45
E-flite Piper Pawnee ARF Assembly Manual
Preflight
Check Your Radio
Before going to the field, be sure that your batteries are fully
charged per the instructions included with your radio. Charge
both the transmitter and receiver pack 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, start
the motor. With the model securely anchored, check the range
again. The range test should not be significantly affected. If it is,
don’t attempt to fly! Have your radio equipment checked out by
the manufacturer.
Note
: Keep loose items that can get entangled in
the propeller away from the prop. These include
loose clothing, or other objects such as pencils and
screwdrivers. Especially keep your hands away from the
propeller.
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). Test run the motor and make sure
it transitions smoothly from off to full throttle and back. Also
ensure the engine is installed according to the manufacturer’s
instructions, and it will operate consistently.
Check all the control horns, servo horns, and clevises to make
sure they are secure and in good condition. Replace any items
that would be considered questionable. Failure of any of these
components in flight would mean the loss of your aircraft.
Flying Your Piper Pawnee ARF
Ensure you have set the model up correctly and have the CG set
per the instructions. Taxi into the wind and set the throttle trim so
the motor idles with the prop spinning. You will need about 200
feet to take off so ensure you have plenty of room. We fly at the
local club field instead of at a park with the Piper Pawnee. It
is a substantially larger model than a park flyer and has much
more mass. Do not use flaps for your first takeoff. Power up
slowly but smoothly while steering the model with the rudder
and begin your takeoff roll. You will find the model accelerates
out quickly and the tail will come up when it is ready. After
about 100 feet and while at full power, apply up elevator in a
smooth motion until the model lifts from the ground.
Once in the air you will find the Piper Pawnee is in its element.
Straightline flight is easy as well as high-banked turns. This
plane grooves like no other 15-size electric on the market today.
Aileron rolls are smooth and precise. Loops are strong and
large. The Piper Pawnee will pick up speed very quickly and
can fly at a brisk pace if you so choose. It is very leisurely in
the air at around 5/8 throttle. Once you are up and have the
model trimmed out, climb to a safe altitude and put the flaps
down. Set them for both the mid and full rate and note for any
trim changes. Have your helper make note of any significant
trim changes to the elevator and then set up to land.
Set up to land on the downwind leg and select full flaps. You
will find you will need to carry a small amount of power when
flaps are deployed. Come around from base leg to final with
the nose pointing down at the runway, flaps full down. Adjust
power as needed, flying towards your touchdown point. At
about 2 feet above the ground and beginning to feel ground
effect, reduce power and maintain a flat glide slop until
touchdown on the main wheels occurs. The model enjoys tail-
high landings with full flaps all day long. You will be looking
like a pro in no time. If you elect to land without the flaps
deployed, a flared, three-point landing is recommended as your
best approach.
We hope you enjoy many happy flights with your new E-flite
Piper Pawnee.
