17
18
Expert Tip: As you get better and more experienced at flying, try
adding a bit of “up” elevator just prior to landing to “flare” the
plane. With some practice, your landings should become smooth and
on target.
Warning: Do not attempt to catch the airplane or injury may occur.
Remember, there is a spinning propeller on the front of the plane that
can cause injury! Also, remember to cut power to the motor right
before you land to prevent damage to the propeller.
Step 15
Replacing the Prop shaft
If you find that you need to replace the prop shaft, you can easily do
so by:
1. Noting proper orientation of where the white spur gear meshes with
brass motor pinion.
2. Grasp the white nylon nut at the very back of prop shaft.
3. Turn the shaft (including the propeller if it is still on shaft) counter
clock-wise until the shaft completely pulls out of gear box.
4. Replace shaft making certain to re-install all necessary parts and
by turning new prop shaft clockwise while again securing the white
nut. Once prop shaft is properly installed, the spur gear should
mesh with the pinion.
Step 13
Using Elevator
Your Vapor is equipped with a third channel for elevator (pitch control).
Pulling back on the stick provides up elevator. This allows for shorter
takeoffs, better flares for landing, better climb rates and more
effective turns. However, pulling too far back on the elevator to climb
too quickly will cause the airplane to enter a stall (make the nose of
the plane come down).
To avoid crashing from a stall, always maintain enough altitude to
recover.
Just after a stall has occurred, the nose of the airplane will fall and
the plane will look like it is diving. To pull out of a stall, simply pull
back slowly on the stick (partial up elevator) once your Vapor has built
up airspeed. Remember, pulling back too quickly or for too long will
once again cause the airplane to enter a stall. Effectively avoiding and
recovering from stalls requires experience. Always seek the help of an
experienced radio control pilot if you are not familiar with pitch con-
trol. Failure to do so, could result in a crash and significant damage to
your airplane.
Step 14
Landing Your Vapor
When you begin to notice that your Vapor no longer climbs well under
full power (normally after approximately 10–15 minutes), the battery
is getting low and it is time to land. Bring in your aircraft toward the
desired landing spot. Gradually reduce throttle (as well as giving a
small amount of down elevator if you choose) to reach an altitude of
approximately 4 feet (1.2 meters). At this point, reduce even more
throttle and your Vapor should glide in softly for a landing.
Note: Your Vapor should be landed on a smooth surface (such as
concrete o
r
wood) so that the landing gear can work effectively.
