19
FLYING
CAUTION:
(THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
fl utter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a fl ying surface (such as a wing or
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, fl utter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the fl ying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by
an impending crash. If fl utter is detected, slow the model
immediately
and land as soon as safely possible. Identify
which surface fl uttered (so the problem may be resolved) by
checking all the servo grommets for deterioration or signs
of vibration. Make certain all pushrod linkages are secure
and free of play. If it fl uttered once, under similar circum-
stances it will probably fl utter again unless the problem is
fi xed. Some things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive
hinge gap; Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fi t of
clevis pin in horn; Side-play of wire pushrods caused by
large bends; Excessive free play in servo gears; Insecure
servo mounting; and one of the most prevalent causes of
fl utter; Flying an over-powered model at excessive speeds.
Mount the Wing
Clear Tape
Install the center wing section onto the fuselage with the wing
bolt. Insert the wing joiners into the center section and then
install the wing outer panels. Being sure the outer panels are
pushed snugly up against the wing center section, use two
pieces of clear tape, one for the top and one for the underside,
to secure the outer panels to the wing center section. When
you are done fl ying for the day, you can carefully peel the tape
off or just run a hobby knife along the seam to cut the tape.
Takeoff
IMPORTANT:
If you are an inexperienced modeler we
strongly urge you to seek the assistance of a competent,
experienced R/C pilot to check your model for airworthiness
AND to teach you how to fl y. No matter how stable or “forgiving”
the Vista Grande is, attempting to learn to fl y on your own
is dangerous and may result in destruction of your model
or even injury to yourself and others. Therefore, fi nd an
instructor and fl y only under their guidance and supervision
until you have acquired the skills necessary for safe and fully
controlled operation of your model.
WIND
Pilot
Launch
Assistant
The Vista Grande may be self-launched by the pilot, but
if you are a beginner it will be easier to have an assistant
launch the Vista Grande for you. Switch on the transmitter
with the throttle stick in the bottom position, then plug the
motor battery into the ESC. Be careful of the propeller!
Before fl ying any model, always check to be certain that all
the controls are operating and in the correct direction by
moving the control sticks on the transmitter and observing
their response. Once you have confi rmed that the controls
are operating correctly, arm the motor and point the nose into
the wind and apply full power. Toss the model into the air at
a nose-level or slightly nose-up attitude. The model should
climb aggressively and at a steep angle. Be ready to apply
down elevator to prevent the Vista from looping. If possible,
set up a mix of some down elevator with full throttle. Once
at a comfortable altitude, cut the throttle and trim the Vista
for a straight and level glide path.
Flight
Use your fi rst fl ight to get a feel for the controls. The purpose
of the motor is only for gaining altitude so you should have
the motor off for most of your fl ight. Some elevator input is
needed when rudder is applied to keep the Vista level during
turns. You will fi nd that the Vista Grande will be able to glide
for a while. Once you become an experienced pilot, you will
learn how to search for rising air currents where motor power
will no longer be necessary to remain aloft for ten, twenty,
thirty minutes or more.
