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eXPoNeNtiaL
Expo, as it's more commonly referred to, softens the control feel around neutral. This is especially helpful when flying an airplane
that uses a lot of control throw. Softening the neutral point makes the airplane fly more smoothly and makes it more likely that you
won't over-control. Please note that different brands of radio control systems may call for + or - Expo. Please check your transmitter's
owners manual for more info.
Obviously, you may want to change the expo settings to suit your flying style, but here are our suggestions to start:
ailerons ........ 25%
elevator ........ 25%
rudder .......... 25%
test fLYiNG / sPort fLYiNG
ailerons .........35%
elevator .........35%
rudder ...........35%
3D fLYiNG
tHrottLe MaNaGeMeNt
It is very important that you understand throttle management. Basically, this means no full throttle dives. Full throttle dives
should be avoided so as not to cause control surface flutter and/or airframe failure. When the nose of the airplane drops,
decrease the throttle, just as in full-scale aerobatics.
PrefLiGHt CHeCK aND safetY
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Completely charge the transmitter and receiver batteries before your first day of flying.
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Check every bolt and every glue joint in the airplane to ensure that everything is tight and well-bonded. This should include all of
the control surface hinges as well.
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Double-check that you've installed and tightened all of the servo horn retaining screws.
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Double-check that the receiver and battery are properly secured into place. There's nothing worse than the battery pack coming
loose during flight.
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Double-check that the fuel tank is properly secured to the fuselage.
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Double-check the balance of the airplane.
Do this with the fuel tank
eMPtY.
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Check the control surfaces. They should all move in the correct direction and not bind.
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Make sure that you've installed heat-shrink tubing over the clevises and snap-keepers to prevent any chance of them opening
during flight.
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If your radio transmitter is equipped with dual rate switches, double-check that they are on the low-rate setting for your first few
flights.
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Check to ensure that all of the control surfaces are moving the proper amount in both low and high rate settings.
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Check the receiver antenna. It should be fully extended and not coiled up inside the fuselage. Do not cut the receiver antenna
shorter or the range of your radio control system will be greatly reduced.
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Properly balance the propeller. A propeller that is out of balance will cause excessive vibration, which could lead to engine and/or
airframe failure, and it will reduce engine efficiency and power.
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Double-check that the propeller nut(s) is/are tightened securely and that the spinner cone retaining screws are tight.
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Double-check that no part of the spinner touches the propeller. You may need to enlarge the spinner cutouts to fit.
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You should complete a successful range check of your radio equipment prior to each new day of flying, or prior to the first flight of
a new or repaired model.
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You should perform your initial turn after take- off away from the flight line and/or spectator area.
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You should not knowingly operate your R/C radio system within 3 miles of a preexisting model club flying field without a frequency
sharing agreement with that club.
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While flying, you should not deliberately fly behind the flight line. If your model should inadvertently fly behind the flight line, you
should change course immediately.