14
Perform a Range Check
As a precaution, an operational ground range test should be
performed before the fi rst fl ight each time out. Performing a
range test is a good way to detect problems that could cause
loss of control such as low batteries, defective or damaged
radio components or radio interference. This usually requires
an assistant and should be done at the actual fl ying site you
will be using.
First, put the throttle stick in the low position and turn on the
transmitter. Then, install the fully charged battery into the
fuselage. Connect the battery and install the hatch.
Remember, use care not to “bump” the throttle stick.
Otherwise, the propeller will turn, possibly causing damage
or injury.
Begin walking away from the model operating the controls in
a predictable pattern (for example: Up, then down elevator.
Right, then left aileron. Right, then left rudder). While moving
the control surfaces, also vary motor rpm. Have your assistant
alert you if the controls fail to respond or if they move suddenly
or erratically. You should be able to maintain control up to a
distance of approximately 100' [30m].
If the controls respond erratically or if anything else seems
wrong, make certain all the servo wires are securely connected
to the receiver and that the transmitter batteries are fully
charged. If you cannot fi nd a mechanical problem with the
model, it is slightly possible that there is radio interference
somewhere in the area. One option would be to try another
range check at an alternate fl ying site.
Monitor Your Flight Time
Monitor and limit your fl ight time using a timer such as the one
on your wrist watch. When the batteries are getting low you
will usually notice a performance drop before the ESC cuts
off motor power, so when you notice the plane fl ying slower
you should land. Often (but not always!), power can be briefl y
restored after the motor cuts off by holding the throttle stick
all the way down for a few seconds, then moving it up again.
To avoid an unexpected dead-stick landing on your fi rst fl ight,
set your timer to a conservative 5 minutes. When the alarm
sounds you should land your model.
When you learn how much fl ight time you are getting you
can adjust your timer accordingly. Always be conservative so
the motor won’t quit unexpectedly and you will have enough
battery to land under power. We recommend that you do
not use more than 80% of the battery capacity to ensure a
longer battery life.
Take Off
Until you have become comfortable with fl ying your P-51,
do not fl y if the wind speed is greater than 10 mph [16
kilomoters/hr].
One fi nal check before takeoff: always double-check the
fl ight control response to your inputs from the transmitter
before every fl ight. Be certain the ailerons, elevator and
rudder respond correctly and that none of the controls has
inadvertently become reversed.
If the surface is smooth (such as pavement or blacktop)
the P-51 can take off from the ground. But most grass is
probably too tall, so if fl ying from grass the model will have
to be hand launched.
ROG Take Off
If taking off from the ground, place the model on your “runway”
with the nose pointing directly into the wind—this will reduce
the ground speed that must be reached and automatically
provide “heading assist” making steering and takeoff easier.
Slowly advance the throttle, adding rudder correction as
needed to keep the model rolling straight. When the plane
becomes “light” continue to apply throttle until you are at
full-power—all this will happen in a few seconds. When
suffi cient liftoff speed has been reached, gradually apply
“up” elevator allowing the model to leave the ground. Do not
“yank” up on the stick—rather, be smooth and allow the plane
to establish a gentle climb.
Once you have reached a safe fl ying speed at a comfortable
altitude (approximately 50' [15 m]), work the controls as
necessary to establish a gentle turn away from the runway,
and bring the optional retractable landing gear up.
Flying
One thing to remember is that, when the plane is fl ying away
from you, moving the aileron stick to the right will make
the plane bank to your right. However, when the model is
fl ying toward you, moving the aileron stick to the right will
make the plane move to your left. Of course, the plane is
still responding the same way, it’s just that your orientation
has reversed. This must be kept in mind while learning to
fl y (and is also a good reason to take fl ight lessons from an
experienced pilot!).
To establish a turn, “up” elevator (pulling back on the stick)
is usually required along with aileron input to get the model
into a bank. To stop the turn, apply a small amount of
opposite aileron.
Once you get the plane into the air and have climbed to a
comfortable altitude, the fi rst “order of business” will be to
“trim” the model for straight-and-level fl ight. The model fl ies
best at approximately 3/4-throttle. Adjust the trims on the
transmitter to make minor control surface adjustments as
necessary until the plane will fl y straight without any control
inputs. Often, your assistant can reach over and adjust the
trims for you.
