The prototype has been flying for some time now, and so as long as your model has
been constructed sensibly there is no reason to feel apprehensive at this stage.
From our experience most incidents come from poor preparation.
You might need some ballast to get the balance point that far forward. The weight is
easiest to place in the tank bay, but make sure it’s going to stay there. Do not
attempt to fly your Spitfire with a rearward C of G, it will be tolerant to a point, but
why tempt fate?
We would really recommend making the test flights without the cowl, unless you
have a well run in motor and have made a number of consistent static runs.
Remember to add some temporary weight to compensate for the missing cowl. The
advantage is that you can monitor the motor much easier, and there is no danger of
overheating while you trim out the airframe.
If a model gets in trouble on take off it will always flick left because of prop torque.
We recommend that you aim your take off just right of the eye of the wind and on
the test flight, wind in 1/8" of right trim.
Because the Spitfire has such powerful elevators, they must be treated with a little
respect. The model is very friendly but bullying it will not be rewarded.
Hold in full up elevator to keep the tail down. Then as she starts rolling ease off the
up and allow her to gather speed. Once she is bowling along with her tail up, ease
in a little up and allow her to climb out at a shallow angle. Speed is your safety
margin during the take off so let her pick up as much as possible before
‘unsticking’.
Ignore all comments from the club experts, telling you that Spitfires are tricky to fly.
This model is delightful, and once trimmed, will fly very slowly, so there is no need
to come in like an express train. Be gentle with her and she will pretty well fly
herself.
As a final note. If you have managed to add too much filler/glue/paint and your
own additional strength (ie surplus weight). Don’t panic. Sure, it won’t fly quite as
nice as it should have, if you had built it as we have designed it. But it does have a
very sophisticated high lift wing which will tolerate a fair amount of extra weight.
Flying the Warbirds Spitfire IX
Flying the Warbirds Spitfire IX
PRE FLIGHT CHECKLIST
Check a few of the potential
problem areas, to minimise the
chance of an incident.
• Batteries checked before flight
and range check complete?
• Flats filed on the top and bottom
of the legs to prevent twisting?
• Fuel tube keepers on the
clevises?
• Battery to receiver connecter
taped or better - lock wired?
• Engine running slightly rich but
consistent?
• Wheels retract without snagging?
• Hinges pinned?
TEST PILOT BRIEFING
Control throws
Elevator & aileron - 3/4" each way
Rudder 1 1/2" each way
Centre of gravity
The centre of gravity as shown on the plan
is between 85-95mm back from the rear
of F2
Projected all up weight
5.5 - 6lb
Important safety advice
Please take time to fully read through the
safety notes regarding the operation and
flying of model aircraft in general, at the
back of this manual
The 4 bladed prop shown is for static use only.