Note: The rudder throw is measured at the bottom of
the rudder.
Balance the Model (C.G.)
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fly condition
with all of the systems in place including the servos, switch,
battery, propeller assembly and receiver.
❍
1. If you will be using a Great Planes C.G. Machine to
balance your model, set the rulers to 3-1/8" [80mm]. Place
the plane on the Machine. If you will not be using the C.G.
Machine, use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3mm]-wide tape to mark
a line noting the C.G. on the bottom of the wing 3-1/8"
[80mm] back from the leading edge.
❍
2. Hook the rubber band already on the radio hatch to the tab
on the former and position the hatch. If you haven’t done so,
remount the propeller and spinner back onto the motor shaft. Be
certain to provide 1/16" [1.6mm] clearance between the back of
the spinner and the front of the fuselage and tighten the set
screw securely. Note: The flat spot on the motor shaft is for a
different model with a different propeller. Disregard the flat spot
on this model.
❍
3. Attach the wing to the fuselage with a couple of rubber
bands. The model must be totally ready to fly with all of the
components installed. Place the model on the Great Planes
CG Machine or lift it at the balance point you marked. You
should be able to feel the tape lines with your fingers.
❍
4. With the plane on the CG Machine or when lifting it with
your fingers at the balance point, if the nose drops the
model is nose-heavy and weight must be added to the tail to
get it to balance. If the tail drops the model is tail-heavy and
weight must be added in the nose to get it to balance.
Without actually sticking it on, rest the correct amount of
Great Planes Self-Adhesive Lead Weight on the nose or tail
of the model to find out how much is required.
❍
5. After determining the amount of weight required,
remove the model from the CG Machine and adhere the
weight where needed–to the side of the fuselage under the
tail or inside the fuselage behind the motor.
❍
6. IMPORTANT: If you found it necessary to add any
weight, recheck the C.G. after the weight has been installed.
This is where your model should balance for the first
flights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the
C.G. up to 3/8" [9.5mm] forward or 3/8" [9.5mm] back to
change the flying characteristics. Moving the C.G.
forward may improve wind penetration and stability, but
the model will then fly and land a little faster. Moving the
C.G. aft makes the model lighter and more responsive to
thermals, but could also cause it to become too difficult to
control. In any case, start at the recommended balance
point and do not at any time balance the model outside
the specified range.
More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point) can
have the greatest effect on how a model flies, and may
determine whether or not your first flight will be
successful. If you value this model and wish to enjoy it for
many flights, DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT
PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly balanced will
be unstable and possibly unflyable.
IMPORTANT: The Vista EP ARF has been extensively
flown and tested to arrive at the throws at which it flies
best. Flying your model at these throws will provide you
with the greatest chance for successful first flights. If,
after you have become accustomed to the way the Vista
EP ARF flies, you would like to change the throws to suit
your taste that is fine. However, too much control throw
could make the model difficult to control, so remember,
“more is not always better.”
These are the recommended control surface throws:
High Rate
Low Rate
ELEVATOR:
5/8" [16mm] up
3/8" [9.5mm] up
5/8" [16mm] down
3/8" [9.5mm] down
RUDDER:
1-1/2" [38mm] right
1" [25mm] right
1-1/2" [38mm] left
1" [25mm] left
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