CARF-Models Sukhoi SU-31
20
Preflight Check and First Flight
This Aerobatic-Aircraft is a high-end product and can create an enormous risk for
both pilot and Spectators if not handled with care and used according to the
instructions. Make sure that you operate your Sukhoi according to the AMA rules,
or those laws and regulations governing the model flying in the country of use.
The engine, servos and control surfaces have to be attached properly. Please
use only the recommended engines, servos, propellers, and accessories supplied
in the kit.
Make sure that the ‘Centre of Gravity’
is located in the recommended
place. Use the nose heavy end of the CG range for your first flights, before you
start experimenting with moving the CG back. If you find that you need to relocate
your batteries or even add weight in the aircraft to move the CG to the
recommended position, please do so and don’t try to save weight or hassle. A tail
heavy plane, in a first flight, can be an enormous danger for you and all
spectators. Fix any weights, and heavy items like batteries very securely to the
plane.
Make sure that the plane is secured properly when you start the engine. Have at
least 2 helpers hold your plane from the tail end or from behind the wing tips,
before you start the engine. Make sure that all spectators are behind, or far in
front, of the aircraft when running up the engine. Make sure that you range check
your R/C system thoroughly before the first flight. It is absolutely necessary to
range check your complete R/C installation first WITHOUT the engine running.
Leave the transmitter antenna retracted and check the distance you can walk
before ‘fail-safe’ occurs. Then start up the engine, run it at about half throttle and
repeat this range check with the engine running. Make sure that there is no range
reduction before ‘fail-safe’ occurs. Only then make the 1st flight. If you feel that
the range with engine running is less then with the engine off, please contact the
radio supplier and the engine manufacturer and DON’T FLY at this time. If you
fly with 2.4 GHz technology, please follow the radio manufacturer’s instructions for
range checking. Always check range before a flying session!
After starting your engine the first time, check for vibrations through the whole
throttle range. The engine should run smoothly with no unusual vibration. If you
think that there are any excessive vibrations at any engine rpm’s, DON’T FLY at
this time and check your engine, spinner and propeller for proper balancing.
Please follow the engine manufacturer’s run-in recommendations and make sure
that the engine is running properly before you attempt the first flight. The light-
weight sandwich composite parts don’t like too much vibration and they can suffer
damage. The low mass of all the parts results in a low physical inertia, so that any
excess vibrations can affect the servos and linkages. Check that the M3 bolts
retaining the horizontal stabilizers on to the aluminum tube are installed and tight,
and that the hinge wires for the rudder cannot come out. Make sure that your main
and stab tubes are not damaged.