FLIGHT:
Before heading to the flying field, be sure your transmitter and
airplane batteries are fully charged. We suggest that you create a
simple checklist of those items, that you will need to take to the
flying field, such as the transmitter, all appropriate tools, fast
charger for the airplane battery pack, cleaning solution, rags or
paper towels, flying cap, sun glasses, etc.
Ask your instructor to completely inspect your airplane to make
sure it is flight-worthy. This little bit of insurance can go a long way
in making your airplane last and safe to fly. At the flying field, one
of the first things to do is to perform a range check with your radio
system. This is simple precaution has saved many airplanes from
being lost due to a problem within the radio system. Use and
follow the range check procedure and instructions provided in the
user's manual for your particular radio. Also, run the motor at
different speeds, while performing the range test to make sure the
motor is not making electrical noise, disrupting the radio link to
your system.
The controls should be solid with no erratic
movements.
If you find any of the controls being somehow
affected by the motor, shut the motor down and find the problem.
Do not attempt to fly your airplane with a radio problem! No
amount of wishful thinking will make such problems disappear,
especially in the air.
FLYING:
The Seniorita EP ARF appeals to R/C fliers of all experience levels
- from beginners to expert pilots. Assuming that expert pilots will
not need much guidance, these flying notes are written for the R/C
newcomer.
Because of its large size and relatively light wing
loading, the Seniorita EP ARF is best test flown in light or no wind
conditions, especially when learning to fly. These conditions tend
to be the best for test flights because the airplane can be much
more easily and accurately trimmed.
With the flight battery not plugged into the ESC, carry your model
out to the flight box location. Turn the transmitter on and make
sure the throttle stick is in the full low throttle position. Now, plug
the flight battery into the ESC and secure the battery hatch. Test
the controls to confirm that left is left, right is right and up is up.
Taxi the model out to the center of the runway, lining it up with the
center of the runway with the nose facing directly into the wind.
Advance the throttle smoothly (do not slam it wide open all at
once) to get the model rolling forward. Make small rudder/nose
wheel corrections, as needed to keep the airplane pointed straight
down the middle of the runway. As speed builds and the airplane
becomes "light", it is at flying speed. Smoothly apply a little up
elevator for lift off.
Keep the wings level with small aileron
corrections and continue a shallow climb to altitude. Once the
airplane is about 100' or more in the air, throttle back to a
reasonable cruising speed and begin making any required trim
corrections with the transmitter. The goal is to trim the airplane for
"hands off" level flight at cruising speed. Note that like most trainer
type aircraft using a flat bottom airfoil section, the Seniorita EP
ARF will tend to climb under full power. This is perfectly normal
and is what makes the airplane want to return to stable flight if
upset.
Many full-scale pilots use this characteristic to control
altitude, using just the throttle. Because of its large, high lift wing,
the Seniorita EP ARF is capable of maintaining level flight at very
low airspeeds. This is a great characteristic when learning how to
fly an R/C model because low airspeed provides plenty of time to
think ahead of the airplane.
After the airplane is trimmed to your liking and while still at altitude,
throttle back completely to stop the motor and get a feel for the
glide characteristics. Also, in order to avoid any surprises during
landing, it is a good idea to try a couple of stalls, while at altitude.
Do this while the motor is off by steadily increasing "up" elevator
input until the nose finally drops. You should find that the Seniorita
EP ARF stalls cleanly, simply dropping the nose and resuming
normal flight.
The Seniorita EP ARF is capable of mild aerobatics, such as both
slow and barrel type rolls, stall turns, loops, Immelmans, inverted
flight, etc.
However, the design is really all about training
beginning pilots, not competing in IMAC contests. As a trainer, it
would be hard to find an equal.
Landing the Seniorita EP ARF is really easy as long as you
understand that the large wing will keep it flying longer than most
other trainers. Remember to use the throttle to control your rate of
decent and avoid over-controlling the elevators. With practice,
you'll be able to land the Seniorita EP ARF very accurately and at
very low speeds. Always remember to keep the wings level during
the final approach and use a little up elevator to flair just before
touchdown. The Seniorita EP ARF landing gear system works well
in damping less than perfect landings. However, you should be
aware that landing an R/C model airplane tends to be the most
difficult thing for beginning pilots to master. Not that it's hard to get
the airplane down - it will always come down - but getting it down
when and where you want it and being able to fly it again on the
same day is the trick. This is where a good flight instructor can be
especially helpful in your learning curve. Remember - Takeoffs
are optional, landings are mandatory!
Last, you should never land your model in tall grass or weeds with
the motor running.
Always throttle back completely before
touching down or if the model overturns. Tall grass or a nose over
can stall a running motor and, in turn, this can overheat the ESC
and batteries, potentially causing them to fail.
We sincerely hope that your Kadet Seniorita EP ARF model will be
a great first R/C airplane and that you will go on to enjoy the many,
many wonderful aspects of the sport and hobby of R/C model
aircraft. Please remember to always operate your airplane in a
safe, responsible manner with constant regard to safety, other
flyers, spectators, and property.
GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY LANDINGS!