11
Takeoff
The Tidewater Sea Plane will handle winds up to 10 mph
without much diffi culty. We fl ew the airplane in stronger winds
but found that the combination of high winds and large waves
made it a bit more diffi cult. Find a pond or lake that has clear
shore line around it or at least enough space for a clear takeoff
and landing approach. Get a feel for the airplane by taxiing
around a bit. Try a few high speed taxi runs to get the feel of
your airplane and how it handles in the water. When you feel
you are ready, taxi the plane directly into the wind. As you
accelerate you will see the airplane get on step and skim the
top of the water. Keep the wings level during the takeoff. Once
the airplane has gotten on step and has good speed, ease off
the water applying up elevator using the elevator control stick.
Flight
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffi c, it is a good
idea to have an assistant on the fl ight line with you. Assistants
are great for helping make trim adjustments on the transmitter
if excessive trim is required. Take it easy with the Tidewater
for the fi rst few fl ights, gradually getting acquainted with it as
you gain confi dence. Adjust the trims to maintain straight and
level fl ight. After fl ying around for a while, and while still at a
safe altitude with plenty of battery power remaining, practice
slow fl ight and execute practice landing approaches, checking
how the model handles at slower speeds. Add power to see
how she climbs as well. Continue to fl y around, executing
various maneuvers and making mental notes (or having your
assistant write them down) of what trim or C.G. changes may
be required to fi ne tune the model so it fl ies the way you like.
The Tidewater is capable of many aerobatic maneuvers such
as loops, rolls and inverted fl ight. Mind your battery power. We
recommend setting the timer on your transmitter or using a
separate timer with an alarm to alert you when it is time to
land. Electric motors are very reliable, but if you fl y until the
battery cutoff on the ESC stops the motor, it’s still a dead stick
landing, the same as with a glow engine.
Landing
To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on the
downwind leg. Adjust the throttle to allow the nose of the plane
to pitch downward to gradually bleed off altitude. Continue
to lose altitude, but maintain airspeed by keeping the nose
down as you turn into the crosswind leg. Make your fi nal turn
toward the pond/water (into the wind) keeping the nose down
to maintain airspeed and control. Level the attitude when the
plane is about three feet off of the water, adjusting the throttle
as needed to maintain your glide path and airspeed. Use the
throttle to adjust the plane’s altitude. (It may require a couple of
landing attempts to get the “feel” of how the plane slows down.
If you are going to be long on the landing, slowly increase
the throttle, gently applying up elevator). When the plane is a
foot above the water, smoothly increase up elevator until the
plane gently touches down. One fi nal note about fl ying your
Tidewater. Have a goal or fl ight plan in mind for every fl ight. This
can be learning a new maneuver(s), improving a maneuver(s)
you already know, or learning how the model behaves in
certain conditions (such as on high or low rates). This is not
necessarily to improve your skills (though it is never a bad
idea!), but more importantly so you do not surprise yourself.
After the Flight
Disconnect and remove the battery from the airplane. Then,
switch the transmitter off. Allow the motor and battery to cool
before recharging. Check the airplane over to make sure
nothing has come loose or may be damaged. Drain any water
that may have gotten into the fuselage and store the Tidewater
with the hatch removed or ajar.
Have a ball! But always stay in control
and fl y in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
Содержание Tidewater
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