FLYING
The EP Sopwith Camel ARF is a great-fl ying model that fl ies
smoothly and predictably. The EP Sopwith Camel ARF does
not, however, possess the self-recovery characteristics of a
primary R/C trainer and should be fl own only by R/C pilots
who have some experience.
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 (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 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; oversized holes in servo arms or
control horns where the pushrods connect, Excessive free
play in worn servo gears; Insecure servo mounting; and
one of the most prevalent causes of fl utter; Flying an over-
powered model at excessive speeds.
Preflight
Monitor your fl ight time using the timer in your transmitter or
the timer on your wrist watch. When the batteries are getting
low you will usually notice a performance drop before the
ESC cuts off motor power, so when you notice the plane
fl ying slower you should land. Often (but not always!), power
can be briefl y restored after the motor cuts off by holding the
throttle stick all the way down for a few seconds.
To avoid an unexpected dead-stick landing on your fi rst fl ight
set your alarm or timer to a conservative 6 minutes. When
the alarm sounds you can either land your model, or if you
are an experienced pilot, you may continue to fl y and plan for
a dead-stick landing to see just how long the motor will run.
Circle the plane upwind of the landing area until the motor
quits. Note the run time, and then land.
When you learn how much fl ight time you are getting you
can adjust your timer accordingly. Always be conservative so
the motor won’t quit unexpectedly and you will have enough
battery to land under power.
Takeoff
The EP Sopwith Camel ARF will not take off from grass
unless it is extremely short and smooth. But taking off from
a paved surface should be no problem as long as the model
is pointing into any prevailing wind. If the nose is not pointing
into the wind, and if there is anything stronger than a slight
breeze, the model will weathervane into the wind as soon as
you advance the throttle anyway. If the conditions do not allow
for a ROG (rise off ground) takeoff, the model may be hand-
launched instead. After checking the controls simply advance
the throttle to full power and have an assistant launch the
model into the air at a straight-and-level or slightly nose up
attitude. Keep the wings level, but allow the model to briefl y
sink until it gains enough airspeed to climb.
If taking off from the runway, smoothly but rapidly advance
the throttle until the model gains enough speed. The rudder
will not be very effective until the model is almost ready to
take off. Once the plane has built up enough speed, apply
“up” elevator to lift the model into the air. As soon as it breaks
ground it should be easy to control. Continue to climb until
the model has reached an altitude that is comfortable for you
and make the fi rst turn away from the runway.
Flight
Continue to fl y the model around for a minute while you get
used to how the EP Sopwith Camel ARF responds. The
fi rst priority will be to adjust the trims to get the model to fl y
straight-and-level. Continue to fl y around, getting the model
properly trimmed while you learn its characteristics and get
a good feel for how it fl ies. While still at a high altitude, test
to see how the EP Sopwith Camel ARF will behave when it’s
time to land by cutting motor power to see how it glides. Let
the model continue to glide as long as you like. Then, apply
power and climb to altitude again. Perform this exercise
a few times so you will be ready to make a good landing.
Remember to monitor your fl ight time so the motor doesn’t
cut off.
Landing
Landing any model into the wind is always preferred, but with
a small, lightweight plane such as this landing into the wind
is even more important. A headwind will help keep the wings
level, make the controls more effective at reduced ground
speeds, and allow for a slower ground speed for softer
touchdowns. When ready to land and on the downwind leg, cut
or reduce motor power, allowing the model to descend. Make
the turn across the wind toward the runway, simultaneously
keeping the nose down so the model maintains airspeed.
Add power if the model is too far away and not going to reach
the runway. When the model is a few feet [1 meter] off the
ground apply increasing amounts of up elevator, allowing the
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