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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. 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; 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
The Extra 330SC can take off from a smooth surface (ROG)
or can be easily hand launched. If you want to perform an
(ROG) takoff, make sure the surface you are using is free
of holes that can fl ip the plane over or break the landing
gear. Rise-off-ground (ROG) takeoffs should be reserved
for indoor fl ying and should be performed with the model
rolling away from you and others. For the fi rst fl ight set the
controls to low rate. If for the fi rst fl ight the plane is to be
hand launched, have an assistant hand launch it. This will
allow you, the pilot, to have both hands on the control sticks
to make any fl ight corrections if the plane is out of trim. Once
the Extra 330SC has been fl own and trimmed out, you will
be able to hand launch the plane easily by yourself. If you
are fl ying outdoors, always takeoff into the wind.
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.
While full throttle is usually desirable for takeoff, the Extra
330SC will fl y great at ½ to ¼ throttle indoors.
Take it easy with the Extra 330SC 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 by reducing the
throttle to see how the model handles at slower speeds. Add
power to see how it climbs as well. Continue to fl y around,
executing various maneuvers such as gentle rolls, loops,
stalls and hammerheads, 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. It is best to have a timer set to
alert you when it is time to land.
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. You will notice that the plane
bleeds off speed very quickly if the nose is raised with power
off. Make your fi nal turn toward the landing area, keeping
the nose down to maintain airspeed and control. Level the
attitude when the model reaches the edge of the landing
area, 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. You may also have to blip the throttle until it gently
touches down.
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, 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!
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