❏
7. Reinforce holes for wood screws with thin CA where
appropriate (servo mounting screws, cowl mounting
screws, etc.).
❏
8. Confirm that all controls operate in the correct direction
and the throws are set up according to the manual.
❏
9. Make sure that all servo arms are secured to the
servos with the screws included with your radio.
❏
10. Secure connections between servo wires and Y-
connectors or servo extensions with vinyl tape, heat
shrink tubing or special clips suitable for that purpose.
❏
11. Make sure any servo extension cords you may have
used do not interfere with other systems (servo arms,
pushrods, etc.).
❏
12. Balance your propeller (and spare propellers).
❏
13. Tighten the propeller nut and spinner.
❏
14. Place your name, address, AMA number and
telephone number on or inside your model.
❏
15. If you wish to photograph your model, do so before
your first flight.
❏
16. Range check your radio when you get to the flying field.
The Mini Super Sportster EP is a great-flying model that flies
smoothly and predictably. The Mini Super Sportster EP does
not, however, possess the self-recovery characteristics of a
primary R/C trainer and should be flown only by experienced
R/C pilots.
The Mini Super Sportster EP will ROG (rise off ground) very
easily from a smooth runway. Point the plane into the wind
and apply power. Once the plane gains some speed the
rudder can be used to control the direction. Because the
plane does not have a steerable tail wheel, taking off in a
cross-wind is very difficult and a hand launch is
recommended. Once the plane has gained speed,
gently
apply up elevator, lifting the model into the air. Be smooth on
the elevator stick, allowing the model to establish a
gentle
climb to a safe altitude before turning into the traffic pattern.
If you do not have a smooth runway to take-off from, the Mini
Super Sportster EP can easily be hand launched. For the
first flight we recommend that the plane be hand launched
by an assistant. This will allow you to make quick control
corrections if the plane is out of trim. The plane only requires
a gentle level toss straight out. Do not throw the plane hard.
This usually results in a plane being thrown at a poor angle
requiring sudden drastic control corrections. Once the plane
has been trimmed to fly straight and level, it is very easy for
the pilot to hand launch the plane.
For reassurance and to keep an eye on other traffic, it is a
good idea to have an assistant on the flight line with you. Tell
him to remind you to throttle back once the plane gets to a
comfortable altitude. While full throttle is usually desirable for
takeoff, most models fly more smoothly at reduced speeds.
Take it easy with the Mini Super Sportster EP for the first few
flights, gradually getting acquainted with it as you gain
confidence. Adjust the trims to maintain straight and level
flight. After flying around for a while, and while still at a safe
altitude with plenty of battery power remaining, practice slow
flight 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 fly
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 fine tune the model so it
flies the way you like. Mind your battery power and use this
first flight to become familiar with your model before 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 final turn toward the runway
(into the wind) keeping the nose down to maintain airspeed
and control. Level the attitude when the model reaches the
Landing
Flight
Takeoff
CAUTION (THIS APPLIES TO ALL R/C AIRPLANES): If,
while flying, you notice an alarming or unusual sound
such as a low-pitched “buzz,” this may indicate control
surface
flutter. Flutter occurs when a control surface (such
as an aileron or elevator) or a flying surface (such as a
wing or stab) rapidly vibrates up and down (thus causing
the noise). In extreme cases, if not detected immediately,
flutter can actually cause the control surface to detach or
the flying surface to fail, thus causing loss of control
followed by an impending crash. The best thing to do
when flutter is detected is to slow the model immediately
by reducing power, then land as soon as safely possible.
Identify which surface fluttered (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 fluttered
once, under similar circumstances it will probably flutter
again unless the problem is fixed. Some things which can
cause flutter are; Excessive hinge gap; Not mounting
control horns solidly; Poor fit 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 flutter; Flying an over-
powered model at excessive speeds.
FLYING
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