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Hangar 9 P-51D Mustang Sport 40 Assembly Manual
Flying Your P-51 Mustang
Take Off
Prior to your first flight, we recommend that you do some
low-speed taxi tests. Use these tests to center the tail wheel
steering to allow for a takeoff straight down the runway.
Once you have finished this, be sure and take a minute to
refuel the tanks and take one last look at the airframe to be
sure all screws and control linkages are secure.
The flaps are not needed if you are taking off from a hard
packed runaway such as asphalt; even fields with short grass
do not require the use of flaps. If you are taking off from a
grass field that is rough or has not been mowed recently,
then we recommend that you use the half-flap position and
allow a little extra takeoff roll.
Once you have the P-51D airborne, maintain a shallow rate
of climb and allow the model to gain speed prior to making
the first turn. The flaps should be retracted at this point and
you should be entering into the normal traffic pattern. If
you are using retracts, then we suggest that you retract the
landing gear prior to retracting the flaps.
Familiarize yourself with the flight characteristics of the
P-51D and practice flying the model at a safe height using
both the mid and full flap positions. Be sure to reduce the
throttle and allow the P-51D to slow a bit prior to lowering
the flaps into the first or mid position. Then lower the flaps
to the full position and adjust the power to maintain straight
and level flight.
Landing
You will find that the P-51D will slightly balloon or pitch up
as you deploy full flaps.
If you allow the model to slow prior to lowering the flaps,
this balloon or pitch up will be minimized. You will find that
the P-51D benefits from a small amount of down elevator
mixed with the flaps when the flaps are extended to the full
down position. The amount of down elevator needed varies
and is based upon your final center of gravity. So begin with
a small amount of down elevator (around 2%) mixed to the
flaps and then adjust as needed from there.
To begin the landing approach you will need to first lower the
throttle and reduce your flight speed. We recommend this
take place on the downwind leg of your flight and that you
have the flaps in the full down position prior to beginning
your turn to the base leg. Allow the P-51D to begin a slow
downward descent and gradually allow the airspeed to
bleed off. The idea is to lose altitude and maintain airspeed
by keeping the nose down in the turn. As you begin your
upwind approach, use the throttle to maintain your sink rate.
As you pass over the end of the runway, reduce the throttle
to idle and begin to add up elevator and begin your flare to
landing. Should you overshoot the landing, then gradually
add power and use the rudders to keep the P-51D on track.
Keep the flaps in the full down position and begin to set up
for a second attempt.
Many safe and happy landings,
The Hangar 9 Team
Maintaining Your P-51D Mustang
The following is a check list that you should follow
every time you have completed a flying session with your
P-51D Mustang. Doing so will keep your aircraft in the best
flying condition.
Clean Up
After a long flying session with your P-51D Mustang, you
will want to clean it up before loading it into your vehicle to
head home. Use a spray cleaner and a paper towel to wipe
down the exterior of your plane, removing the fuel residue.
Remember, a clean plane will last longer since the fuel won’t
be allowed to soak into any exposed wood.
Checking the Propeller
Check to make sure the propeller is tightly secured to the
engine. If not, remove the spinner and use a crescent wrench
to tighten it back down. If you have had any not-so-great
landings, you will want to inspect the propeller for any
damage. Small nicks and scratches can quickly become
fractures, causing the propeller to be unsafe for flight.
Always carry a few spare propellers so a damaged propeller
can be replaced at the field, increasing your flying time per
trip to the field.
Checking the Clevises
Inspect the aileron, elevator and rudder clevises to make
sure they are connected and in good working order. If you
find a clevis that is showing signs of wear or is broken,
replace it with a new clevis. Also check the nylon connectors
at the servo for any wear or damage. If they look worn or in
bad shape, replace them as well.
