25
E-flite Beechcraft 480 Staggerwing 480 ARF Assembly Manual
preflight
Check your Radio
Before going to the field, be sure your batteries are
fully charged per the instructions included with your
radio. Charge the transmitter and motor battery
for your airplane. Use the recommended charger
supplied with your particular radio system, following
the instructions provided with the radio. In most
cases, the radio should be charged the night before
going out flying.
Before each flying session, be sure to range check your
radio. See your radio manual for the recommended
range and instructions for your radio system. Each
radio manufacturer specifies different procedures for
their radio systems. Next, run the motor. With the
model securely anchored, check the range again. The
range test should not be significantly affected. If it
is, do not attempt to fly! Have your radio equipment
checked out by the manufacturer.
Double-check that all controls (aileron, elevator, rudder
and throttle) move in the correct direction.
Check the radio installation and make sure all the
control surfaces are moving correctly (i.e., the correct
direction and with the recommended throws).
Check all the control horns, servo horns, and clevises
to make sure they are secure and in good condition.
Range Test your Radio
Before each flying session, and especially with a new
model, it is important to perform a range check. It
is helpful to have another person available to assist
during the range check. If you are using a Spektrum
™
transmitter, please refer to your transmitter’s manual for
detailed instructions on the range check process.
1. With the model resting on the ground, stand 30
paces (approximately 90 feet) away from the model.
2. Face the model with the transmitter in your
normal flying position. Be sure the throttle is in the
full down position and plug the flight battery into
the speed control.
3. As you move the controls, watch to be sure the
airplane’s motor and controls operate smoothly.
You should have total control of the model at 30
paces (90 feet).
4. If control issues exist, call the appropriate
Horizon Product Support office (see page 43) or
go to
horizonhobby.com
to find a local Spektrum
distributor in your country for service if using a
Spektrum radio system.
Flying your Model
The E-flite Beechcraft Staggerwing is a mild-mannered
biplane that tracks extremely well and is very
appealing to a broad range of pilots. After verifying
CG, ensuring the control throws and directions are
correct, and verifying that the motor spins in the
correct direction, all that’s left to do is fly!
Confirm that a charged battery is installed, and, if the
optional retracts are installed, ensure that the system
has been charged. Taxi the airplane onto the runway
and point the nose into the wind. Increase throttle trim
until the propeller begins to windmill, however, the
prop should not turn so fast as to cause the airplane
to move when on a smooth surface. This is your flight
idle. Smoothly advance the throttle and maintain
directional control with the rudder to keep the airplane
tracking straight down the runway. The airplane will lift
off at a fairly low airspeed, so the takeoff run will be
short.
Once in the air, trim the airplane so that it flies straight
and level at around half throttle. If you are using the
recommended Park 480 motor, you will find that it has
sprightly performance. Flight above half throttle or so
is simply unnecessary unless you are maneuvering.
Even though the full-scale airplane would never be
found flying aerobatics, you will find that the E-flite
version has surprising aerobatic capability and
handles basic aerobatics better than most. Before you
are in the air too long, it is a good idea to slow the
airplane down and see how it reacts on the slow end
of the envelope. You’ll find that the generous wing
area of the Staggerwing will allow the airplane to fly
at very low airspeeds, and with the use of flaps, it will
fly even slower.
