21
CHECK LIST
During the last few moments of preparation your mind may
be elsewhere anticipating the excitement of the fi rst fl ight.
Because of this, you may be more likely to overlook certain
checks and procedures that should be performed before the
model is fl own. To help avoid this, a check list is provided to
make sure these important areas are not overlooked. Many
are covered in the instruction manual, so where appropriate,
refer to the manual for complete instructions. Be sure to
check the items off as they are completed (that’s why it’s
called a
check list!
).
❏
1. Check the C.G. according to the measurements provided
in the manual.
❏
2. Be certain the battery and receiver are securely mounted
in the fuse. Simply stuffi ng them into place with foam
rubber is not suffi cient.
❏
3. Extend your receiver antenna and make sure it has a
strain relief inside the fuselage to keep tension off the
solder joint inside the receiver.
❏
4. Balance your model
laterally
as explained in
the instructions.
❏
5. Use threadlocking compound to secure critical fasteners
such as the motor screws, wheel collar SHC screws
and screw-lock pushrod connectors, etc.
❏
6. Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will
turn freely.
❏
7. Make sure all hinges are
securely
glued in place.
❏
8. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, control horn
screws, etc.).
❏
9. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
❏
10. Make sure there are silicone retainers on all the clevises
and that all servo arms are secured to the servos with
the screws included with your radio.
❏
11. Secure connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions with vinyl tape, heat
shrink tubing or special clips suitable for that purpose.
❏
12. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
❏
13. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
14. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
15. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
❏
16. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your fi rst fl ight.
❏
17. Range check your radio when you get to the fl ying fi eld.
❏
18.
NOTE:
If you plan to fl y aggressive 3D maneuvers such
as blenders, consider adding a piece of clear tape to
the canopy for additional security.
FLYING
NOTE:
If you plan to fl y aggressive 3D maneuvers such as
blenders, consider adding a piece of clear tape to the canopy
for additional security.
The Extra 300SP EP is a great-fl ying model that fl ies smoothly
and predictably. The Extra 300SP does not, however, possess
the self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C trainer and
should be fl own only by experienced R/C pilots.
CAUTION
(THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while fl ying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound such
as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control surface
fl utter.
Flutter occurs when a control surface (such as an
aileron or elevator) or a fl ying surface (such as a wing or
stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing the noise).
In extreme cases, if not detected immediately, fl utter can
actually cause the control surface to detach or the fl ying
surface to fail, thus causing loss of control followed by an
impending crash. The best thing to do when fl utter is detected
is to slow the model
immediately
by reducing power, then
land as soon as safely possible. Identify which surface
fl uttered (so the problem may be resolved) by checking all
the servo grommets for deterioration or signs of vibration.
Make certain all pushrod linkages are secure and free of
play. If it fl uttered once, under similar circumstances it will
probably fl utter again unless the problem is fi xed. Some
things which can cause fl utter are; Excessive hinge gap;
Not mounting control horns solidly; Poor fi t of clevis pin in
horn; Side-play of wire pushrods caused by large bends;
Excessive free play in servo gears; Insecure servo mounting;
and one of the most prevalent causes of fl utter; Flying an
over-powered model at excessive speeds.
Takeoff
Before you get ready to takeoff, see how the model handles
on the ground by doing a few practice runs at
low speeds
on
the runway. Hold “up” elevator to keep the tail wheel on the
ground. If necessary, adjust the tail wheel so the model will
roll straight down the runway. If you need to calm your nerves
before the maiden fl ight, bring the model back into the pits,
peak the battery and check all fasteners and control linkages
for peace of mind.
Remember to takeoff into the wind. When you’re ready, point
the model straight down the runway, hold a bit of up elevator
to keep the tail on the ground to maintain tail wheel steering,
then gradually advance the throttle. As the model gains
speed decrease up elevator allowing the tail to come off the
ground. One of the most important things to remember with
a tail dragger is to always be ready to apply
right
rudder to
counteract engine torque. Gain as much speed as your runway
and fl ying site will practically allow before gently applying up
elevator, lifting the model into the air. At this moment it is likely
that you will need to apply more right rudder to counteract
motor torque. Be smooth on the elevator stick, allowing the
model to establish a
gentle
climb to a safe altitude before
turning into the traffi c pattern.
