27
CHECKLIST
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.
Fuelproof all areas exposed to fuel or exhaust residue
such as the cowl ring, cowl mounting blocks, wing
saddle area, etc.
❏
2.
Check the C.G. according to the measurements
provided in the manual.
❏
3.
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.
❏
4.
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.
❏
5.
Balance your model
laterally
as explained in
the instructions.
❏
6.
Use threadlocking compound to secure critical
fasteners such as the set screws that hold the wheel
axles to the struts, screws that hold the carburetor
arm (if applicable), screw-lock pushrod connectors,
etc.
❏
7.
Add a drop of oil to the axles so the wheels will
turn freely.
❏
8.
Make sure all hinges are
securely
glued in place.
❏
9.
Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl mounting
screws, etc.).
❏
10. Confi rm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
❏
11. Pull on each of the control surfaces to ensure that
all of the hinges are secure. If any are loose, apply
thin CA to the hinge and allow it to fully cure.
Do
not use accelerator!
❏
12. 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.
❏
13. Secure connections between servo wires and
Y-connectors or servo extensions, and the connection
between your battery pack and the on/off switch with
vinyl tape, heat shrink tubing or special clips suitable
for that purpose.
❏
14. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
❏
15. Secure the pressure tap (if used) to the muffl er with
high temp RTV silicone, thread locking compound or
J.B. Weld.
❏
16. Make sure the fuel lines are connected and are
not kinked.
❏
17. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
18. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
19. Place your name, address, AMA number and telephone
number on or inside your model.
❏
20. Cycle your receiver battery pack (if necessary) and
make sure it is fully charged.
❏
21. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your fi rst fl ight.
❏
22. Range check your radio when you get to the
flying field.
FLYING
The F-1 Rocket is a great-fl ying model that fl ies smoothly and
predictably. The F-1 Rocket 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.
Fuel Mixture Adjustments
A fully cowled engine may run at a higher temperature than
an un-cowled engine. For this reason, the fuel mixture should
be richened so the engine runs at about 200 rpm below peak
speed. By running the engine slightly rich, you will help prevent
dead-stick landings caused by overheating.
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.
