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pilot to help you with your fi rst fl ights. Although the
Sophisticated Lady is very easy to fl y, an experienced pilot
can save you a lot of time and possible aggravation by helping
you get your model in the air smoothly.
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. The best thing to do when fl utter is detected is
to slow the model immediately, then 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 circumstances 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.
TRIM FLIGHTS
It is a good idea to do a couple of trim fl ights before each fl ying
session to make sure the plane is still in trim and the radio is
working properly. The model will survive a hard landing from
5 feet much better than it will from several hundred feet. The
fi rst few trim fl ights should be done over a grass fi eld, the
longer the grass the better (more cushion). If possible, have a
friend hand launch the sailplane the fi rst few trim fl ights. This
will allow you more time to make adjustments.
Switch the transmitter on fi rst and then the receiver. Hold the
Sophisticated Lady ARF under the wing with the nose pointed
slightly down and directly into the wind. It is very important
that it be launched with the wings level and the nose pointed
at a spot on the ground about 50 feet [15.2m] in front of you.
If the sailplane is launched with the nose up or launched too
hard, it will climb a few feet, stall and fall nose fi rst straight
down. With the nose pointed down slightly the sailplane will
accelerate down until it picks up enough fl ying speed then
level off and glide forward. With a little practice you will be
able to launch it at just the right speed so it soars straight
ahead in a long and impressive glide path. Adjust the trims
on your transmitter to get the plane to fl y straight ahead in a
smooth glide path.
Once you get the hang of launching it you can try turning the
plane during the trim fl ights by gently applying a “touch” of
right or left rudder. You can also try “fl aring” the landing by
slowly applying a touch of up elevator (pull the stick back)
5. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, control horn screws, etc.).
6. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
7. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the clevises
and that all servo arms are secured to the servos with the
screws included with your radio.
8. Make sure any servo leads do not interfere with other
systems (servo arms, pushrods, etc.).
9. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
10. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
11. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your fi rst fl ight.
12. Range check your radio when you get to the
flying field.
FLYING
MOUNT THE WING
Mount the wing to the fuselage with included eight #64 rubber
bands. Install them from front to back, crisscrossing the last
two. Never use torn or cracked rubber bands. After removing
the rubber bands from your model, store them in a container
with talcum powder or clay-type kitty litter to keep them fresh
for the next fl ying session.
If the rubber bands you will be using are different from those
recommended, consult an experienced modeler to make
certain they are strong enough, and that you have used enough
of them. If uncertain, force the front of the wing off of the wing
saddle. There should be considerable resistance! If the wing
can be forced from the fuselage without having to strain your
hands, then there are probably not enough rubber bands.
IMPORTANT: Flying a model with too few rubber
bands can be dangerous. If the wing momentarily lifts
from the fuselage and acts as though a large amount of
“up” elevator has suddenly been applied because there
are not enough rubber bands or they are too weak,
internal structural damage may result. Even worse, the
wing could actually detach from the fuselage resulting in
a crash. If the model exhibits any tendencies that indicate
there are not enough rubber bands, immediately land
and closely inspect the model for damage. If no damage
is found, add more rubber bands.
If you are fl ying with other fl yers check to make sure they are
not fl ying or testing on the same frequency as your model.
If you are an inexperienced pilot try to fi nd an experienced
