any of the controls respond in the wrong direction, use the
servo reversing in the transmitter to reverse the servos
connected to those controls. Be certain the control surfaces
have remained centered. Adjust if necessary.
Use a Great Planes AccuThrow (or a ruler) to accurately
measure and set the control throw of each control surface
as indicated in the chart that follows. If your radio does not
have dual rates, we recommend setting the throws at the
low rate setting.
Note: The throws are measured at the widest part of the
elevators, rudder and ailerons.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fly condition
with all of the systems in place including the engine, landing
gear, covering and paint, and the radio system.
❏
1. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3.2mm]-wide tape to
accurately mark the C.G. on the bottom of the top wing on
both wing tips. The C.G. is located 2-5/8" [67mm] back from
the LE of the top wing at the tips.
❏
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts of the
model installed (ready to fly) and an empty fuel tank, lift the
Giant Aeromaster ARF right-side up at the balance point
you marked on the bottom of the top wing.
❏
3. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy” and the battery
pack and/or receiver must be shifted forward or weight must
be added to the nose to balance. If the nose drops, the model
is “nose heavy” and the battery pack and/or receiver must be
shifted aft or weight must be added to the tail to balance. If
possible, relocate the battery pack and receiver to minimize or
eliminate any additional ballast required. If additional weight is
required, nose weight may be easily added by using a
“spinner weight” (GPMQ4645 for the 1 oz. [28g] weight, or
GPMQ4646 for the 2 oz. [57g] weight). If spinner weight is not
practical or is not enough, use Great Planes (GPMQ4485)
This is where your model should balance for the first
flights. Later, you may wish to experiment by shifting the
C.G. up to 1/4" [6.4mm] forward or 3/8" [9.5mm] back to
change the flying characteristics. Moving the C.G. forward
may improve the smoothness and stability, but the model
may then require more speed for takeoff and make it
more difficult to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft
makes the model more maneuverable, but could also
cause it to become too difficult to control. In any case,
start at the recommended balance point and do not at
any time balance the model outside the specified range.
More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point) can
have the greatest effect on how a model flies, and may
determine whether or not your first flight will be
successful. If you value this model and wish to enjoy it for
many flights, DO NOT OVERLOOK THIS IMPORTANT
PROCEDURE. A model that is not properly balanced will
be unstable and possibly unflyable.
Balance the Model (C.G.)
IMPORTANT: The Giant Aeromaster ARF has been
extensively flown and tested to arrive at the throws at
which it flies best. Flying your model at these throws will
provide you with the greatest chance for successful first
flights. If, after you have become accustomed to the way the
Giant Aeromaster ARF flies, you would like to change the
throws to suit your taste, that is fine. However, too much
control throw could make the model difficult to control, so
remember, “more is not always better.”
These are the recommended control surface throws:
High Rate
Low Rate
ELEVATOR:
1-1/8" [29mm] up
9/16" [14mm] up
1-1/8" [29mm] down 9/16" [14mm] down
RUDDER:
2-1/8" [54mm] right
1-5/8" [41mm] right
2-1/8" [54mm] left
1-5/8" [41mm] left
AILERONS:
3/4" [19mm] up
9/16" [14mm] up
3/4" [19mm] down
9/16" [14mm] down
Set the Control Throws
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