25
GETTING INTO LANDING CONFIGURATION: In preparation for
your first Mustang landing, it's a good idea to take the Mustang to
a safe altitude and experiment with getting the airplane into
landing configuration - that means putting the gear and flaps down
and getting the aircraft in a gradual descent at an appropriate
"approach" speed.
Throttle Back To Slow Down: First throttle the engine back to slow
the airplane down. Don't throttle back all the way to full idle, but
back to approximately 1/4-1/3 throttle. As the speed bleeds off, let
the airplane settle into a comfortable landing "approach" speed
with the nose slightly down. You will probably have to hold a slight
amount of up elevator to achieve this approach speed and flight
attitude.
Drop Landing Gear: When ready, flip the retract switch to put the
landing gear down. You'll find that the airplane's attitude in flight
won't change much as the gear comes down.
Drop Flaps: Next, deploy the flaps - remember that the flaps are a
low speed control surface and should never be extended down
while flying at high speed. Use no more than 1/2 flaps the first
time. As the flaps come down the airplane may want to climb a
little due to the increased lift, especially if you haven't slowed down
enough yet. It won't be a drastic climb or a dangerous situation.
How much it climbs depends on how fast the model is going when
you put the flaps down. If you haven't slowed down sufficiently, it
will balloon more. Simply relaxing any up elevator you may have
been holding and/or putting in a bit of down elevator can correct
the situation - until the airplane slows down to the right speed for
the flap/throttle/airspeed combination you have set. As the flaps
slow the airplane, the nose will settle back down. Readjust the
throttle slightly and the amount of up elevator you are holding to
achieve a steady gradual descent rate with the flaps deployed.
Sounds tricky, but it's really not. The main thing is - SLOW DOWN
BEFORE DEPLOYING THE FLAPS! That will make the transition
much smoother. How much throttle to carry with the flaps deployed
is a matter of trial and error and learning.
LANDING: Once you are set up on final with the gear and flaps
down and a gradual descent rate, the actual landing shouldn't
present any problems.
When the airplane is 3-4 feet off the
ground, close the throttle completely in preparation for touchdown.
Gradually add more up elevator as the airplane slows down and
settles towards the ground.
Flair the airplane, as the ground
approaches, for a smooth 3-point landing and rollout.
Hard
landings are not necessary - sound piloting skills are.
After
landing, always remember to hold up elevator when taxiing to keep
the tailwheel firmly to the ground.
Before flying your Mustang a second time, double check the
airplane carefully for anything that may have come loose, become
disconnected, etc. during the first flight. Each flight will be even
more fun as you get more familiar and comfortable with your
Mustang.
Please operate your airplane in a safe, responsible manner with
constant regard to other flyers, spectators, and property.
GOOD LUCK AND GOOD FLYING!
WARNING! THIS IS NOT A TOY!
Flying machines of any form, either model-size or full-size, are not
toys! Because of the speeds that airplanes must achieve in order to
fly, they are capable of causing serious bodily harm and property
damage if they crash. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AND YOURS
ALONE to assemble this model airplane correctly according to the
plans and instructions, to ground test the finished model before each
flight to make sure it is completely airworthy, and to always fly your
model in a safe location and in a safe manner. The first test flights
should only be made by an experienced R/C flyer, familiar with high
performance R/C aircraft.
JOIN AMA
The governing body for radio-control model airplanes in the United
States is the ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS, commonly
called the AMA. The AMA SAFETY CODE provides guidelines for
the safe operation of R/C model airplanes. While AMA membership is
not necessarily mandatory, it is required by most R/C flying clubs in
the U.S. and provides you with important liability insurance in case
your R/C model should ever cause serious property damage or
personal injury to someone else. For more information:
ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS
5161 East Memorial Drive
Muncie, IN 47302
Telephone: (765) 287-1256
Web Site: www.modelaircraft.org
SIG CUSTOMER SERVICE
SIG MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC. is committed to your
success in both assembling and flying the P-51B MUSTANG ARF
kit.
Should you encounter any problem building this kit, or
discover any missing or damaged parts, please feel free to contact
us by mail or telephone.
SIG MANUFACTURING COMPANY, INC.
P.O. Box 520
401-7 South Front Street
Montezuma, IA 50171-0520
PHONE: 1-641-623-5154
FAX: 1-641-623-3922
SIG WEB SITE: www.sigmfg.com
SIG E-MAIL: [email protected]
LIMIT OF LIABILITY
The craftsmanship, attention to detail and actions of the
builder/flyer of this model airplane kit will ultimately determine the
airworthiness, flight performance, and safety of the finished model.
SIG MFG. CO.’s obligation shall be to replace those parts of the kit
proven to be defective or missing. The user shall determine the
suitability of the product for his or her intended use and shall
assume all risk and liability in connection therewith.