10
How to Fly
Experience
A pilot who has never flown an aeroplane at all will find it easier if an experienced radio control pilot is present to guide them but by carefully
following the manual’s basic instructions, flying skills can be learnt and mastered.
Site and Conditions
•
Don’t fly in winds over 8 mph! If you are a less experienced pilot, this is especially important.
•
Choose your flying field carefully - grass and soft ground with a 150-metres diameter of open space is ideal. Make sure there are no
obstacles that will get in your way when flying, such as trees or buildings. Make sure you do not fly where there are pedestrians who could
be hurt by the aeroplane.
•
Position yourself at your flying field so that you keep the sun at your back and out of your eyes. Wear sunglasses on bright days.
•
Keep your aeroplane in front of you so you don’t have to turn in circles as you fly. Try to avoid flying directly overhead.
•
Keep the aircraft upwind, especially on windier days, to prevent it from “flying away”
Turning and Flying
1.
Before your aeroplane becomes too distant begin turning by moving and releasing the rudder stick gently. The aircraft will yaw slightly in
the desired direction. Continue to do this until you have made your turn. You can also combine this with the elevator control for tighter
turns by pulling back on the elevator. Gently apply opposite rudder to achieve level flight.
2.
Avoid holding the rudder stick on full right or full left for more than one second, as this will cause the aeroplane to enter a spiral dive that
could cause you to crash.
3.
Once a normal flight altitude of 15-50 metres has been achieved reduce the throttle stick to 50-75 % of full power. This will prevent your
aeroplane climbing further, make it easier to control and lengthen the flight time.
4.
Practice control by turning in large circles.
5.
To make your aeroplane descend reduce the throttle stick to 0-25 % of full power and it will enter a glide. A small amount of up elevator
may be needed to keep the plane level and prevent it gaining too much speed.
Taking Off
Your Merlin aeroplane can take off from a smooth ground however we recommend first flights to be hand launched. This can be carried out by the
pilot alone but is easier with two people, one launching the aeroplane and the other at the controls.
1.
While holding the transmitter in one hand, push throttle stick to full on (up).
2.
Hold your aeroplane with your other hand, take a couple of steps and firmly launch directly into the wind while keeping the wings level.
Do not throw it up or down. Point it level (parallel) with the ground when releasing.
3.
Keep steering into the wind and hold at full throttle in a slight climb Do not try to climb too fast by pulling all the way back on the elevator
stick or your aeroplane may stall. You should climb by giving small amounts of elevator.
4.
When you have reached an altitude of at least 15 to 20 metres it is safe to steer in the desired direction, as well as adjust the throttle
input, to help control altitude and speed.
Landing
When you begin to notice that your Merlin Product no longer climbs well under full power the battery is getting low and it is time to land.
1.
Bring your aircraft directly into the wind and toward the desired landing spot.
2.
Gradually reduce throttle (and give a small amount of down elevator if you choose) to reach an altitude of approximately 3 metres.
3.
At this point, reduce the throttle to zero and your aeroplane should glide in softly for a landing.
Tips for Success
•
The flight of your aeroplane may change as you enter into or fly with the wind causing the nose to rise or fall, especially in more windy
conditions. To maintain a more controlled flight be prepared to adjust the elevator control to keep the nose of the aeroplane level whilst
turning.
•
If your aeroplane continues to turn left or right with the control stick in neutral position, you can apply a small amount of opposite trim by
moving the appropriate trim lever whilst still in flight.
•
If when gliding your aeroplane or on low power settings it continues to dive, then adjust the trim lever on the elevator backwards to obtain
level flight.
•
If when gliding your aeroplane or on low power settings it continues to stall, then adjust the trim lever on the elevator forwards to obtain
level flight.
•
Note that the control range is approx 100 metres. Do not allow the aeroplane to get too far away from you. When the aeroplane is further
away it is harder to see and the higher you fly, the more the aeroplane will be affected by wind.
•
If you’re gliding with the motor off, allow your aeroplane more area for turns.
•
Remember that holding the stick full over for too long can cause the aeroplane to spiral dive and crash. At the very first sign of the
aeroplane beginning to spiral down, immediately release the stick and give the opposite turn control to the spiral, then pull back on the
elevator gently to level flight and level the wings.
•
Don’t attempt to fly or do manoeuvres beyond your flying abilities. Seek the assistance of an experienced pilot when trying new
manoeuvres that are more extreme and involve fast flight.
•
Damage/bends to the wings or tail can greatly affect flight control. Replace damaged parts immediately.
•
As you get better and more experienced at flying, try adding a bit of “up” elevator just prior to landing to “flare” the aeroplane. With some
practice, your landings should become smooth and on target.