38
E-flite F-86 Sabre 15 DF 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, don’t 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.
Flying your F-86 Sabre 15 DF
You will find the agile F-86 is very capable in the air
yet predictable on approach and landings.
As with all performance scale aircraft takeoff and
landings must be performed smoothly with small
control inputs. Take off using low rate steering and
full power. Hold a small amount of up elevator during
the takeoff roll and let the model fly off of the ground.
After rotation, ease off of the up elevator and climb to
altitude. Do not try to pull the model off of the ground
too soon before it has a good amount of airspeed.
Landings are best made by flying the model to the
ground with a slight positive angle of attack. Use the
throttle to control your descent and rudder to keep the
model on heading.
The F-86 Sabre tracks very well in the air and is
capable of many basic aerobatic maneuvers like
loops, slow rolls, point rolls and inverted flight. We
recommend you use throttle management during the
whole flight. Using full power throughout the duration
of the flight will result in shorter flight times and could
result in a shorter life span for the electronics and
batteries.
Happy Landings!
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 40–41)
or go to
horizonhobby.com
to find a local
Spektrum distributor in your country for service if
using a Spektrum radio system.