22
Flight
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other air traffi c, it
is a good idea to have an assistant on the fl ight line with
you. Tell him to remind you to throttle back once the plane
gets to a comfortable altitude. The Extra 300SP EP with the
recommended power system will only require full throttle in
short bursts. Most aerobatic fl ight can be performed at around
½ throttle. If you observe the fl ight of some of the best aerobatic
pilots, they very seldom use full throttle.
Take it easy with the Extra 300SP EP for the fi rst fl ight, 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,
practice slow fl ight and execute practice landing approaches
by reducing the throttle to see 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. Mind your battery power level, but use
this fi rst fl ight to become familiar with your model before landing.
With most electric planes it is best to have a timer set on your
transmitter or a separate timer with an alarm to alert you when
the battery may be getting low. This will require a few fl ights
before determining the maximum fl ight time you can achieve
with the batteries. This will prevent the downwind auto motor
cutoff over the end of the fl ying fi eld. With the plane properly
trimmed you will want to get started with some aerobatics. This
plane is capable of just about every aerobatic maneuver you
can do. Become familiar with the high and low rate settings
before using the 3D rates. If you have not fl own an airplane
with 3D rates you should work your way into these higher 3D
rates cautiously. The extreme throws can stall the airplane
if you are not careful. Over controlling could also result in
unwanted snaps. If you have not fl own 3D you might want
to consider getting help from an experienced 3D pilot. When
executing “down line” maneuvers it is important to use good
throttle management. Full power down lines could result in
over stressing of the aircraft.
Landing
To initiate a landing approach, lower the throttle while on the
downwind leg. Allow the nose of the model to pitch downward
to gradually bleed off altitude. Continue to lose altitude, but
maintain airspeed by keeping the nose down as you turn onto
the crosswind leg. Make your fi nal turn toward the runway (into
the wind) keeping the nose down to maintain airspeed and
control. Level the attitude when the model reaches the runway
threshold, modulating the throttle as necessary to maintain
your glide path and airspeed. If you are going to overshoot,
smoothly advance the throttle (always ready on the right rudder
to counteract torque) and climb out to make another attempt.
When you’re ready to make your landing fl are and the model
is a foot or so off the deck, smoothly increase up elevator until
it gently touches down. Once the model is on the runway and
has lost fl ying speed, hold up elevator to place the tail on the
ground, regaining tail wheel control.
One fi nal note about fl ying your model. 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 by impulsively
attempting a maneuver and suddenly fi nding that you’ve run
out of time, altitude or airspeed. Every maneuver should be
deliberate, not impulsive. For example, if you’re going to do a
loop, check your altitude, mind the wind direction (anticipating
rudder corrections that will be required to maintain heading),
remember to throttle back at the top, and make certain you
are on the desired rates (high/low rates). A fl ight plan greatly
reduces the chances of crashing your model just because
of poor planning and impulsive moves.
Remember to think.
Have a ball! But always stay in control
and fl y in a safe manner.
GOOD LUCK AND GREAT FLYING!
