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you like. Mind your fuel level, but use this fi rst fl ight to
become familiar with your model before landing.
LANDING
One of the keys to landing a giant-scale model is to
maintain suffi cient airspeed throughout the landing
approach. An unusually high airspeed is not necessary,
but those unfamiliar with landing giant-scale models are
sometimes deceived by the model’s larger size. Larger
models often appear to be closer than they actually are.
Additionally, most giant-scale models slow down rapidly,
thus causing the uninitiated to land short. To avoid this
initial illusion, make your landing pattern closer than you
normally might for a .40-size sport model. Also, don’t
pull the throttle all the way back and leave it there the
way you normally would. Instead, momentarily pull the
throttle all the way back, but then advance it a “click” or
two to keep the engine RPM up and maintain airspeed.
Once over the runway you can cut the throttle the rest of
the way and the model will slow for the landing fl are.
The Giant P-47D ARF may be landed with or without
fl aps. Flaps increase lift and drag, so the plane may be
landed slower, thus reducing rollout after touchdown
(not as much of a factor on grass runways). To initiate
a landing approach, reduce the throttle while on the
downwind leg. If using fl aps, allow the model to slow
before extending them. Continue to lose altitude, but
maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down as you
turn onto the crosswind leg. Make your fi nal turn toward
the runway (into the wind) keeping the nose down to
maintain airspeed and control. If using fl aps, keep a few
additional “clicks” of power so the model doesn’t slow
too much. Level the attitude when the model reaches the
runway threshold, modulating the throttle as necessary
to maintain your glide path and airspeed. If you are going
to overshoot, smoothly advance the throttle (always
ready on the right rudder to counteract torque) and
retract the fl aps when enough airspeed is gained. Climb
out to make another attempt. When the model is a foot
or so off the deck, smoothly increase up elevator until it
gently touches down. Once the model is on the runway
and has lost fl ying speed, hold up elevator to place the
tail on the ground, regaining tail wheel control.
Note: If ever the occasion arises when a dead-stick
landing must be performed, do not extend the fl aps until
certain the model will be able to reach the landing zone
(on dead-stick landings it is common to land with no fl aps
at all). Without engine power, fl aps can unexpectedly
reduce the model’s range, thus causing you to come up
short of the fi eld.
One fi nal note about fl ying your Giant P-47D ARF. Have
a goal or fl ight plan in mind for every fl ight. This can be
learning a new maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s)
you already know, or learning how the model behaves
in certain conditions (such as on high or low rates).
This is not necessarily to improve your skills (though
it is never a bad idea!), but more importantly so you
do not surprise yourself by impulsively attempting a
maneuver and suddenly fi nding that you’ve run out of
time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be
deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you’re going to
do a loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction
(anticipating rudder corrections that will be required to
maintain heading), remember to throttle back at the top,
and make certain you are on the desired rates (high/
low rates). A fl ight plan greatly reduces the chances of
crashing your model just because of poor planning and
impulsive moves. Remember to think.
Have a ball! But always stay in control
and fl y in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
This model belongs to:
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GEAR DOOR DRILL GUIDE
