12
AFTER EACH FLIGHT
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 suf
fi
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
′
[15m]), work the controls as necessary
to establish a gentle turn away from the runway.
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.
Remember to keep the model high enough to give yourself time
to make corrections, but don’t let it get too far away. Otherwise,
it will be dif
fi
cult to detect its attitude and which way it is going.
One
fi
nal check before landing: see how the model will react
when it’s time to land and you reduce the throttle. To do this,
while still at altitude, cut the motor power. The model should
establish a gentle, downward glide path. This is how the model
will react when it’s actually time to land. Add power and climb
back up to your original altitude.
Practice a few of these “climb and glides” to judge how far out
you will need to be when it’s time to land.
Landing
To land,
fl
y down-wind past the landing area. Gently turn into
the wind, and reduce the throttle so that the airplane initiates an
decending glide path. If necessary, add power to extend the glide
path to reach the runway. As the model approaches and loses
altitude, gradually and proportionally add “up” elevator to control
the glide path and altitude. Continue to apply elevator until the
model touches down at which time you should be holding full,
or nearly full up elevator. This will cause the airplane to slow
and settle to the ground.
CAUTION: If, during a rough landing, the
propeller becomes jammed and cannot
rotate, the battery and speed control will
become very hot if you attempt to add
power. Immediately move the throttle
down to stop the motor. If you fail to
do this, the motor, speed control and/or
battery will be damaged.
AFTER EACH FLIGHT
Disconnect the battery and remove it from the airplane.Then, turn
off the transmitter. Allow the battery to cool before recharging,
or allow the motor to cool before installing another battery for
the next
fl
ight. Inspect the airplane to make sure nothing has
become loose or damaged.
REPAIRING YOUR MODEL
❏
1.
If your model becomes damaged, it can be repaired using
regular medium CA. Spare parts are available – please see
the parts list earlier in this manual for more details of what is
available and how to get new parts. CA debonder (GPMR6039)
is available if you ever need to dissolve the CA adhesive you
used to build or repair this model.
❏
2.
If you ever need to replace the propeller, please order a
Great Planes Power Flow 9
4.5 Slo-Flyer electric propeller
(GPMQ6630). To use this prop, enlarge the hole in the prop
hub using a 1/4
″
[6.4mm] drill bit or a 1/4
″
prop reamer. If you
are using a drill bit, be very careful to drill perpendicular to the
prop hub.
Have a ball! But always stay in control
and fl y in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
