Flying Safety
To ensure the safety of yourself and others, please observe the following precautions:
Ni-cd Battery
Charge the Batteries! Don't forget to recharge the batteries before each flying session. A battery low
in charge will soon die, causing loss of control and a crash. Plug in the charger that comes in this system
and hook up the transmitter and airborne batteries the day before a planned flying session. When you
begin your flying session, keep track of how long the system’s been used, and monitor the transmitter’s
voltage display. Quit flying long before your batteries become low.
On-field charging of your batteries with a field charger is not recommended. A fast-charger may
overcharge the Ni-Cd batteries, causing overheating and a premature failure.
Flying field
We recommend that you fly at a recognized model airplane flying field. You can find model clubs
and fields by asking your nearest hobby dealer, or contacting the Academy of Model Aeronautics.
Always pay particular attention to the flying field’s rules, as well as the presence and location of
spectators, the wind direction, and any obstacles on the field. Be very careful flying in areas near power
lines, tall buildings, or communication facilities as there may be radio interference in their vicinity. If
you must fly at a site that is not a club field, be sure there are no other modelers flying within a two-mile
range, or you may lose control of your aircraft.
Once you arrive at the flying field …
Before flying, be sure that the frequency you intend to fly with is not in use, and secure any
frequency control device (pin, tag, etc.) for that frequency before turning on your transmitter. Never
believe that it’s possible to fly two or more models on the same frequency at the same time. Even though
there are different types of modulation (AM, FM, PCM), only one model may be flown on a single
frequency.
When you are ready to fly your model, position the throttle stick to its low speed position, or do
whatever is necessary to command your motor NOT to run. Then, you may turn on the transmitter power
followed by the receiver power. When you have finished flying, begin by turning off the receiver power,
then turn off the transmitter power. If you do not follow these procedures, you may damage your servos
or control surfaces, flood your motor, or in the case of electric-powered models, the motor may
unexpectedly turn on and cause a severe injury.
Before starting the engine, fully retract the transmitter antenna, power up the transmitter and receiver,
and check to be sure that the servos follow the movement of the sticks. If a servo operates abnormally,
don’t attempt to fly until you determine the cause of the problem. We recommend that you range-check
your system before each flying session. Have an observer verify that the system works with the
transmitter about 30 paces away with the transmitter antenna collapsed. Finally, before starting the
engine, be sure to check that the transmitter model memory is correct for the chosen model, and (for PCM
receivers only) that the fail safe system functions properly when the transmitter is shut off.
While you’re getting ready to fly, if you place your transmitter on the ground, be sure that the wind
won’t tip it over. If it is knocked over, the throttle stick may accidentally move causing the engine to race
unexpectedly.
Before taxiing, be sure to extend the transmitter antenna to its full length. A collapsed antenna will
reduce your flying range and may cause a loss of control. It is a good idea to avoid pointing the
transmitter antenna directly at the model at all times, since the signal is weakest in that direction.
Don’t fly in the rain!
Water or moisture may enter the transmitter through the antenna or stick openings and cause erratic
operation or loss of control. If you must fly in wet weather during a contest, be sure to cover your
transmitter with a plastic bag or waterproof barrier.
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